Pronunciation: [ˈə͡ʊp] (IPA) 
The word "Ope," spelled with just two letters, is an old-fashioned way of saying "open." The correct pronunciation of "Ope" is /oʊp/. It's a good example of how the English language can have multiple ways of spelling the same sound. In this case, the long "o" sound is spelled with just a single letter, followed by the "p" sound. While not commonly used nowadays, the word "Ope" can still be found in some literature or historical texts.
Ope is an informal and slang term primarily used in American English. This word is characterized as an interjection, which means it is an abrupt or exclamatory remark used to express surprise, excitement, or annoyance.
Derived from the dialect and colloquial speech of the Midwestern United States, particularly regions like Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio, ope is a versatile term used in everyday conversations. Its popularity has spread through various social media platforms, contributing to its prevalence in modern American English.
Ope is often used as a response to unexpected or sudden occurrences, functioning as a substitute for phrases like "Oops!", "Oops, sorry!", or "Oh!" It is similar in meaning to these words and is employed in situations where one wants to quickly acknowledge a mistake, apologize, or express surprise.
For instance, if someone accidentally bumps into another person at a grocery store, they might say "Ope, sorry about that!" to acknowledge their unintended contact. Alternatively, if someone accidentally drops a plate, they may exclaim, "Ope, I broke it!" to quickly acknowledge the mishap.
Overall, ope serves as a concise and lighthearted way to express a range of emotions, particularly those related to surprise, mild regret, or awkwardness.
Poetic spelling for open.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Ope" is an abbreviated form of the word "open". It originated from the Middle English word "openen" which was influenced by the Old English word "openian". The term "Ope" emerged in the 16th century as a shortened version and is often used in poetic or archaic contexts.
