It’s that time of year again, isn't it? The moment when we pause and look back at the words that truly captured the essence of the past twelve months. Merriam-Webster has spoken, and their pick for the 2025 Word of the Year is… 'slop.'
Now, 'slop' might sound a bit unglamorous, even a little gross, but it perfectly encapsulates a significant chunk of our digital lives in 2025. Think about it: the sheer volume of low-quality content, often churned out by AI, that flooded our screens. From bizarre AI-generated ads and propaganda that looked a little too real, to those endless AI-written books and those 'workslop' reports that nobody actually reads. And yes, the talking cats. So much talking cat content. It was annoying, yet strangely compelling. As the Wall Street Journal put it, 'AI Slop is Everywhere,' even while admitting to enjoying some of those feline digital creations. The word itself, with its wet, unappealing sound, evokes that feeling of something you’d rather not touch, something that oozes into every corner of our online experience. It’s a far cry from its 1700s origins as 'soft mud,' or its later association with 'pig slop,' but in 2025, 'slop' became the dismissive, yet accurate, label for the digital detritus we waded through. It’s a word that carries a subtle jab at AI, a gentle reminder that for all its power, it sometimes misses the mark on genuine human creativity.
But 2025 wasn't just about digital waste. Our collective vocabulary also expanded to include other significant terms that defined our experiences.
Gerrymander: The Art of Political Division
When political lines were redrawn to give one party an edge, 'gerrymander' surged in popularity. This term, rooted in the name of Elbridge Gerry, an American politician from the late 1700s, describes the manipulation of electoral districts for partisan gain. Gerry’s attempts to shape districts in Massachusetts to favor his party led to some truly bizarre, almost cartoonish shapes – one famously resembling a salamander. The name stuck, a historical echo of political maneuvering that remained all too relevant in 2025.
Touch Grass: A Call to Reality
In a world increasingly dominated by screens, the phrase 'touch grass' became a powerful reminder to reconnect with the real world. Aimed at those lost in the digital ether, it’s an exhortation to step away from online interactions and engage with tangible experiences. Governor Spencer Cox of Utah famously urged people to 'log off, turn off, touch grass, go hug a family member, go out and do good in the community.' What started as a mild insult evolved into a genuine aspiration for many, a quest to break free from the endless scroll.
Performative: The Age of Appearance
Social media has turned life into a stage, and 'performative' became the word to describe actions done primarily for show. Whether it was politics, activism, or even the way we consumed trendy items like matcha, if it was done to bolster an image or impress an audience, it was likely labeled 'performative.' The rise of phrases like 'performative male' highlighted how even personal interactions could be scrutinized for their authenticity.
Tariff: Navigating Global Trade
As trade policies shifted early in 2025, 'tariff' entered the public consciousness with renewed urgency. This term, referring to duties on imported or exported goods, has a long history, tracing back to the Arabic word for 'notification.' Understanding tariffs became crucial as they directly impacted global commerce and household budgets.
Six Seven: The Enigma of Gen Alpha
And then there's 'six seven,' the enigmatic slang term that captivated Gen Alpha. Meaning little on its own, its appeal lies in its playful, often nonsensical repetition. It’s a sound that delights children and baffles adults, a perfect example of how language evolves in unexpected ways, often driven by the youngest generation and viral trends.
These words – 'slop,' 'gerrymander,' 'touch grass,' 'performative,' 'tariff,' and 'six seven' – paint a vivid picture of 2025. They reflect our struggles with technology, our political realities, our yearning for authenticity, and the ever-evolving, often whimsical, nature of language itself.
