Meeslepen

Meeslepen is a colloquial Dutch verb meaning to drag someone along into an activity or situation, typically through social pressure or mild coercion rather than genuine willingness. The action can be physical or metaphorical, such as persuading a friend to join a plan or event they would rather skip. The term emphasizes the social dynamic of getting someone to participate despite reluctance.

Etymology and spread: The word combines mee-, meaning “together,” with slepen, “to drag.” It originated in informal speech and online communities, and has circulated primarily in the Netherlands and Flemish-speaking areas. It is not a formal dictionary entry in major language references, but it is widely understood in contemporary colloquial Dutch.

Usage: Meeslepen is typically used to describe situations in which one person induces another to take part, often with a hint of humor or critique about the pressure involved. It can carry a sense of reluctance or discomfort on the part of the person being dragged along. Example: Ze probeerden me mee te slepen naar de film, maar ik ging niet mee. Alternatively: Ze hebben hem mee gesleept naar het feestje tegen zijn zin. Note: grammar may vary with tense; the prefix is separable in many constructions.

See also: meedoen, meehelpen, meeleven, meevaren. Cultural notes: usage varies by region and age group; more common in informal speech and online platforms.