The term PLODS THROUGH MUD can be broken down into two crossword solutions: SLOSHES (7 letters) and SLOGS (5 letters). SLOSHES is a verb meaning to move or walk through a liquid or soft substance with a splashing sound. SLOGS is also a verb, meaning to walk heavily and laboriously, often through mud or other difficult terrain. Both words describe the action of walking through mud, with SLOSHES implying a more energetic movement and SLOGS implying a slower, more laborious movement.