What does popper mean?
A popper is, at its most literal, a person or thing associated with making a popping sound or action. The best-known modern meaning, however, is an informal and sometimes derogatory term for someone who takes drugs in capsules, especially pills. In this use, “popper” focuses on the form in which the drug is taken rather than on the person’s broader circumstances, so it can sound reductive or stigmatizing. Neutral alternatives include “pill user,” “capsule user,” and “person who takes drugs.” The word is chiefly associated with American English. Its older and more general sense—someone who pops things—can still appear in contexts involving children, toys, or other objects that make a sharp sound.
nounA person or thing that pops, especially someone who takes drugs in capsules. The term for a person who takes drugs this way is informal and may be derogatory.
- A person or device that pops something, especially a child who enjoys bursting balloons or making popping sounds.
- Informally and sometimes derogatorily, a person who takes drugs in capsules.
"The documentary avoided naming the young poppers who had become dependent on the medication."
"The little popper was delighted when the balloon finally burst."
"The doctor discussed the risks of the drug with the poppers who attended the clinic."
The standard plural is “poppers.”
"The article discussed how poppers can misuse prescription capsules."
A popper can mean someone who makes a noise—or, less kindly, someone who pops pills.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of popper
The noun “popper” was formed from “pop” and the suffix “-er,” which indicates a person or thing that performs an action. The underlying verb “pop,” in the sense of bursting or making a sharp explosive sound, is an imitative formation associated with that sound. Later, the compound expression developed a specialized meaning for a person who takes drugs in capsules, particularly in American English.
How popper is actually used
The sense meaning a person who takes drugs in capsules is informal and can sound dismissive or stigmatizing, especially when contrasted with the neutral expression "person who takes drugs." The word is more commonly used in this sense in American English.