CultureJuly 5, 2026

copium

/ˈkoʊpiəm/

Definition

A metaphorical substance used to cope with disappointment, frustration, or the failure of something to meet one's expectations.

Etymology

The word is a portmanteau of 'cope' and 'opium.' It emerged in internet slang to describe the act of 'consuming' a drug-like comforting belief to soothe oneself when facing an unpleasant reality.

In the news

The author suggests that soulslike fans use humor as a form of 'copium' to deal with the intense frustration and repeated deaths inherent in difficult games. It highlights how players laugh off their struggles to maintain their morale.

How Modern Gaming Changed Culture and Memes

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GameGrin

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