Quick answer
Tripe has two main meanings: a type of edible animal stomach lining, and a blunt word for worthless nonsense.
Word page
Tripe Meaning
Tripe means the edible lining of an animal stomach; figuratively, it means nonsense or worthless talk and writing. Tripe is one of those words that moved from the kitchen into criticism. It can name a real food, but in everyday figurative use it often means writing, talk, or entertainment that someone thinks is worthless.
At a glance
Speech, Noise, and Verbal NonsenseFunny-Sounding WordsTiny Things and Trifles
How to say it
Pronunciation tip: say tripe with a clear stress pattern: TRYPE.
Meaning in plain English
In plain English, tripe can mean food made from stomach lining, but it is often used figuratively for nonsense or worthless material. If someone calls an article, movie, or argument tripe, they are judging it harshly.
Tone, context, and nuance
Tripe is sharper than piffle and less playful than poppycock. It often carries contempt, especially when used about writing, entertainment, or public claims.
Example sentences
- Simple: That article is absolute tripe.
- Everyday: He dismissed the conspiracy theory as tripe.
- Writing: The critic called the screenplay sentimental tripe.
- Food: The stew included tripe, onions, and herbs.
- Awkward: "She is tripe." Better: "Her argument is tripe."
Common mistakes
| Common mistake | Better guidance |
|---|---|
| Forgetting the food meaning | Tripe can be a literal food as well as a figurative insult. |
| Using it too gently | Calling something tripe is a strong dismissal. |
| Saying it has two syllables | Tripe is one syllable: TRYPE. |
| Using it for people | A book or claim can be tripe; a person is not usually "tripe." |
Synonyms and similar words
| Similar word | Difference or nuance |
|---|---|
| drivel | Worthless or foolish talk and writing. |
| rubbish | Plain informal dismissal. |
| nonsense | Broad and neutral compared with tripe. |
| claptrap | Empty, showy talk. |
| offal | Literal animal organs or parts used as food, not usually the figurative meaning. |
Opposite words
quality, sense, substance, truth, worthwhile writing
Word family
Tripe is a noun. The adjective tripey or tripy is rare and informal; most writers simply use "tripe" as a noun.
Word origin
Tripe is an old culinary word for stomach lining used as food. Its figurative sense developed from the idea of something considered low-value or unappealing.
Writing tip
Use tripe when you want a blunt negative verdict. If you only mean "unclear," choose confusing; if you mean "false," choose false or misleading.
Common questions
- What does tripe mean in simple words? Tripe means animal stomach lining as food, or worthless nonsense in figurative use.
- How do you pronounce tripe? Tripe is pronounced TRYPE.
- Is tripe rude? It can be rude or harsh when used to describe someone’s writing, argument, or work.
- What is the difference between tripe and drivel? Tripe is a blunt verdict of worthlessness; drivel focuses on foolish or worthless talk and writing.
- What is another word for tripe? Similar words include drivel, rubbish, nonsense, claptrap, and offal in the food sense.
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Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 14, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.