cupper

Cupper refers to a person who works with copper. Historically, this term was most commonly associated with coppersmiths, artisans who craft objects from copper. These objects could range from functional items like pots, pans, and kettles to decorative pieces and architectural elements. Coppersmithing is a skilled trade that involves heating, hammering, and shaping copper to create desired forms. The work often requires significant physical strength and precision.

In some contexts, cupper can also refer to individuals involved in the mining or processing of copper ore. This might include miners who extract the raw material or workers in smelters and refineries where the ore is processed into usable copper metal. The term is less common in modern industrial settings, where more specific job titles like miner, smelter operator, or refinery technician are typically used.

More recently, the term "cupper" has gained a specific meaning within the sport of competitive dog grooming. In this context, a cupper is a groomer who specializes in preparing dogs for conformation shows. Their role is to meticulously groom and style a dog's coat to highlight its best features and conform to the breed standard. This involves precise trimming, brushing, and styling techniques. The term is a colloquialism within the dog show community.