dop: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (predominantly regional/South African)Informal/Colloquial (regional slang)
Quick answer
What does “dop” mean?
A low-quality alcoholic drink, especially illegally produced spirit in South Africa.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A low-quality alcoholic drink, especially illegally produced spirit in South Africa.
A term used colloquially in South African English for a drink of alcohol; can also refer to a brandy-and-soda cocktail. In broader contexts, can mean to take a drug or consume alcohol.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Virtually unknown in standard British or American English. It is specifically South African English. British/American speakers would likely need explanation.
Connotations
In SA English: can be neutral ('a dop' = a drink) or negative (low-quality, dangerous liquor). In other dialects: no connotations as the word is unknown.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside Southern Africa. May appear in literature or journalism about South Africa.
Grammar
How to Use “dop” in a Sentence
to dop (verb, intransitive)to dop someone (verb, transitive - informal, to give someone a drink/drug)a dop of [brandy] (noun)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dop” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He's planning to dop all weekend with his mates.
American English
- They were caught doping behind the shed.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Unused, except in very specific contexts concerning the informal alcohol trade in South Africa.
Academic
May appear in sociological, anthropological, or historical studies of South Africa.
Everyday
Used in informal conversation in South Africa. Not used elsewhere.
Technical
Not used in technical fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dop”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dop”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dop”
- Using it in non-South African contexts.
- Confusing it with the verb 'to drop'.
- Assuming it is standard English slang for any alcohol.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a word specific to South African English slang and is not part of standard international English vocabulary.
Yes, in its regional context. 'To dop' means to drink alcohol, especially heavily or in the context of cheap liquor, or to take a drug.
Using it outside a South African context will likely cause confusion, as most English speakers will not understand it.
They are etymologically distinct, but in modern South African slang, 'dop' can sometimes overlap in meaning with taking drugs, showing semantic convergence due to context.
A low-quality alcoholic drink, especially illegally produced spirit in South Africa.
Dop is usually informal/colloquial (regional slang) in register.
Dop: in British English it is pronounced /dɒp/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɑːp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “"On the dop" (drinking heavily, or under the influence)”
- “"Dop and dop" (drink after drink)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a drop (like a drop of alcohol) that's low-quality - it's just a DOP.
Conceptual Metaphor
ALCOHOL IS A LOW-STATUS SUBSTANCE (in this specific usage)
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is the word 'dop' most commonly used and understood?