What does moper mean?
A moper is a person who sulks, broods, or behaves in a conspicuously gloomy and self-pitying way. The related verb, to mope, describes sulking or acting dejectedly, often in silence and with little interest in what is happening around you. In modern English, the word is somewhat old-fashioned and literary, but it remains useful for describing a particular social manner rather than ordinary sadness alone. Someone who is merely disappointed might feel disappointed; someone who continues to brood, withdraw from others, and act listless is more specifically described as moping. The term can suggest immaturity or excessive self-absorption, although it can also be used more neutrally in older writing. Its distinctive sound and strongly visual meaning make it memorable in both its noun and verb forms.
A person who sulks, broods, or is habitually dejected.
"His brother became a moper whenever the weather kept him indoors."
Somewhat old-fashioned and literary; often implies conspicuous, prolonged sulking.
To sulk, brood, or behave in a dejected and listless manner.
"Rather than apologize, he continued to mope in the corner."
Often describes withdrawing from activity and dwelling on one's unhappiness.
The plural is used when referring to multiple people who sulk or brood.
"The two mopers sat apart from the guests and refused to participate in the games."
“Moper” captures the particular mood of someone whose unhappiness is visible in their silence, posture, and reluctance to join in.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does moper come from?
The word is generally traced to Dutch forms meaning to sulk or brood, and it entered English during the Middle English period in the form “mopen.” The noun developed later as a person designated by the associated action, while the verb became established in its familiar modern spelling. Its older associations with sulking and sullen behavior are reflected in related forms such as “mopey” and “mopish.”
Related word forms
How moper is actually used
The noun and verb are somewhat old-fashioned and literary in tone, though still readily understood. The word often implies sulking in a conspicuous or prolonged way, rather than expressing a single moment of sadness.
Easily confused with moper
A moper is someone who sulks or broods, whereas a mopper is someone or something that mops, especially a person who cleans floors.