dope

Africa

📖What does "dope" mean?

Cool; excellent (borrowed from international slang, but popular). This term showcases the influence of African and diaspora communities on global internet culture, highlighting how local expressions gain international recognition.

💡Why people use it

This term connects speakers to their cultural and regional identity, serving as both communication tool and identity marker. Using it signals belonging to specific communities and understanding of shared cultural context.

🔊Pronunciation

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📈Trend Score for "dope"

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Current Score

Peak Score

Trend

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Trend score based on usage, engagement, and popularity metrics

💬How to use "dope"

📝In a sentence

"She used "dope" to describe the situation, and everyone nodded in agreement."

💭In a conversation

Person A: "Did you see what happened yesterday?"

Person B: "Yeah, that was totally dope!"

Person A: "Right? I couldn't believe it either."

Person B: "It's the most dope thing I've seen all week."

📱Social media usage

Just witnessed the most dope moment ever 💀 #slang

🌍Origin & Cultural Background

📍Region

Africa

🧬Cultural Roots

This term originates from African linguistic traditions, particularly Nigerian Pidgin English, which blends English with local languages and cultural expressions. It reflects the creativity and dynamism of African diaspora communities, whose language innovations increasingly influence global internet culture through music, social media, and creative expression.

🚀Why it became viral

Spread globally as diaspora communities shared their language online, and content creators from those communities gained international audiences. The term resonated with people seeking authentic, culturally-rich expressions beyond standard English.

🌐Regional Usage & Context

📍Regional Context

Originating from African communities, this term carries cultural significance beyond its literal meaning. It reflects linguistic creativity and cultural identity, and when used authentically, connects speakers to their heritage. The term's global spread demonstrates the increasing recognition of African linguistic contributions to world culture.

🌍Explore more Africa slang

🎯Formality & Usage Context

This term is best used in informal, casual contexts. It creates connection with peers and signals understanding of contemporary culture, but may confuse or alienate people unfamiliar with modern slang. Always consider your audience and context when using this term.

🎨Meme Ideas for "dope"

Get creative with these meme template ideas featuring "dope". These prompts can help you create hilarious memes that capture the essence of this slang term.

Drake Pointing Meme

Drake rejecting a long explanation, pointing to "dope" - showing the term as the perfect way to express the idea.

Distracted Boyfriend Meme

Person looking away from old language, being distracted by "dope" - representing how this term replaced older expressions.

This Is Fine Dog Meme

Dog saying "This is dope" while everything is chaos - using the term to express resigned acceptance.

Change My Mind Meme

"If you say dope, you mean Cool; excellent (borrowed from international slang, but popular).. Change my mind." - expressing the term's definitive meaning.

Woman Yelling at Cat Meme

Person explaining "dope" means Cool; excellent (borrowed from international slang, but popular)., while confused cat represents people who don't know the term yet.

🎭Create Your Own Meme