cop-out

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See also: cop out and copout

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

Deverbal from cop out.

Pronunciation

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Noun

cop-out (plural cop-outs)

  1. (slang) Avoidance or inadequate performance of a task or duty; the action of copping out.
    His disappearance on the day of the audition was just a cop-out.
  2. (slang) An excuse made in order to avoid performing a task or duty; a reason offered when someone cops out.
    It was a cop-out to say he couldn't sign the petition because he sprained his wrist.
  3. (slang) A person who cops out.
    He's always a cop-out when there's hard work to be done.
    • 1989 August 12, Kate Rushin, “Is Better Than Hollywood Good Enough?”, in Gay Community News, volume 17, number 5, page 8:
      Even when they are talking one-on-one, we aren't allowed to see behind the posturing and emblematic language. The major exception to this is Da Mayor […] who is both scorned and respected, seen as both a cop-out and a hero.

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