salop
Very lowVulgar slang (primary modern meaning); Archaic/Historical (secondary meanings)
Definition
Meaning
A contemptible, unpleasant, or foolish person (UK, vulgar slang).
Historically, an archaic term for a person from Shropshire (UK), derived from the old name for the county. Also, a rare variant spelling of 'saloop', a historical hot drink made from an orchid root.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The modern slang term is highly offensive and gender-neutral, though sometimes perceived as more strongly insulting when applied to women. The historical/regional term is neutral but obsolete.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The derogatory slang meaning is exclusively British. The word is virtually unknown in American English.
Connotations
In British English, it is a strong term of abuse. The historical county reference carries no negative connotation but is archaic.
Frequency
The slang term has low frequency even in the UK and is considered dated by younger speakers. The historical terms are obsolete.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Determiner] + salopYou + [be verb] + a + salopVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Never used.
Academic
Only in historical texts referring to Shropshire ('Salop') or social history (re: the drink 'saloop').
Everyday
Extremely rare due to its offensive nature; potentially heard in older, regional, or highly confrontational speech.
Technical
Not applicable.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He can be a right salop when he doesn't get his way.
- That's a salop thing to do.
- After he double-crossed his partner, everyone in the pub considered him a proper salop.
- She called the referee a blind salop after the controversial penalty.
- The historical term 'Salop' for Shropshire fell out of use partly due to the unfortunate homophone with the vulgar slang.
- His salop of a brother ruined the family business with his reckless investments.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone spilling a hot SALOOP drink on you and being a complete SALOP about it.
Conceptual Metaphor
A WORTHLESS OBJECT/SUBSTANCE (cf. 'scum', 'slag').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with Russian "салоп" (salop) meaning a type of women's overcoat.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing it with the abbreviated form for Shropshire County Council ('Shropshire, or Salop').
- Using it in formal contexts.
- Misspelling as 'shallop' (a small boat).
Practice
Quiz
In modern British slang, calling someone a 'salop' is considered:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare. The derogatory slang is dated and offensive, and the historical terms are obsolete.
Yes, historically 'Salop' was an abbreviation for Shropshire, and it survives in some official and historical contexts (e.g., 'Salop' as a former postal county).
'Saloop' (also 'salep') refers to a historical beverage. 'Salop' is primarily the derogatory slang term, though it can be a variant spelling of 'saloop'.
Because its primary modern meaning is a strong, vulgar insult that is likely to cause serious offence.