What does mopery mean?
Mopery is a rare noun for sulkiness, gloom, or the state of being moody and withdrawn. It is typically used when someone is visibly unhappy, dissatisfied, or upset and is behaving in a subdued or resentful way. Unlike the simpler word sulking, which can describe the action itself, mopery often suggests a condition or atmosphere, as in a period of mopery or an expression of mopery. The word can be mildly critical, but it also has a literary quality and may convey a more prolonged or conspicuous display of unhappiness. In everyday speech, people are far more likely to say that someone is sulking, in a bad mood, or in a funk. Mopery nevertheless remains useful in formal writing, particularly when the emotional quality of a scene or a person’s behaviour matters. It is most often treated as an uncountable noun, though the plural moperies is also grammatically possible.
nounMopery means sulkiness or the state of behaving in a moody, withdrawn manner. It is a relatively uncommon word, used especially in formal or literary contexts.
- The state or condition of sulking; sulkiness or gloomy, withdrawn behaviour.
"The team’s mopery after the defeat was met with a quiet determination to try again."
"A day of mopery changed to excitement when the unexpected invitation arrived."
"The novel presents her private mopery as a sign of unresolved grief."
Usually treated as an uncountable noun; the plural is grammatically possible but uncommon.
"Brief spells of mopery were interrupted by bursts of enthusiasm."
Mopery turns an everyday tool into a vivid name for the less cheerful art of sulking.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mopery come from?
Mopery is formed from the verb mope, meaning to sulk or be moody, together with the noun-forming suffix -ery. The verb mope is itself associated with Dutch mopper, “to sulk,” although the precise development of the English form is not entirely transparent. The related adjective mopish has long been used for a person who sulks or behaves gloomily.
Related word forms
How mopery is actually used
Mopery is uncommon and has a formal, faintly literary tone. It can sound more descriptive than neutral, especially when referring to a person’s habitual behaviour.
Easily confused with mopery
A mop is a tool for cleaning floors, whereas mopery describes sulky or gloomy behaviour.
Moping refers to the act of behaving sulkily, while mopery names the sulkiness itself.