dopey

or dop·y

[ doh-pee ]

adjective

, Informal.

, dop·i·er, dop·i·est.

1. stupid; inane:

   It was rather dopey of him to lock himself out.

2. sluggish or befuddled from or as from the use of narcotics or alcohol.

dopey

/ ˈdəʊpɪ /

adjective

1. slang.
   silly
2. informal.
   half-asleep or in a state of semiconsciousness, as when under the influence of a drug

Derived Forms

• ˈdopiness, noun
• ˈdopily, adverb

Other Words From

• dopi·ness dopey·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of dopey¹

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900; dope + -y ¹

Example Sentences

Such criminal heroes take on dopey authority figures that are fun for audiences to root against, whether it's sanctimonious cops, rich bankers, or fancy nobles whose wealth needs a little forcible redistribution.

From Salon

It was so totally incongruous with the hot girl it emanated from, so unexpectedly and endearingly dopey, you couldn’t help but laugh at her laughing at her own joke.

From Salon

Even when it gets dopey, “Manhunt” is still engrossing — fun, even.

From New York Times

It’s just as much a silhouette, but he looks more like a dopey tourist than a stone-cold killer.

From Seattle Times

Here, with his dopey expressions fused to a satyr’s body, he makes you nervous the way Malcolm McDowell did after he was reformed in “A Clockwork Orange.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dumb
• idiotic
• silly