The Term ‘Slop’ Earns the Distinction as Merriam-Webster’s 2025 Word of the Year.
The word “slop” has been named Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Year for 2025, indicating that more people than ever might need to get offline, an expression that itself appears on the dictionary’s top words for the year.
“We define slop as ‘digital content of inferior quality that is produced often in large volumes by using artificial intelligence,’” editors stated. “All that stuff dumped on our screens, encapsulated in just a quartet of letters: the English language delivered once more.”
Beyond Simply Online Slang: The Emergence of “Slop”
Intrinsically tied to digital culture and video games, the term “slop” is said to have joined the common vernacular in approximately 2023, with its usage beginning to surge the following year. This trajectory is backed up by online trend data. Although it can refer to everything from AI-generated imagery to specific food bowls, gamers might be most familiar with its application regarding a rising phenomenon.
The “Friendslop” Trend
Specifically, “friendslop” games — often low-budget titles focusing on multiplayer fun designed to generate shareable social media clips — saw significant popularity in 2025. Games like Peak, REPO, and RV There Yet? attained widespread acclaim this year. Importantly, whereas “slop” can be negative, “friendslop” is typically positive. These games are frequently playful, offering a means of connection in an increasingly online world.
Additional Key Entries for 2025
Among the year’s picks, the phrase “touch grass” also emerged. Its rise was linked to a public address made in September, though anyone familiar with gaming communities will confirm it has been a popular jab since at least the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rounding out the selection is a notably long term gaining fame within the game Roblox: “Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg.” This name reportedly features in a popular spelling game. For the record, it refers to a genuine lake in Massachusetts, which locals call by a much shorter name.
All told, Merriam-Webster’s selections for the year provide a compelling look at the ever-changing nature of English and digital culture. It could be argued the picks are quite on point.
