slowpoke: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal, sometimes humorous or mildly critical
Quick answer
What does “slowpoke” mean?
A person who moves, acts, or thinks at an unusually slow pace.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who moves, acts, or thinks at an unusually slow pace; a dawdler.
A person who is consistently behind the times or slow to adopt new ideas, technologies, or trends.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Predominantly an American term. The British English equivalent is most commonly 'slowcoach'.
Connotations
In AmE, it can be used playfully among friends or with mild criticism. In BrE, if used, it would be recognised as an Americanism.
Frequency
Very common in American English, especially in casual speech. Rare in British English, where 'slowcoach' is the standard informal term.
Grammar
How to Use “slowpoke” in a Sentence
[Subject] + be + (a) slowpokeDon't be such a slowpoke!Hurry up, slowpoke!Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used formally. Might appear in very informal internal communications to humorously chide a colleague for being late with a report: 'Come on, don't be a slowpoke with those figures.'
Academic
Not used in academic writing due to its informal nature.
Everyday
Common in casual conversation, especially when urging someone to hurry up: 'We're going to miss the movie, slowpoke!'
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “slowpoke”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “slowpoke”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “slowpoke”
- Using it as an adjective (e.g., 'He is very slowpoke' is incorrect; it should be 'He is a slowpoke').
- Spelling it as two words: 'slow poke'. While sometimes seen, the standard is as one word.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is generally not offensive but mildly critical or teasing. Its offensiveness depends entirely on tone, context, and the relationship between speakers. It can be used affectionately.
The most direct and common equivalent in British English is 'slowcoach'.
No, it is a noun. To describe someone, you must say 'He is a slowpoke' or use the adjective 'slow'.
It originated in the United States in the mid-19th century, from 'slow' + 'poke' (in the now-archaic sense meaning 'a person who moves slowly or dawdles').
A person who moves, acts, or thinks at an unusually slow pace.
Slowpoke is usually informal, sometimes humorous or mildly critical in register.
Slowpoke: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsləʊ.pəʊk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsloʊ.poʊk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a POKE from a stick that is moving in SLOW motion. A 'slowpoke' is someone who moves as slowly as that poke.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PERSON IS A SLOW-MOVING ANIMAL/OBJECT (e.g., a snail, a turtle, molasses).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is 'slowpoke' most commonly used?