Pronunciation: [kˈɒp ˈa͡ʊts] (IPA) 
The word "cop outs" is the plural form of "cop-out" and refers to an act of avoiding responsibility or accountability. It is pronounced as /kɒp aʊts/ and spelled as "c-o-p" followed by a hyphen and then "o-u-t-s". The "o" is pronounced as a diphthong, meaning it has two vowel sounds, /aʊ/ which is a combination of /a/ and /ʊ/. This word is commonly used in informal and colloquial language and has a negative connotation.
Cop outs, derived from the phrasal verb "cop out," refer to actions or excuses that demonstrate a person's unwillingness or inability to fulfill responsibilities, commitments, or confront challenging situations. This term is commonly used to describe someone who avoids taking responsibility or tackling difficult circumstances by evading their duties or making feeble excuses.
Cop outs are often seen as a symptom of a lack of courage, integrity, or accountability. Instead of finding solutions or addressing issues head-on, individuals resort to cop outs as a means of escaping discomfort or avoiding confrontation. Such behavior can lead to a loss of trust and respect from others, as it implies a lack of reliability or commitment to one's obligations.
Cop outs can take various forms, including making empty promises, offering insincere apologies, deflecting blame onto others, or fabricating excuses to justify their actions or inactions. When confronted with challenging decisions or situations, those who engage in cop outs may opt for the easier route, lacking the fortitude to endure the potential consequences or difficulty that comes with facing and resolving problems.
It is important to distinguish cop outs from legitimate instances of switching priorities or refusing to engage in activities that go against one's personal values or beliefs. Cop outs manifest as a consistent pattern of avoidance or unreliability, demonstrating a lack of strength or reliability in handling responsibilities.
The term "cop out" dates back to the early 20th century, originally derived from the verb "cop" meaning "to catch" or "to seize". It originates from the police slang used in American English, where "cop" initially referred to a police officer. Over time, "cop out" emerged as a colloquial expression within police culture to describe an officer's decision to not follow through on their duties or responsibilities.
The term later expanded beyond law enforcement and gained a broader meaning in common language. Today, "cop out" is generally used to describe someone's act of avoiding or evading a responsibility or commitment through an excuse or a deliberate act of opting for an easier way out.
