American Dialect Society 2025 Word of the Year Is "Slop" (americandialect.org)

The American Dialect Society (ADS) has named "slop" as the Word of the Year for 2025 during its annual meeting in New Orleans, highlighting its emergence as a term representing low-quality, high-quantity content often generated by AI systems. The recognition of "slop" marks a significant moment for the AI/ML community, as it reflects growing concerns over generative AI's contribution to the proliferation of subpar content. The term has evolved beyond its original meanings, now serving as a foundation for hybrid terms like "sloppunk" and "slopification," demonstrating its adaptability in describing the nuances of AI-generated outputs. This vote, recognized as the longest-running event of its kind and free from commercial influences, emphasizes that language is continually evolving in response to technological advancements. Dr. Kelly Elizabeth Wright noted that the term "slop" showcases the dynamic nature of language as it transitions from traditional uses to a modern context steeped in algorithmic production. The ADS's playful approach to word selection underscores the importance of discourse around language changes reflecting societal and technological shifts, further underlining the implications of AI in shaping everyday language and communication.