cop off: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (informal, colloquial)Informal, slang, primarily used in casual conversation among peers; often considered slightly juvenile.
Quick answer
What does “cop off” mean?
To kiss or engage in amorous physical contact with someone, especially unexpectedly or casually.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To kiss or engage in amorous physical contact with someone, especially unexpectedly or casually.
To succeed in obtaining a romantic or sexual partner, typically used in informal contexts to describe a successful romantic or sexual encounter, often one that is spontaneous or brief.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Predominantly British (and Irish/Commonwealth) slang. Very rare in American English, where it would likely be misunderstood. Equivalent American concepts might use 'hook up', 'make out with', or 'score with'.
Connotations
In British English, it can range from neutral to slightly laddish or boorish depending on context. Not considered vulgar, but informal.
Frequency
Common in UK informal speech, especially among younger demographics. Virtually non-existent in American usage.
Grammar
How to Use “cop off” in a Sentence
[Subject] cops off with [Object (person)][Subject] cops offVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cop off” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Did you see him try to cop off with Sarah at the pub?
- I heard they copped off after the club closed.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Used in informal storytelling among friends about social/romantic exploits.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cop off”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cop off”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cop off”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Using it in American contexts where it is not understood.
- Confusing the particle 'off' (as in 'cop off with') with 'out' (as in 'cop out').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is informal slang but not inherently offensive or vulgar. Its appropriateness depends on the social context; it's casual peer-to-peer language.
It can sometimes be used euphemistically to imply that, but its core meaning is less specific, usually focusing on the initiation of physical intimacy like kissing. Context is key.
'Hook up' (AmE) is broader and can imply anything from kissing to sex. 'Cop off' (BrE) typically describes the initial successful act of getting together/kissing, often in a one-off, casual setting.
Rarely. It is almost exclusively used as a phrasal verb. You might hear "It was a successful cop-off" in very casual slang, but it's not standard.
To kiss or engage in amorous physical contact with someone, especially unexpectedly or casually.
Cop off is usually informal, slang, primarily used in casual conversation among peers; often considered slightly juvenile. in register.
Cop off: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒp ˈɒf/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɑːp ˈɔːf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a police officer ('cop') finishing their shift ('off duty') and going to a party to successfully 'cop off' with someone. The 'cop' here comes from slang 'to catch' or 'to get'.
Conceptual Metaphor
ROMANTIC SUCCESS IS ACQUISITION/CATCHING (from 'cop' meaning to catch or seize).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is 'cop off' primarily used?