ropy

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English

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Alternative forms

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Pronunciation

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Etymology 1

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From Middle English ropy, from rope + -y.

Adjective

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ropy (comparative ropier or more ropy, superlative ropiest or most ropy)

  1. Resembling rope in appearance or texture, used especially of muscles that are thick or hard to the touch.
    • Myofascial Syndrome
      Hence, myofascial pain is usually associated with a taut band, indicating a "ropey" thickening of muscle tissue.
  2. Capable of forming rope-like or thread-like structures.
  3. (of milk or another liquid) Slimy, as after the action of Enterobacter aerogenes in syrup.
    Synonym: (slang) bingy
    • 1708, [John Philips], “Book II”, in Cyder. [], London: [] J[acob] Tonson, [], →OCLC, page 68:
      The Hoary Froſts, and Northern Blaſts take care / Thy muddy Bev'rage to ſerene, and drive / Præcipitant the baſer, ropy Lees.

Etymology 2

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From Scots roupy (husky; hoarse), from Scots roup (hoarseness, huskiness, any inflamed condition of the throat).

Adjective

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ropy (comparative ropier or more ropy, superlative ropiest or most ropy)

  1. (UK, Ireland, colloquial) Of poor quality; in poor health.
    Synonyms: inferior, second-rate, shabby, unwell
    • 1845, Thomas Hood, The Captain’s Cow:
      The very poultry in the coop / Began to pine away and droop— / The cock was first to go; / And glad we were on all our parts, / He used to damp our very hearts / With such a ropy crow.
    • 2012 September 8, “Emigration: On The Road”, in The Economist:
      Although Britain’s migration figures are ropey, other data point in the same direction.
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Translations
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Anagrams

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Czech

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Pronunciation

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Noun

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ropy

  1. inflection of ropa:
    1. genitive singular
    2. nominative/accusative/vocative plural

Polish

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Pronunciation

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  • IPA(key): /ˈrɔ.pɘ/
  • Rhymes: -ɔpɘ
  • Syllabification: ro‧py

Noun

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ropy f

  1. genitive singular of ropa