glop: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, often humorous or derogatory
Quick answer
What does “glop” mean?
A thick, messy, semi-liquid substance, often unappetizing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A thick, messy, semi-liquid substance, often unappetizing.
Any sentimental, cloying, or overly simplistic art, writing, or music; nonsense.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar, but the term is slightly more established in US informal speech.
Connotations
Equally negative in both varieties.
Frequency
More frequent in American English, but remains low-frequency overall.
Grammar
How to Use “glop” in a Sentence
to serve [something] as glopto be covered in [glop]a bowl/plate of glopVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “glop” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The pudding had glopped unappealingly onto the dish.
American English
- He just glopped ketchup all over his fries.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard; no examples)
American English
- (Not standard; no examples)
adjective
British English
- (Rare; usually 'gloppy') The glue had a gloopy, glop-like consistency.
American English
- (Rare; usually 'gloppy') She hated the glop texture of the overcooked oatmeal.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used, except perhaps in highly informal, metaphorical criticism of a poor product ('This marketing plan is just glop').
Academic
Extremely rare, except in informal student discourse about cafeteria food.
Everyday
Used humorously or disparagingly to describe unappealing food, messy substances, or trite art/music.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “glop”
- Using it as a count noun (*three glops).
- Using it in formal writing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is an established informal word in major dictionaries like Oxford and Merriam-Webster.
Yes, but it's less common than the noun form. It means to apply or move in a thick, messy way.
They are very close synonyms. 'Glop' often implies a thicker, more substantial mass, while 'goo' can be stickier and more fluid.
Yes, 'gloop' is a less common variant with essentially the same meaning and usage.
A thick, messy, semi-liquid substance, often unappetizing.
Glop is usually informal, often humorous or derogatory in register.
Glop: in British English it is pronounced /ɡlɒp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡlɑːp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[something] is sentimental glop”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine the sound 'GLOP' as a thick, wet mass plopping onto a plate.
Conceptual Metaphor
LOW QUALITY IS A VISCOUS, UNATTRACTIVE SUBSTANCE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'glop' LEAST likely to be used?