hopeium

English

Alternative forms

• hopium

Etymology

Blend of hope +‎ opium, as though it were a drug; regarding the surface analysis as hope +‎ -ium, see copium § Etymology.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈhəʊpiəm/

• Audio (UK):

  (file)

Noun

hopeium (uncountable)

1. (colloquial, derogatory) A clinging to unreasonable or unfounded hopes.
   • 2015, Dan S. Kennedy, Kim Walsh-Phillips, No B.S. Guide to Direct Response Social Media Marketing, Entrepreneur Press, →ISBN, page 239:

     Unfortunately, “hopeium” only creates false expectations that, in many cases, lead us to rejection and loss of the sale.

Usage notes

• Often associated with the Barack Obama "Hope" poster and associated political beliefs.

Related terms

• hopenosis