Plopping

Plopping is a term that describes both a general act and a specific technique, derived from the onomatopoeic word “plop,” which imitates a light, soft falling sound. In everyday usage, plopping signifies objects or people dropping onto a surface or into liquid with a quick, gentle landing. The gerund “plopping” denotes the action as it happens, and the word is used across contexts to convey the accompanying auditory imagery.

In common language, plopping can refer to any casual, abrupt movement that produces a plop sound, such as items being placed on a table or someone settling onto a couch. The term appears in writing, speech, and media to evoke a sensory impression of a soft, abrupt fall. Its usage is widespread in English and can be adapted to describe both literal drops and figurative, light-hearted actions.

Plopping also refers to a haircare technique popular among people with curly or wavy hair. Plopping in this context is a drying method intended to encourage curl formation and reduce frizz. After applying styling products to damp hair, the hair is gathered and laid onto a soft fabric—commonly a cotton T-shirt or a microfiber towel. The fabric is then wrapped or tied around the head to hold the curls in place while they dry, either air-drying or under a diffuser. Proponents report improved curl definition and less frizz, with variations in fabric type and wrapping style.

Notes on safety and practicality include using clean fabric to prevent buildup and avoiding excessive tension on the scalp or hair. Plopping is not essential for all hair types and may not suit every routine.