Cop means to successfully purchase or acquire an item, particularly in the context of limited releases where securing the product isn't guaranteed. 'Did you cop?' is standard post-drop communication, asking whether someone successfully purchased. The term implies effort and achievement—you don't just 'buy' a hyped Supreme release, you 'cop' it, acknowledging the competition and difficulty involved. Cop can also be used as advice or statement of intent: 'definitely cop' recommends purchasing, while 'I'm trying to cop' expresses intent to attempt purchase. The opposite outcomes are typically described as 'W' (win, successful cop) or 'L' (loss, failed cop). The term extends beyond streetwear into general youth slang but retains specific resonance in contexts involving limited releases, drops, and competitive purchasing scenarios.
Definition C
Cop
To successfully purchase or acquire an item, especially a limited release.
Origin & Etymology
From American slang 'cop' meaning to grab, catch, or obtain, potentially derived from Latin 'capere' (to take). The term has existed in African American Vernacular English since at least the early 20th century but gained specific streetwear connotation in the 2000s.
