Internet
cope
What does cope mean?
The act of rationalising or being in denial about a bad trade or missed opportunity. Someone 'coping' clings to false hope instead of facing reality.
"'It'll bounce back any day now' is peak cope after a 90% drop."
Origin
From the ordinary word cope (to manage), it took on a mocking edge in gaming and meme culture in the late 2010s, often paired with seethe and mald.
Frequently asked questions
What does cope mean in slang?
In slang, cope means denying or making excuses about something you don't like, often used to mock someone.
What does cope and seethe mean?
It's a taunt telling someone to deal with and stew over a result they're unhappy about.
Is cope an insult?
It can be — calling someone's reasoning 'cope' dismisses it as denial.
What does cope mean on TikTok?
On TikTok cope is used to mock someone in denial about a loss or unwelcome truth.
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