What does mopey mean?
Mopey is an informal adjective describing someone who is sullen, sulky, or gloomy. It often suggests a person who is visibly withdrawn, displeased, or lacking enthusiasm rather than someone experiencing a serious emotional or medical condition. The word is useful in everyday descriptions of moods, behavior, and atmospheres: a person can be mopey, a performance can be mopey, or a place can have a mopey atmosphere. In conversation, “mopey” is a compact and vivid alternative to “sulky,” “gloomy,” or “downcast.” It is recognized in both British and American English, though its tone is casual and expressive rather than formal. Because it focuses on outward behavior and mood, it should not be used as a substitute for a careful psychological or medical description when one is needed.
adjectiveSullen, sulky, or gloomy, especially in a way that seems withdrawn or low-spirited.
- Sullen, sulky, or gloomy, especially in a withdrawn or low-spirited manner.
"He was mopey all afternoon after losing the game."
"He was mopey all afternoon after losing the game."
"The team's mopey performance lifted no one's spirits."
Mopey turns the old-fashioned verb mope into an instantly readable label for a familiar mood.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mopey come from?
Mopey is an English formation made by adding the suffix -y to the verb mope, an older English word meaning “to sulk” or “be dejected.” The verb mope entered English in the early modern period and is associated with Dutch moper, a word related to forms meaning to sulk or be sullen. The productive English suffix -y later turned this verbal base into the adjective now used for a gloomy or sulky person.
How mopey is actually used
Informal and generally understood in both British and American English. It describes sulkiness or low spirits and is usually less clinical or serious than terms such as depressed.
Easily confused with mopey
Mopey is an adjective describing a sullen or gloomy manner, whereas mope is a verb meaning to sulk or be dejected.
Mopey describes a mood or demeanor, while a mop is a cleaning tool or the act of cleaning with one.