Wednesday, November 6, 2019
Another meaning for Dope
Another meaning for Dope Another meaning for Dope Another meaning for Dope By Maeve Maddox This headline on Buzzfeed caused me to do a double-take: The 4 Dopest Quotes From Ruth Bader Ginsburg On Marriageà Equality Initially, I thought the article so headed would list quotations considered by the writer to be especially misguided or stupid (i.e., ââ¬Å"dopeyâ⬠). As I read further, I realized that the writer admired Associate Justice Ginsbergââ¬â¢s opinions as expressed in the quotations. The word dopest was intended as a compliment. The word dope has a long and checkered history in English. In its original use, dope referred to a thick liquid or semi-fluid used as an article of food or as a lubricant. The word is thought to derive from Dutch doop, ââ¬Å"a dippingâ⬠or ââ¬Å"a sauce.â⬠The Dutch verb doopen means ââ¬Å"to dip.â⬠Other meanings related to the gooey nature of dope include or have included: A preparation, mixture, or drug which is not specifically named. A varnish applied to the cloth surface of early airplanes to strengthen and keep them taut. A substance added to gasoline or other fuel to increase its efficiency. Opium, ââ¬Å"especially the thick treacle-like preparation used in opium-smoking.â⬠US speakers extended this use of dope to include stupefying drugs and narcotics in general. A medical preparation given to a racehorse for the purpose of affecting its performance. Various figurative meanings have become attached to dope: Information, especially on a particular subject or of a kind not widely disseminated or easily obtained. Information, a statement, etc., designed to gloss over or disguise facts; flattering or misleading talk. Something designed to deceive or bamboozle; a fraudulent design or action; a piece of deception or humbug. A stupid person, a simpleton, a fool. Dope is also used as a verb to mean ââ¬Å"apply or to administer dope in one of its senses.â⬠The use of dope as an adjective entered English slang in the 1980s, by way of rap music: 1981à J. Spicer Money (song) in L. Stanley Rap: the Lyrics (1992) 301à ââ¬Å"Yo, man, them boys is dope This record is dope.â⬠(OED) As for the word dopest used in the quotation about Justice Ginsberg, it is a slang expression meaning, ââ¬Å"sickest, coolest, tightest, most awesome.â⬠It is not standard usage and does not convey a positive connotation to speakers of standard English. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:50 Redundant Phrases to AvoidSocial vs. SocietalWhatââ¬â¢s the Best Way to Refer to a Romantic Partner?
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