Records with words with the letter S are slurred

ROFL Austinbob!

Seriously, there's a host of reasons why sibilants ("S" sounds) may be distorted during vinyl playback. Most systems suffer from more than one of them, so nobody can provide a single, easy answer.

This distortion is usually called "sibilance". If you search for that you'll find a long list of threads discussing it.

Excessive energy or distortion in 5-8kHz range. I got rid of it by buying better speakers with soft dome tweeters. Highs are still strong and extended but "S" sounds are very clean and natural.

Bad pressing or poor tracking....due to either misaligned cartridge or worn needle.

Oh...and some cartridges can't track worth a crap.

Sibilance is usually caused by turntable/tonearm/cartridge
misalignment. Maybe recheck your setup.

If with other sources and/or all sources, then speakers, cables,
speaker room placement, plus a lot more.