moppy

Moppy is an informal adjective chiefly used to describe untidy, tousled hair. It evokes hair that is loose, unruly, or imperfectly arranged and carries a mild, often affectionate or humorous tone rather than a severe judgment. For example, someone may be described as having “moppy hair” shortly after waking, brushing, or being caught in the wind. In British English, moppy can also describe a person whose eyes are tearful, though this use is less common in contemporary speech. The word appears in the name of the moppy dog, a breed known for its long, silky coat. It is especially useful in informal writing and conversation when a vivid description is preferred to the more formal “messy,” “unkempt,” or “dishevelled.” Its expressive quality makes it effective for describing an endearingly rumpled appearance, while its limited register means that neutral contexts may call for a broader or more formal term.

Having untidy, tousled, or dishevelled hair. In British English, it can also describe someone with tearful eyes.

Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Where does moppy come from?

Moppy was formed in the 19th century by adding the suffix -y to mop, in the sense of a tangled or untidy mass of hair. The word mop itself developed from older English and continental forms associated with cleaning implements and tufts or tangles of hair. The derivative mopper, meaning a person or thing that mops, was also formed from the same root, while mopy arose separately with a meaning associated with sulkiness or sorrow.

How moppy is actually used

Informal and generally affectionate or mildly humorous. The sense involving tearful eyes is especially associated with British English. The term is also used in the established name of the moppy dog breed.

Easily confused with moppy

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Words and phrases paired with moppy

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Rhymes with moppy