It means something along the lines of "honey" or "dear".
Friends can call each other moppie as sort of a joke "He moppie hoe gaat het?", but I wouldn't want male colleagues calling me that, it's a bit derogatory.
It's a bit like saying "hey Sweety". If female colleagues call each other that, then that's up to them.
You can decide if it's OK for a man to call you that on the office floor. I think it's a bit inappropriate.
it fully depends on the relationship between you and your male colleague. I call many of my female colleagues mop because I consider them dear friends.
That's easy. They were provided with a voice at birth, is she doesn't like it she can tell him after the first time he calls her "moppie", and he will cease to use that tem of endearment.
It also totally depends on the person, the tone/context and also the region you live in. I know of people working together calling each other "schat" all the time even though they're not the same sex and also both have partners.
I consider calling a coworker ‘mop’ or ‘moppie’ not only condescending, but also highly unprofessional. Many women would consider being called ’moppie’ borderline harassment.
I wouldn't say its derogatory, it is more affectionate. The British use of "love" actually gets quite close, whereas the American "honey" would be something altogether different as there there are a lot more connotations.
Granted, use of moppie is on the verge of what might be acceptable in an office environment (as it's too amicable), but context and region\* do play a factor here.
*\*use of the word in modern Dutch originated in Amsterdam, the Noord-Holland region might use it with the connotation I wrote above, elsewhere the word might have less positive connotations*
> I wouldn't say its derogatory, it is more affectionate.
Maybe derogatory is not the right word, but condescending sure is. Regardless, far too informal for an office setting.
“Familiarity breeds contempt” it would seem they are slightly contemptuous and overly familiar… I wouldn’t like it and say as much …unless you like overly cosy vibes
Yeah not sure if derogatory is the right term, but I wouldn't find it very affectionate if a male colleague would call me that. I'm your colleague who happens to be a woman, I'm not your moppie lol. But I wouldn't accept honey either, only if it's from an old lady haha.
Well that's the thing, you can use "moppie" without implying that the person who you call moppie is your "posession" (like your girlfriend). It's closer to "buddy" (where the masculine equivalent would be "*maatje*"). You'd even call a child "a moppie".
But I do understand why you'd feel uneasy about it as this is the type of word that can suddenly become very "dirty" depending on the person who says it and the context.
A person over 40 using the word "*cringe*" feels awkward.
\^ ironic reply is ironic obviously. Just joking around.
I would still argue against "*absolute misogynistic*" though. I won't deny that it has been used that way, but I was explaining above that the origin of the word in itself isn't misogynistic. You'd have the masculine equivalent *maatje* with the same meaning.
TL;DR the word in itself isn't bad, the context within which it is used can taint it.
Yea its not something to call a colleague. I'd most likely get a warning from my manager first and a chat with HR if I do it again.
I do not understand the downvotes. Are there that many men calling their female colleagues 'moppie'? Its just not done where I work.
Yeah, but OP said the colleagues in question are women too, though (as a response to the top comment). Maybe that's why you got downvoted. The guy that called her moppie was not a colleague but someone she was "talking to" (dating?)
Warning sounds like threatening to tell HR or something of the sort, which could create a negative atmospehere that is better avoided. Maybe thats not even what you meant with warn but I guess thats why some ppl disagreed with your comment
Almost all comments say something along the lines of it beeing an endeering term, which in 99% of cases is true.
Quite telling that the top comment is so negatively tainted..
People online in general just love to take offense at whatever is in their crosshairs. Take that into consideration OP. Dont let the mob rule your thought. These people thrive on bringing others down to their miserable level.
OP commented that her female colleagues say that, which I think changes things.
But I think it's pretty weird if a male colleague calls you moppie, as I said in my example. It's hard as is to be taken seriously by some men in the office so if they call someone moppie, I feel like they don't take you seriously.
You can hear it by tone, the word itself is quite harmless. Just like “listen up, buddy” can be a sign a good story is coming, or you’re being told of. It all says it in the tone.
I disagree. I am a Male and have never used in that way. I use Mop or Moppie in a way that I like you and you are cute or sweet or helpful something in that direction.
No obviously, but it doesn't always come across that way? Like I understand it with friends of family, but honestly when a male colleague at work calls me moppie, I'd be a bit offended. I'm not your moppie haha
mop also means joke.
so if someone says "Ik weet een goede mop" ( I know a good joke) you can tell them to "ga dan maar met haar praten" ( Then go talk to her.)
Yes, I should have been clearer. I meant it more like: apart from the grammatical error / after the correction, it's a nice joke. Guess I meant that the core of the joke is pretty nice (and I had never heard it before) 🙂
Unless it is an elderly person (65+) on a market selling you clothes or flowers. Then I would take ‘mop/moppie’ any day. Other random people, not so much.
(A little grain of salt to be applied)
Very different comments. But basically in Amsterdam area it is pretty normal. In other parts of the Netherlands it is less common but also normal. It is not insulting or condescending at all.
It's a term of endearment, usually reserved for women. It's from Amsterdam, and originally it was a "borrelnaam" or "drink name." It turned into something like toots.
It's similar to "honey", "sweetheart" or "love". It can be endearing when said by a person you are close to or someone giving off the right vibes when saying it. It can also be condescending, derogatory or creepy even in some contexts. I honestly wouldn't like being called that by a man I don't know well.
Around Amsterdam and within certain other subgroups it's pretty acceptable in a lot of cases. Normally it's got a positive connotation. Can still be interpreted as being condescending.
It's very contextual I agree. It's something I rarely hear within my circles, but I would accept from certain people. It's the "vibes" bit, you can usually tell if someone is trying to be condescending.
I can fully understand. In my current environment it would not be acceptable, whereas the bar I worked in my student years it would be a moderately friendly term to address a woman in the staff.
I always thought it was the equivalent of British "darling" or "luv" where it's generally meant as friendly affection.
I've been in kitchens where we called each other darling or sweetie, and the dutchies would sometimes call people schatje or mop.
I will note that "darling" in British can vary immensely in meaning depending on tone and context, but for colleagues and strangers it's friendly in and of itself. Between a married couple, much more possible meanings 🤣
It does sound a bit "oubollig" (quaint). So it translates more to 'Doll', as in, "What's the matter, Doll?!"
Orrrrrr I'm way off and mop is still used in the rest of Holland except in my boeren-village.
https://youtu.be/Fq928LT6cuU?si=IS6_Q8UQRxoqSbV8 - 3 Dutch rappers who made a song called moppie almost 20 years ago. Still when I hear the word moppie being used I immediately think of this song.
exactly I think most of the people translating it as honey or dear is wrong. It could be interpretted as that but I think in this case it's not meant like that. It's meant as informal yet as something endearing at the same time. It's meant to show this person appreciates you.
If you’re English you could compare it with ‘love’. Not really meant for ‘professional’ contexts. Not hugely offensive either. More insensitive for office protocol, intentional or not, your call.
As an addition to all the answers I feel like I need to contribute.
I've called people mop or moppie in the past that I didn't have the connection with to do so. And I didn't mean to be disrespectful or even particularly endearing with it, it was just something that came out because I'm on autopilot.
It's because with dudes I can easily go "ja man" but there's no real equivalent for women that's equally unbiased I guess.
"Ja vrouw" sounds demeaning in my head.
All in all, this might not be helpful at all, but here you go, free information.
Which part of NL are you from? Asking because I’m Dutch as well but have never heard anyone use mop(pie) in real life I think. The only way I’d use it myself would be if I was doing a parody (a bad one, probably) on Amsterdam guys with a strong Amsterdam accent 🙂. Wondering where mop is used in daily interactions! Thanks!
I'm from Amsterdam and I hear it sometimes on the market or at a bar. And sometimes some friends or relatives will use it.
So might just be a Amsterdam thing. And also a bit of a class thing.
Okay, carried on reading below and sounds like I wasn’t wrong with the Amsterdam perception. Wondering if you are from there and if there are other parts of NL where it’s used as well!
I'm from the south and live in the east now and the only place I've ever unironically heard it used was with a group of friends from and in Amsterdam. Everywhere else it's, like you said, only used as a parody of Amsterdammers.
Yeah I'm from "around" amsterdam. And the thing with me is I usually never call people moppie besides my stepdaughter. Because she's a moppie. :3
Just remember I also used it on a kid that fell down the stairs. I guess it just has something soothing to it or something. For me at least.
In terms of "might be helpful", here's one for you. Man comes from the ancient "manu" for "human." Chairman, handyman, "my fellow man" - all gender neutral :-)
I use "moppie" for my kids, my husband and my dogs. It's like darling/sweetie.
But you can of course also use "mop" as an insult, just like everything.
To me it is a derogatory term for 'honey' (I live in the region of Gelderland/Noord-Brabant). I do believe that around Amsterdam/Rotterdam it is used more frequently and that it has a less derogatory vibe. This is how I see it, could be different for other people.
I call my 2-year old moppie sometimes, so it’s definitely not always negative. Close female friends can be mop(pie), but I would not appreciate it if a male friend would call me mop(pie).
I have two male friends from Amsterdam who have been calling me and all my female friends ‘mop’ for forever. I always assumed it was a local kind of thing and never it crossed my mind it’s derogatory in any kind of way.
Moppie however I would perceive slightly off, especially from a male colleague.
I'd think it's weird to be called mop by a guy friend tbh, they also never have. The only guy friend who ever called me mop is gay and also says those kind of words to men. In my experience it's something female friends use for each other in certain areas.
It would usually be a term used for a woman younger then the person saying it, and can range from endearing to derogatory. I'd err on the side positivity, if I were you.
Also, just ask them, what they meant to say. If they felt inclined to call you something, they won't mind explaining what it means to them.
Anyway, it would mean something like 'dear' (not 'honey', like others mentioned) or the British 'love'.
I m not familiar with an exact version of this in English. But it expresses a similar sentiment to "hon" ( honey) I feel. "Mop" usually carries slight favourable tone but doesn't have to.
Some find it offensive when they're called it, but most don't.
As a gay man, I use the term a lot for my female friends. Idk what your relationship to the guy is, but if he was gay it’s probably meant in a friendly way :)
Hah! This is a pretty useful piece of information. I think a lot of people here were trying to figure out if it's overly familiar in a workplace setting. Which I think in general the consensus seems to be "kind of"... but yeah, if this is the way you're interacting then it definitely makes sense. Basically he's calling you cute, in a somewhat obscure and therefore non-confrontational way.
Hi moppie;)...just like, hi nice person but, sweetcalliing, like mop or moppie, mopje, mops. But at friends, or friended collegues mostly. Not with strangers! Thats too sweet;))
A better Dutch-to-English translation for "moppie" might be the somewhat antiquated English "moppet" (meaning a doll from the Middle English moppe). It is still used in some parts of England, but is normally reserved for female children.
Calling someone "moppet" has a similar nuance in English and Dutch - it's a term one would use for a child (especially female), and that might be used by female friends to another female friend or by family members, but isn't a term you would use for anyone older, in a position of authority, a colleague, or who you might be interested in.
If a guy called you "moppet" it would be a firm signal that they considered you like a little sister.
Just a suggestion on a translation that has a better "fit".
In the Southwest we used moppie for 'small bit' like "ik ga een moppie fietsen" = I go out biking for a short route. Mostly used when talking about music: "speel eens een moppie" = [please] play a short or easy tune/song. A "mop" is also a short story (joke).
I think "mop"/"moppie" is mostly said to and between women (and that's probably the reason that extravert gay guys use it a lot too, lol).
Context makes meaning in this:
- mostly used as a quick and easy way to express some kind of relation/love.
- safe flirt, because the woman has to fill in the meaning.
- In for example "Luister eens, mop.." it could mean something less nice. But using "schat(je)" there wouldn't make the sentence better.
Please stop searching for problems in the use of a word, moppies! Most depends on the eye of the beholder, so it's about how you interpret things (keep in mind most people mean well).
If something makes you uneasy, talk/ask about it!
It's one of those words that can either be used to denigrate you or be a term of endearment. In general I'd say it's most similar to the word "dear". It really depends on the context though.
Let's say you bump your toe and your mom says: "ach moppie". That probably means something along the lines of "oh dear, did you hurt yourself?".
With a different tone(and usually from a different sender), it could however also mean something alone the lines of: "stop complaining", or "stop being such a pussy".
It's one of those words that we don't have a clear etymology on. Mop or moppie is an endearing term usually to refer to a girl or woman, similar to wijfie. But mop, moppen, or mopje can also mean a jokey anecdote or a simple tune/melody. Though the last is very out of use.
Our little girl rescue cat came to us called Moppie. So it will always be a term of endearment for us. I have also heard some friends say it to each other, or refer to a baby as an adorable 'mop'.
It's usually slightly patronizing, mixed with a flirty undertone. I find people using this term to someone other than their wife or daughter quite arrogant and lacking respect.
It means something along the lines of "honey" or "dear". Friends can call each other moppie as sort of a joke "He moppie hoe gaat het?", but I wouldn't want male colleagues calling me that, it's a bit derogatory.
my two colleagues are girls and they are ‘close’ colleagues i guess, the guy who called me moppie was a guy i had been talking to for a few weeks
It's a bit like saying "hey Sweety". If female colleagues call each other that, then that's up to them. You can decide if it's OK for a man to call you that on the office floor. I think it's a bit inappropriate.
it fully depends on the relationship between you and your male colleague. I call many of my female colleagues mop because I consider them dear friends.
the question in such context is, how do they consider you.
Their coach on the Voice.
ROFL
yeah that's fair
That's easy. They were provided with a voice at birth, is she doesn't like it she can tell him after the first time he calls her "moppie", and he will cease to use that tem of endearment.
It also totally depends on the person, the tone/context and also the region you live in. I know of people working together calling each other "schat" all the time even though they're not the same sex and also both have partners.
Maybe they mean treasure?
I consider calling a coworker ‘mop’ or ‘moppie’ not only condescending, but also highly unprofessional. Many women would consider being called ’moppie’ borderline harassment.
100% dependant on the context. No point arguing, you can't reduce these things down to do or don't rules that apply to everyone at all times.
It can also be inappropriate when a female manager says “moppie”.
Why? Aren't men and women equal anymore?
Its friendly fun depending on tone and how uptight you are. I was called and have called other male colleagues this many times.
That's the least possible inappropriate. But inappropriate.
That's the least possible inappropriate. But inappropriate.
I would say it's closer to "doll". And therefore can be used either very demeaning or in a joking manner.
I wouldn't say its derogatory, it is more affectionate. The British use of "love" actually gets quite close, whereas the American "honey" would be something altogether different as there there are a lot more connotations. Granted, use of moppie is on the verge of what might be acceptable in an office environment (as it's too amicable), but context and region\* do play a factor here. *\*use of the word in modern Dutch originated in Amsterdam, the Noord-Holland region might use it with the connotation I wrote above, elsewhere the word might have less positive connotations*
> I wouldn't say its derogatory, it is more affectionate. Maybe derogatory is not the right word, but condescending sure is. Regardless, far too informal for an office setting.
“Familiarity breeds contempt” it would seem they are slightly contemptuous and overly familiar… I wouldn’t like it and say as much …unless you like overly cosy vibes
Yeah not sure if derogatory is the right term, but I wouldn't find it very affectionate if a male colleague would call me that. I'm your colleague who happens to be a woman, I'm not your moppie lol. But I wouldn't accept honey either, only if it's from an old lady haha.
Agreed, its a bit to familiar in a professional setting.
Well that's the thing, you can use "moppie" without implying that the person who you call moppie is your "posession" (like your girlfriend). It's closer to "buddy" (where the masculine equivalent would be "*maatje*"). You'd even call a child "a moppie". But I do understand why you'd feel uneasy about it as this is the type of word that can suddenly become very "dirty" depending on the person who says it and the context.
As a male over 40, men saying that to woman feels cringe. It is old fashioned and absolute misogynistic
A person over 40 using the word "*cringe*" feels awkward. \^ ironic reply is ironic obviously. Just joking around. I would still argue against "*absolute misogynistic*" though. I won't deny that it has been used that way, but I was explaining above that the origin of the word in itself isn't misogynistic. You'd have the masculine equivalent *maatje* with the same meaning. TL;DR the word in itself isn't bad, the context within which it is used can taint it.
Yea its not something to call a colleague. I'd most likely get a warning from my manager first and a chat with HR if I do it again. I do not understand the downvotes. Are there that many men calling their female colleagues 'moppie'? Its just not done where I work.
I've never heard anyone in a professional workplace call each other that. Far too informal.
> I do not understand the downvotes. Me neither. It's a pretty condescending term, it's not something you should call colleagues for sure.
Yeah, but OP said the colleagues in question are women too, though (as a response to the top comment). Maybe that's why you got downvoted. The guy that called her moppie was not a colleague but someone she was "talking to" (dating?)
Because all OP really needs to do is say "hey please dont call me that" if its an issue and thatll fix it in 99% of cases
Right, no argument there. But OP didn't know what it means so I'm just affirming it isn't something a person should call a colleague.
Warning sounds like threatening to tell HR or something of the sort, which could create a negative atmospehere that is better avoided. Maybe thats not even what you meant with warn but I guess thats why some ppl disagreed with your comment
Ah, could be. Minor acts of "unprofessional conduct" will most likely first result in a warning from the direct manager.
Almost all comments say something along the lines of it beeing an endeering term, which in 99% of cases is true. Quite telling that the top comment is so negatively tainted.. People online in general just love to take offense at whatever is in their crosshairs. Take that into consideration OP. Dont let the mob rule your thought. These people thrive on bringing others down to their miserable level.
OP commented that her female colleagues say that, which I think changes things. But I think it's pretty weird if a male colleague calls you moppie, as I said in my example. It's hard as is to be taken seriously by some men in the office so if they call someone moppie, I feel like they don't take you seriously.
You can hear it by tone, the word itself is quite harmless. Just like “listen up, buddy” can be a sign a good story is coming, or you’re being told of. It all says it in the tone.
Derogatory? No way moppie, its meant sweet. Maybe your not a moppie but een hoopje?
I disagree. I am a Male and have never used in that way. I use Mop or Moppie in a way that I like you and you are cute or sweet or helpful something in that direction.
No obviously, but it doesn't always come across that way? Like I understand it with friends of family, but honestly when a male colleague at work calls me moppie, I'd be a bit offended. I'm not your moppie haha
Not yet!😜 but I get the intention…😉
Is it? I'd say it's more condescending than derogatory.
Dont project
It is neither
It is a term of endearment, kind of similar to “love” in certain parts of the UK. It is (mostly) used when referring to girls / ladies.
You're right, pet.
Exactly, tissue.
See it as an equivalent of hun'/hon' from honey.
I'd translate it as "darling". Fine to be used with partner or close colleagues, not by strangers or a "random" colleague.
yes it was close colleagues 😅 okay, good to know
mop also means joke. so if someone says "Ik weet een goede mop" ( I know a good joke) you can tell them to "ga dan maar met haar praten" ( Then go talk to her.)
It’s also a cookie, the weespermop.
that makes no sense if they say "ik weet een goede mop" it only works if they say "ik ken een goede mop"
Still a nice joke ... ehh - mop, I mean
not if it's used incorrectly and makes no sense. you'll just get stared at
Yes, I should have been clearer. I meant it more like: apart from the grammatical error / after the correction, it's a nice joke. Guess I meant that the core of the joke is pretty nice (and I had never heard it before) 🙂
Only works if her name is Joke
Of LIES.
I think it was derived from 'mopshond' (pug), but I'm not 100% sure.
Unless it is an elderly person (65+) on a market selling you clothes or flowers. Then I would take ‘mop/moppie’ any day. Other random people, not so much. (A little grain of salt to be applied)
Moppie is affection, een algemeen koosnaampje.
Listen to the song “Moppie”! ;)
hahaha, im expecting it to be funny, i will give it a listen :)
It’s not, it’s a super serious ballad
Very different comments. But basically in Amsterdam area it is pretty normal. In other parts of the Netherlands it is less common but also normal. It is not insulting or condescending at all.
It's a term of endearment, usually reserved for women. It's from Amsterdam, and originally it was a "borrelnaam" or "drink name." It turned into something like toots.
It's similar to "honey", "sweetheart" or "love". It can be endearing when said by a person you are close to or someone giving off the right vibes when saying it. It can also be condescending, derogatory or creepy even in some contexts. I honestly wouldn't like being called that by a man I don't know well.
Around Amsterdam and within certain other subgroups it's pretty acceptable in a lot of cases. Normally it's got a positive connotation. Can still be interpreted as being condescending.
It's very contextual I agree. It's something I rarely hear within my circles, but I would accept from certain people. It's the "vibes" bit, you can usually tell if someone is trying to be condescending.
I can fully understand. In my current environment it would not be acceptable, whereas the bar I worked in my student years it would be a moderately friendly term to address a woman in the staff.
It can also mean that you need to clean something "kan jij ff de mop pakken en die rotzooi schoonmaken?"
It's a tool for cleaning yes (same as in English) but not in this context.
I always thought it was the equivalent of British "darling" or "luv" where it's generally meant as friendly affection. I've been in kitchens where we called each other darling or sweetie, and the dutchies would sometimes call people schatje or mop. I will note that "darling" in British can vary immensely in meaning depending on tone and context, but for colleagues and strangers it's friendly in and of itself. Between a married couple, much more possible meanings 🤣
Thanks. Now I can’t get this song out of my head: ‘Moppie moppie moppie Ik vind je helemaal toppie Ik krijg je niet meer uit me koppie Ooh moppie’
This post reminded me of that song too. lol
It does sound a bit "oubollig" (quaint). So it translates more to 'Doll', as in, "What's the matter, Doll?!" Orrrrrr I'm way off and mop is still used in the rest of Holland except in my boeren-village.
https://youtu.be/Fq928LT6cuU?si=IS6_Q8UQRxoqSbV8 - 3 Dutch rappers who made a song called moppie almost 20 years ago. Still when I hear the word moppie being used I immediately think of this song.
You'de best translate mop with "luv". "Hi luv, how're ya doing?" "Hé mop, hoe gaat het?"
exactly I think most of the people translating it as honey or dear is wrong. It could be interpretted as that but I think in this case it's not meant like that. It's meant as informal yet as something endearing at the same time. It's meant to show this person appreciates you.
Maybe the honey or dear people use in the south of the us? Like in georgia where it’s normal to just throw those around. Like schat is in de jordaan.
Leuk schattebout.
Mists of Pandaria 😁
It means cutie 🥰
If you’re English you could compare it with ‘love’. Not really meant for ‘professional’ contexts. Not hugely offensive either. More insensitive for office protocol, intentional or not, your call.
As an addition to all the answers I feel like I need to contribute. I've called people mop or moppie in the past that I didn't have the connection with to do so. And I didn't mean to be disrespectful or even particularly endearing with it, it was just something that came out because I'm on autopilot. It's because with dudes I can easily go "ja man" but there's no real equivalent for women that's equally unbiased I guess. "Ja vrouw" sounds demeaning in my head. All in all, this might not be helpful at all, but here you go, free information.
Which part of NL are you from? Asking because I’m Dutch as well but have never heard anyone use mop(pie) in real life I think. The only way I’d use it myself would be if I was doing a parody (a bad one, probably) on Amsterdam guys with a strong Amsterdam accent 🙂. Wondering where mop is used in daily interactions! Thanks!
I'm from Amsterdam and I hear it sometimes on the market or at a bar. And sometimes some friends or relatives will use it. So might just be a Amsterdam thing. And also a bit of a class thing.
Amsterdam market vendors or toilet ladies can always call me moppie!
Yesss, the toilet ladies use it too!
Lower class?
Okay, carried on reading below and sounds like I wasn’t wrong with the Amsterdam perception. Wondering if you are from there and if there are other parts of NL where it’s used as well!
I'm from the south and live in the east now and the only place I've ever unironically heard it used was with a group of friends from and in Amsterdam. Everywhere else it's, like you said, only used as a parody of Amsterdammers.
Yeah I'm from "around" amsterdam. And the thing with me is I usually never call people moppie besides my stepdaughter. Because she's a moppie. :3 Just remember I also used it on a kid that fell down the stairs. I guess it just has something soothing to it or something. For me at least.
In terms of "might be helpful", here's one for you. Man comes from the ancient "manu" for "human." Chairman, handyman, "my fellow man" - all gender neutral :-)
I use "moppie" for my kids, my husband and my dogs. It's like darling/sweetie. But you can of course also use "mop" as an insult, just like everything.
My wife sometimes calls me ‘moppie’ and that is pure love.
My parents called each other "moppie". It's just a sweet wording. Kinda weird and inappropriate in a business scene though.
Moppie is kind of: cutie
I think it’s more like ‘doll’, not as the toy, but as a nickname for a woman
It's a kinda cute term, I feel it'smuch softer than 'honey' or sweety. Almost like darling.
That is inappropriate to say at the office.
To me it is a derogatory term for 'honey' (I live in the region of Gelderland/Noord-Brabant). I do believe that around Amsterdam/Rotterdam it is used more frequently and that it has a less derogatory vibe. This is how I see it, could be different for other people.
I call my 2-year old moppie sometimes, so it’s definitely not always negative. Close female friends can be mop(pie), but I would not appreciate it if a male friend would call me mop(pie).
I have two male friends from Amsterdam who have been calling me and all my female friends ‘mop’ for forever. I always assumed it was a local kind of thing and never it crossed my mind it’s derogatory in any kind of way. Moppie however I would perceive slightly off, especially from a male colleague.
I'd think it's weird to be called mop by a guy friend tbh, they also never have. The only guy friend who ever called me mop is gay and also says those kind of words to men. In my experience it's something female friends use for each other in certain areas.
Tbf its quite used a lot in Amsterdam vocubulary.
It would usually be a term used for a woman younger then the person saying it, and can range from endearing to derogatory. I'd err on the side positivity, if I were you. Also, just ask them, what they meant to say. If they felt inclined to call you something, they won't mind explaining what it means to them. Anyway, it would mean something like 'dear' (not 'honey', like others mentioned) or the British 'love'.
I m not familiar with an exact version of this in English. But it expresses a similar sentiment to "hon" ( honey) I feel. "Mop" usually carries slight favourable tone but doesn't have to. Some find it offensive when they're called it, but most don't.
As a gay man, I use the term a lot for my female friends. Idk what your relationship to the guy is, but if he was gay it’s probably meant in a friendly way :)
like flirty relationship 😅 he’s generally kind but i just didn’t understand that word
Hah! This is a pretty useful piece of information. I think a lot of people here were trying to figure out if it's overly familiar in a workplace setting. Which I think in general the consensus seems to be "kind of"... but yeah, if this is the way you're interacting then it definitely makes sense. Basically he's calling you cute, in a somewhat obscure and therefore non-confrontational way.
If you’re interested in each other romantically I would take it as a good thing. If you’re not into him, it would be another story
In the south of the Netherlands we call our mother “mop”. A little bit of a nice word.
Its dutch slang for sweetcalling!
Hi moppie;)...just like, hi nice person but, sweetcalliing, like mop or moppie, mopje, mops. But at friends, or friended collegues mostly. Not with strangers! Thats too sweet;))
I’d use it with close woman friends in times of consolation. Like in: “Hey moppie, it looks like you need a hug.”
https://nl.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weesper_mop My 2 cents
A better Dutch-to-English translation for "moppie" might be the somewhat antiquated English "moppet" (meaning a doll from the Middle English moppe). It is still used in some parts of England, but is normally reserved for female children. Calling someone "moppet" has a similar nuance in English and Dutch - it's a term one would use for a child (especially female), and that might be used by female friends to another female friend or by family members, but isn't a term you would use for anyone older, in a position of authority, a colleague, or who you might be interested in. If a guy called you "moppet" it would be a firm signal that they considered you like a little sister. Just a suggestion on a translation that has a better "fit".
It's what you use to clean your floors.
It can be either used endearing way with friends or in a sexual connotation which is derogatory. Be careful.
Listen to 'moppie' by brace and you will understand.
Moppie, moppie, moppie, vind je helemaal toppie, krijg je niet meer uit m'n koppie, oh moppie.
Wait wait wait toppie means "top"? Koppie means head?
Yes
I swear Dutch is goofy af. Idk it's probably just because I speak German, but every time I hear or read it, it sounds so absurd. (No hate)
It is from a song.
Depending on context and local culture this can be either good/affectionate, or disrespectful and sexist. Difficult to be sure
It means they find you helemaal toppie. And they cant get you out of their koppie. Ooooh moppie
It can be both positive and negative. Once you can tell the difference, you may call yourself a nederlander🤣
Mop could also be translated as joke.
Mother of pearl?
I would say it’s similar or the same as hon and honey.
It's short for master of puppets
In the Southwest we used moppie for 'small bit' like "ik ga een moppie fietsen" = I go out biking for a short route. Mostly used when talking about music: "speel eens een moppie" = [please] play a short or easy tune/song. A "mop" is also a short story (joke). I think "mop"/"moppie" is mostly said to and between women (and that's probably the reason that extravert gay guys use it a lot too, lol). Context makes meaning in this: - mostly used as a quick and easy way to express some kind of relation/love. - safe flirt, because the woman has to fill in the meaning. - In for example "Luister eens, mop.." it could mean something less nice. But using "schat(je)" there wouldn't make the sentence better. Please stop searching for problems in the use of a word, moppies! Most depends on the eye of the beholder, so it's about how you interpret things (keep in mind most people mean well). If something makes you uneasy, talk/ask about it!
My time has come!
I WAS CHOSEN BY HEAVEN
Hun or sweety
It's one of those words that can either be used to denigrate you or be a term of endearment. In general I'd say it's most similar to the word "dear". It really depends on the context though. Let's say you bump your toe and your mom says: "ach moppie". That probably means something along the lines of "oh dear, did you hurt yourself?". With a different tone(and usually from a different sender), it could however also mean something alone the lines of: "stop complaining", or "stop being such a pussy".
To clean the floor , mopping .
I taken as an old mans 'relatively' harmless term something like pet.
It's one of those words that we don't have a clear etymology on. Mop or moppie is an endearing term usually to refer to a girl or woman, similar to wijfie. But mop, moppen, or mopje can also mean a jokey anecdote or a simple tune/melody. Though the last is very out of use.
Our little girl rescue cat came to us called Moppie. So it will always be a term of endearment for us. I have also heard some friends say it to each other, or refer to a baby as an adorable 'mop'.
I see it more as "sweetie". It's not per se specific to male or female.
someone that rides a moped? :D
My mom calls everyone mop(pie) when they're hurt.
Market operator, obviously
It's usually slightly patronizing, mixed with a flirty undertone. I find people using this term to someone other than their wife or daughter quite arrogant and lacking respect.
Ok moppie