Silicon Valley has a new insult for performative hustle posts: 'grindslop'
Techies are calling performative work content on social media "grindslop." Business Insider spoke with the grindslop accused — and accusers.
A new term has emerged in Silicon Valley to describe performative posts about work ethic: grindslop. Tech founders coined the word to mock the excessive boasting about grueling work schedules. According to Will Manidis, who wrote about the origin of the term, grindslop refers to people who share publicly just how hard they work, expecting others to do the same.
The word gained popularity after Manidis published an essay criticizing founder hagiography. While the term's exact origin is unclear, it has been widely used in recent months, with mentions on X (formerly Twitter) skyrocketing from 21 in January to 453 in July. Founders accused of posting about their long hours and extreme routines are seen as seeking venture capitalist approval.
However, some founders argue that being tired is a valid excuse and that the focus should be on high-leverage work rather than sacrificing personal well-being. The backlash against grindslop posts has grown, with many expressing disappointment in those who engage in the practice.
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