slowpoke

American  

[sloh-pohk] / ˈsloʊˌpoʊk /

noun

Informal.

1. a person who makes slow progress.

   Synonyms:

   slug, dallier, dawdler, laggard

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slowpoke British  

/ ˈsləʊˌpəʊk /

noun

1. informal the usual US and Canadian word for slowcoach

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Etymology

Origin of slowpoke

First recorded in 1915–20; slow + poke ¹

Explanation

If it takes a long time for you to act or move, you're a slowpoke. Being a slowpoke is a real disadvantage when you're running in a 50 yard dash. The informal slowpoke is a good one to use when your little brother is lagging behind, slowing everyone down: "Hurry up, slowpoke!" In the UK, the equivalent word is slowcoach, which makes sense if you think of a stagecoach moving slowly. The poke part of slowpoke comes from a rare meaning, "a device attached to pigs and sheep to keep them from escaping," and is also the root of pokey, or "slow."

Example Sentences

Slowpoke drivers will need to stay out of the left lane.

From Washington Times • Jul. 28, 2019

It led me to the Golden Gate Park lily pond where I caught the dopey Slowpoke in pitch darkness and ran in terror from the sound of something breathing nearby.

From Slate • Aug. 2, 2016

Slowpoke trucks and antique autos clung stolidly to lanes reserved for fast traffic.

From Time Magazine Archive

Slowpoke: But I won't let you stand at the window and watch the new styles!

From All About Coffee by Ukers, William H. (William Harrison)

Slowpoke: But from my hands you'll get no silver or gold ribbon for your hair!

From All About Coffee by Ukers, William H. (William Harrison)