Jerry Saltz

Mark Grotjahn's large new paintings abound with torrents of ropy impasto, laid down in thickets, cascading waves, and bundles that swell, braid around, or overlap one another.

American Critic

Picture something long and thin to help remember 'ropy' describes similar shapes.

Visual Imagery

'Ropy' often implies a slightly rough or textured appearance, similar to a rope.

Texture Implication

Some textures, like melted cheese or caramel, remind people of ropes, calling them 'ropy'.

Consistency Clue

'Ropy' used for quality suggests a strong disappointment or dissatisfaction.

Negative Nuance

'Ropy' implying poor quality is mainly used in Britain, be cautious in other English-speaking regions.

Not Universal

This meaning of 'ropy' is informal and might not be suitable for formal contexts.