Copium

Updated: 12/10/2023 by Computer Hope
Pepe the frog inhaling copium.

A portmanteau of the words "cope" and "opium," copium is a meme term referring to a metaphorical drug that someone inhales when faced with defeat, loss, or failure. For example, someone discussing a serious problem might get a comment with an overly optimistic viewpoint, ignoring the gravity of the situation, and be accused of indulging in "copium."

Popularized in chat and Internet slang, copium is used humorously on many online platforms, especially gaming and esports, like Twitch.

Note

Copium was featured as a top term of 2016.

Copium origins

The word "copium" first appeared as a title for a Hip Hop album by Keak da Sneak in 2003. However, it remained unused until it gained traction on Reddit in 2016, when it was used against Internet users upset about the U.S. presidential election.

Chat terms, Game terms, Internet terms, Slang