strop: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal (sharpening tool); informal/slang (mood)
Quick answer
What does “strop” mean?
A leather strap or strip used for sharpening razors.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A leather strap or strip used for sharpening razors.
Informal British slang: a bad mood or state of agitation; also refers to a type of hoisting sling or a band for machinery.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'strop' is known for its core meaning and the informal slang for a bad mood (e.g., 'in a strop'). In American English, the word is virtually unknown outside of very specific technical or historical contexts; the slang meaning is not used.
Connotations
UK: Technical/archaic (tool), colloquial and slightly humorous (mood). US: Obscure/technical.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both dialects. In the UK, the informal meaning is more likely encountered than the tool. In the US, it is extremely rare.
Grammar
How to Use “strop” in a Sentence
[Subject] is in a strop[Subject] strops [Object (razor)] on [Prepositional Object (strop)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “strop” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He carefully stropped his straight razor before the shave.
- You need to strop the blade to maintain its edge.
American English
- The barber stropped the razor meticulously. (Historical/technical context only)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Possibly in historical texts about grooming or specific engineering contexts (e.g., lifting strops).
Everyday
UK: Informal for a mood. Elsewhere: Almost never used.
Technical
Barbering/historical toolmaking; maritime/engineering for lifting slings.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “strop”
- Misspelling as 'strap' in the sharpening context.
- Using the slang meaning 'bad mood' in American contexts where it is incomprehensible.
- Incorrect verb form: 'stropping' (correct) vs. 'stroping' (incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while they are related, 'strop' refers specifically to a leather strap for sharpening razors. 'Strap' is the general term.
No, this meaning is not recognized in American English. Using it would likely cause confusion.
To 'strop' means to sharpen a razor on a leather strop. The present participle is 'stropping' (with double 'p').
No, it is a low-frequency word. Its core meaning is historical/niche, and its slang meaning is regionally limited (UK).
A leather strap or strip used for sharpening razors.
Strop is usually formal (sharpening tool); informal/slang (mood) in register.
Strop: in British English it is pronounced /strɒp/, and in American English it is pronounced /strɑːp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to be in/get into a strop”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a "STROP" as a STRAP for a R'OP'e (razor) - it's a leather strap for sharpening. If someone's in a bad mood, they might 'snap' like a taut strop.
Conceptual Metaphor
BAD MOOD IS A TENSE/ABRASIVE OBJECT (e.g., 'in a strop', implying being taut and irritable, ready to 'sharpen' words).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is 'strop' commonly used as slang for a bad mood?