copping: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Informal, Slang
Quick answer
What does “copping” mean?
The act of seizing, taking, or buying something (especially something illegal or illicit). The present participle or gerund of the verb 'to cop'.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of seizing, taking, or buying something (especially something illegal or illicit). The present participle or gerund of the verb 'to cop'.
Slang for: 1) Being apprehended or arrested by police. 2) Acquiring or buying drugs. 3) Taking undeserved blame or criticism (copping it). 4) Admitting or confessing to something (copping to).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in US slang for 'arrest' or 'buy drugs'. In UK, 'copping it' or 'copping a load of...' (receiving blame/trouble) is frequent. The phrase 'cop a feel' (grope) is primarily American.
Connotations
In both varieties, carries connotations of the street, crime, or informal/forceful acquisition. In UK, can have a schoolyard/playground feel ('You'll cop it!').
Frequency
Moderately frequent in informal spoken contexts in both regions, but rare in formal writing.
Grammar
How to Use “copping” in a Sentence
cop (sth) (from sb)cop it (for sth)cop to sthVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “copping” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He's always copping off with someone at the pub.
- If you break that, you'll be copping it from your mum.
American English
- He kept copping an attitude with the teacher.
- They got caught copping drugs behind the mall.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Never used, except perhaps in sociological studies of slang.
Everyday
Used in informal speech among certain groups, especially younger demographics. Can sound dated or try-hard if used inappropriately.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “copping”
- Using it in formal contexts.
- Confusing 'copping' (getting) with 'coping' (managing).
- Overusing it outside its narrow slang domains.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is exclusively informal slang and should be avoided in formal writing and speech.
'Coping' (pronounced /ˈkəʊ.pɪŋ/) means dealing effectively with something difficult. 'Copping' (pronounced /ˈkɒp.ɪŋ/) is slang for seizing, buying, or being arrested. They are different words.
Rarely. It typically implies buying something illicit (like drugs) or acquiring something suddenly/forcefully ('cop a feel', 'cop a look'). You wouldn't say 'copping some milk from the shop'.
It likely comes from the Old French 'caper' (to seize, capture), related to the Latin 'capere'. It entered English in the 18th century, originally meaning 'to catch'.
The act of seizing, taking, or buying something (especially something illegal or illicit). The present participle or gerund of the verb 'to cop'.
Copping: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒp.ɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑː.pɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “copping a plea (plea bargaining)”
- “copping an attitude (becoming insolent)”
- “copping it sweet (Aus/NZ: accepting gracefully)”
- “copping out (backing out)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a **COP** (police officer) **-ING** (in the act of) arresting someone. 'Copping' is what the cop is doing.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACQUISITION IS SEIZING / PUNISHMENT IS A PHYSICAL FORCE (e.g., 'copping a fine', 'copping flak').
Practice
Quiz
In informal British English, 'You'll really cop it!' means: