Dupe (noun / Internet Slang)
(Also heard as: Dupes, Dupe culture, Duplicate)
Definition:
A dupe is a cheaper product that looks or works like a more expensive one, such as a budget perfume that smells like a luxury brand. Shoppers share dupes to get the same look for less.
Where Dupe Comes From:
“Dupe” is short for “duplicate”. It took off on TikTok around 2021, when “dupe hauls” and “is it a dupe?” videos became a big part of beauty and fashion content.
How People Actually Use Dupe:
Used when recommending or comparing products: “this lipstick is a perfect dupe”. It is also used about copies in general.
Is Dupe Rude?
No, though brands may see dupes as copying, and the word sometimes sits close to counterfeits.
Examples in the Wild:
- “Found the perfect dupe for that £200 bag.”Meaning: I found a cheap lookalike.
- “Is this a dupe of the original?”Meaning: Is it a similar cheaper version?
- “Dupe culture is huge right now.”Meaning: People love cheaper copies.
Similar Slang:
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