Slang of the Day: ‘swoop’

‘Swoop’ means giving someone a ride, or to get a ride from someone. It is also used to describe when you take something from someone or something is taken from you.

Let’s say it’s payday. You’re feeling great, you’ve got a full tank, and you want to kick it with your favorite people. You hit the group chat to see if they’re down to meet up at the spot. You get a couple thumbs ups then your best friend says, “I would, but my car’s in the shop.” You don’t want her to miss out so you decide to give her a ride. You say, “Don’t trip. I’ll swoop in 15.” This is how ‘swoop’ is mostly used, but it’s not the only way.

It’s the third week back to school. You’ve been sitting in the same seat every day in class. You head into the room and you see someone in your spot. You got swooped on. It was yours, and now it’s not.

It’s like when you’re dancing with someone at the club and you’re a few songs in. You’re loving the vibe and you want to keep going, but your bladder is full so you take a break. You come back to see him dancing with another girl. Swooped.

The word itself sounds like a sweeping motion, or something being snatched up. That’s essentially what’s happening. You’re getting picked up, in the sense of a ride, or something of yours is being taken.