Definition of mope about

The phrase "mope about" originated in the early 20th century, specifically in the mid-1910s. The word "mope" has been used since the late 19th century to describe a person who appears sad, melancholic, or listless. Initially, the verb "mope" was used on its own to describe this behavior, but over time it became combined with other prepositions and verbs to convey different meanings. The phrase "mope about" first appeared in print in the context of describing people who looked unhappy or discontent in their environment. According to historical records, the phrase was first used in a 1914 article in the Saturday Westminster from London titled "In and About Town." The author used the phrase to describe a group of people who seemed to be wandering aimlessly around the city, looking sad and displeased. The combination of "mope" and "about" may have evolved from the fact that people who are moping may seem to be walking or moving about listlessly, as if they have nowhere in particular to go. Alternatively, the phrase could have evolved from the expression "look about" or "loiter about," which are phrases used in the same context to describe people who seem to be aimlessly moving around. The meanings of "mope" and "mope about" have not changed significantly since they first entered the English language. Both words continue to be used to describe feelings of dejection and sadness, and the phrase "mope about" is still commonly used today to describe people who are wandering around looking unhappy or discontent, particularly in informal contexts such as everyday conversation.