mopoke: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowinformal, slang, regional (Australia, New Zealand)
Quick answer
What does “mopoke” mean?
A name for several species of small Australian owls, especially the Southern Boobook (Ninox boobook), known for its distinctive two-part call.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A name for several species of small Australian owls, especially the Southern Boobook (Ninox boobook), known for its distinctive two-part call.
A slang term for a slow, dull, or foolish person. A person who is shy, stays up late, or prefers solitude. Can be used affectionately or critically.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
This word is not standard in British or American English. It is a regional term from Australia and New Zealand. British and American speakers would likely not know or use it; they might use 'boobook owl' or a general term like 'small owl'.
Connotations
In Australia/NZ, primary meaning is neutral (bird name). Secondary meaning (person) is informal, often mildly derogatory or teasing. In UK/US, it would likely be perceived as a confusing, unfamiliar word.
Frequency
Extremely rare in British and American contexts. Frequency is moderate in Australian and New Zealand informal speech, but declining as bird names standardise.
Grammar
How to Use “mopoke” in a Sentence
to be a (real) mopoketo call someone a mopokeVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. Highly inappropriate.
Academic
Only in specific ornithological contexts discussing Australasian fauna. Otherwise not used.
Everyday
Used in Australia/NZ in informal, often humorous or affectionate criticism ("Don't be such a mopoke").
Technical
An alternative common name for the Southern Boobook (Ninox boobook) in ornithology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mopoke”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mopoke”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mopoke”
- Spelling: 'mope-oke', 'mo-poke'. Using it in formal contexts. Assuming it is known outside Australasia.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to mopoke around' is non-standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is both a real, standard common name for a bird (the Southern Boobook) and an informal, slang term for a person.
It is not recommended, as it is not part of the general vocabulary there and would likely cause confusion. Use 'boobook' or 'small owl' for the bird, and local synonyms like 'nincompoop' for the person.
It is onomatopoeic, imitating the two-note call of the owl ('mo-poke').
It is mildly derogatory but often used in a teasing, affectionate way among friends or family. Its severity is similar to calling someone a 'silly goose'. It is not a strong insult.
A name for several species of small Australian owls, especially the Southern Boobook (Ninox boobook), known for its distinctive two-part call.
Mopoke is usually informal, slang, regional (australia, new zealand) in register.
Mopoke: in British English it is pronounced /ˈməʊpəʊk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmoʊˌpoʊk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “as blind as a mopoke”
- “as silly as a mopoke”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a slow, dopey person holding a MOP and saying "POKE..." very slowly. 'Mop-oke'.
Conceptual Metaphor
AN OWL IS A FOOLISH/SLOW PERSON. NOCTURNAL SOLITUDE IS DULLNESS.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'mopoke' be most appropriately used?