cop-out
UK[ˈkɒp aʊt]US[ˈkɑːp aʊt]
n
an excuse for not doing something
n
an act of avoiding a commitment or responsibility
Etymology
The term "cop-out" originated in 20th-century American slang, evolving from the verbal phrase "to cop out." The core verb "cop," meaning to seize or take, acquired the specific sense of "to plead guilty" or "to confess" in underworld argot. From this legal context, "cop out" broadened to mean evading a difficult situation by making an excuse or confession. The noun form, "a cop-out," thus concretizes this action, labeling the excuse or the act of avoidance itself as a failure to take responsibility or face a challenge.
Analysis
This is a compound noun formed from the verb phrase "cop out." The word "cop" is slang, likely from the Northern English dialect verb 'cop' meaning 'to catch' or 'seize,' which itself may derive from Old French 'caper' (to take). "Out" is from Old English 'ūt,' an adverb meaning 'outside' or 'away.'
Examples
Saying you're too tired is just a cop-out.
His sudden illness was a convenient cop-out for missing the meeting.
Don't give me that cop-out; you promised you would help.