coup
C1Formal, journalistic, political, also used in business contexts.
Definition
Meaning
A sudden, violent, and illegal seizure of power from a government, typically by a small group. A brilliant, bold, or highly successful move or action.
It extends beyond politics to describe any remarkably successful, unexpected, and skillful action, especially one that achieves a difficult objective (e.g., a business coup, a diplomatic coup).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word carries inherent connotations of surprise, boldness, and a calculated risk. In its non-political sense, it implies a 'master stroke' that outperforms expectations.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Meaning is identical. Pronunciation differs ('uː' in UK vs. 'uː' in US, see IPA). The plural 'coups' is standard in both (pronounced /kuːz/).
Connotations
Equally strong political connotations in both varieties. In business/media, slightly more common in UK English (e.g., 'marketing coup'), but perfectly standard in US.
Frequency
Comparatively low-frequency in everyday speech, but high-frequency in news/political analysis. Slightly more prevalent in UK media discourse.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
stage/launch/mount a coup (against [entity])a coup (led by [agent])pull off a coupa coup to [verb] (e.g., to overthrow the president)the coup succeeded/failedVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a coup de grâce (final, decisive blow – note: French phrase, distinct from 'coup')”
- “pull off a major coup”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Securing the exclusive contract was a major coup for the small firm.
Academic
The historian analysed the structural causes leading to the 1963 coup.
Everyday
Getting those tickets for the sold-out show was a real coup!
Technical
The commander was tried for his role in the abortive coup d'état.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The generals planned to coup the sitting government.
- Rumours suggest dissidents are attempting to coup the regime.
American English
- The faction moved to coup the president in a midnight raid.
- Historically, junior officers have tried to coup unstable democracies.
adverb
British English
- This usage is not standard. No natural examples exist.
American English
- This usage is not standard. No natural examples exist.
adjective
British English
- The coup leaders established a junta.
- He lived under a coup government for a decade.
American English
- The coup plot was uncovered by intelligence.
- They faced coup charges in a military tribunal.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The news reported a coup in the country.
- Getting front-row seats was a great coup.
- The military coup overthrew the civilian government overnight.
- Signing the star player was a major coup for the football club.
- The palace coup was executed with such precision that the public remained unaware for hours.
- Her negotiation of the peace treaty was hailed as a diplomatic coup of the first order.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a COUp – a group (CO-) suddenly UPending the government. Or, a successful coup makes you go 'COOl!'
Conceptual Metaphor
POLITICS/SUCCESS IS WAR/COMBAT (seizing power, a masterstroke), A SUDDEN CHANGE IS A PHYSICAL BLOW.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'купе' (train compartment).
- The political meaning maps to 'переворот' or 'государственный переворот'.
- The 'successful action' meaning maps to 'блестящий успех', 'ловкий ход'.
- It is not 'удар' in the general sense of a hit or strike.
Common Mistakes
- Pronouncing the 'p' (it is silent).
- Using 'coup' to mean just any 'hit' or 'strike' in English (it's metaphorical).
- Confusing spelling: 'coup' not 'coupe' (car).
- Overusing in place of simpler words like 'success'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'coup' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While a political coup is illegal/negative, in contexts like business or sports ('a publicity coup', 'a scoring coup'), it is positive, meaning a clever or spectacular success.
The plural is pronounced /kuːz/ (like 'coos' with a 'z' sound at the end). The 'p' remains silent, and an 's' is added in pronunciation.
'Coup d'état' is the full French term, specifically meaning 'stroke of state'. In English, 'coup' is the standard shortened form. 'Coup d'état' is slightly more formal or technical.
Yes, but it's rare and considered informal or journalistic (e.g., 'They plotted to coup the government'). The more standard phrasing is 'stage/mount a coup'.
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