wop
Americannoun
noun
verb
Etymology
Origin of wop
An Americanism first recorded in 1910–15; from Italian (Neapolitan and Sicilian dialect) guappo “bully, showy,” from Spanish guapo “a dandy”; further origin uncertain, possibly ultimately from Latin vappa “wine that has gone flat; worthless or useless person.” The belief that this word is an acronym of “without papers/passport,” in reference to immigration status, is without substance
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He came up with the song's famed chorus — "a wop bob alu bob a wop bam boom" — while bored washing dishes.
From Salon ● May 9, 2020
Beginning on the basketball courts and front stoops of Brooklyn in 1962, the Persuasions recorded rock, doo wop, blues, gospel and pop songs, all with no sound other than their own voices.
From Seattle Times ● Jul. 11, 2019
Covay started out in music in a gospel group with his siblings at school, before joining doo wop group Rainbows.
From BBC ● Feb. 4, 2015
Originally from Chicago, the two list Bob Marley and the Wailers, James Brown and Sam Cooke's doo wop as their biggest inspirations.
From New York Times ● Oct. 17, 2012
It took place in the auditorium of Red Rock High School, and lo and behold, Stargirl wop that, too.
From "Stargirl" by Jerry Spinelli
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
