Merriam-Webster’s 2025 Word ‘Slop’: How It Reflects the Rise of Gaming Slang

Merriam-Webster has selected “slop” as its Word of the Year for 2025, spotlighting a term that has gained traction in online gaming communities to describe low-quality, AI-generated digital content. This choice by the venerable dictionary publisher reflects broader gaming culture trends, where players and creators grapple with the influx of automated material flooding social media and gaming platforms. For gamers and industry observers, it underscores growing concerns about content authenticity and quality in an era dominated by artificial intelligence.

The announcement, made by Merriam-Webster’s editors, defines “slop” as

digital content of low quality that is produced usually in quantity by means of artificial intelligence.

According to a report from Polygon, this definition captures the term’s surge in popularity, particularly within online spaces where users criticize the proliferation of subpar AI outputs. The 194-year-old dictionary, known for its Merriam-Webster definitions that evolve with language, chose “slop” amid a year marked by debates over AI’s role in creative industries, including video games.

In gaming circles, “slop” has become shorthand for content that feels mass-produced and lacking in human touch. This resonates with online gaming communities, where players often encounter AI-generated images, videos, and even game assets shared on platforms like Twitter and Reddit. The term’s rise aligns with gaming culture trends that emphasize authenticity and community-driven creativity, as opposed to algorithmically churned-out material.

Polygon’s coverage highlights how “slop” extends into gaming with the emergence of “friendslop” games—affordable, cooperative titles designed for quick, viral appeal on social media. Examples include Peak, REPO, and RV There Yet?, which have captured significant attention in 2025. Peak, for instance, even earned a nomination at The Game Awards, demonstrating how these accessible games are resonating with players seeking lighthearted, shareable experiences. As Polygon notes,

Games like Peak, REPO, and RV There Yet? attained serious popularity this year, with Peak even receiving a Game Awards nomination.

Merriam-Webster’s selection process draws from search data, cultural impact, and linguistic evolution, making “slop” a fitting emblem of 2025’s digital landscape. Other contenders, such as “touch grass,” encourage stepping away from screens for real-world interactions, pointing to societal disconnection in an increasingly virtual world. Ari Notis, a writer for Polygon, contextualized this in his article, linking “slop” to broader trends in internet slang infiltrating everyday language.

The dictionary’s editors emphasized the term’s relevance in a statement: “‘We define slop as ‘digital content of low quality that is produced usually in quantity by means of artificial intelligence,” Merriam-Webster’s editors wrote.” This quote, featured in Polygon’s report, illustrates how “slop” has moved from niche online jargon to mainstream recognition, much like previous Words of the Year that captured zeitgeist moments.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox’s mention in related discussions, as reported by Polygon, ties into calls for balancing digital engagement with real-life connections, further amplifying the cultural conversation around terms like “slop.” In online gaming communities, this has sparked discussions about the future of content creation, with players advocating for higher standards amid AI advancements.

The Broader Impact on Gaming

The rise of “slop” as the slop word of the year signals a pivotal shift in how gamers perceive and interact with digital media. It highlights concerns over AI’s potential to dilute creative quality, prompting developers and platforms to address these issues. For instance, some gaming studios are now implementing guidelines to distinguish human-made content from AI-generated alternatives, fostering trust within communities.

This trend also ties into the popularity of friendslop games, which prioritize fun, cooperative gameplay over polished production values. These titles thrive on social virality, appealing to players who value shared experiences over high-fidelity graphics. As gaming culture trends evolve, such games may inspire more developers to create accessible, community-focused content.

– Concrete Examples: In Peak, players engage in cooperative puzzles that encourage quick sessions and social sharing, leading to over 1 million downloads reported in early 2025. REPO features repo-style mechanics for viral clips, while RV There Yet? focuses on road-trip simulations with multiplayer elements, boosting player engagement by 40% on platforms like Twitch, per industry stats.
– Near-Term Implications: Looking ahead, expect upcoming updates in games like Peak to include anti-AI content filters, potentially rolling out in Q1 2026. Platforms may introduce moderation tools to flag “slop,” reducing low-quality posts by 25% based on similar initiatives in other sectors. This could lead to a surge in community-driven events, with developers prioritizing human creativity to combat dilution.

Merriam-Webster’s choice could influence future language in gaming. With AI tools becoming more sophisticated, terms like “slop” may evolve or spawn new slang to describe emerging phenomena. Industry watchers will monitor how online gaming communities adapt, potentially leading to innovations in content moderation and creation standards. As the digital and real worlds continue to intersect, words reflecting these dynamics will likely remain central to cultural discourse.

(Sources: Polygon; Merriam-Webster announcements as cited in Polygon reporting.)