Soppy

/ˈsɑpi/ adjective

Definition

Very wet and muddy, or overly sentimental and emotional (British slang).

Etymology

From 'sop' (a piece of bread dipped in liquid, from Old English 'sopp'), with adjective suffix '-y.' Used since the 1600s to mean wet and soaked.

Kelly Says

A 'sop' was literally bread dunked in gravy or wine, so calling something 'soppy' meant it was that soggy—but British people extended it to describe people who are emotionally 'soaked' in feelings!

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Soppy (sentimental, weak) entered British English with pejorative associations to femininity and emotional expression. It carries a dismissive edge toward emotional display historically coded as female weakness.

Inclusive Usage

Use 'sentimental,' 'emotional,' or 'earnest' instead to avoid gendered contempt. If using 'soppy' in informal speech, recognize it carries gendered devaluation.

Inclusive Alternatives

["sentimental","earnest","emotional","heartfelt"]

Related Words

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