Used to describe minor concessions or superficial measures given to satisfy demands. Discount coupons were offered as a sop to the unhappy customers.
Pro Tip 2/3
Critically Insufficient
A sop is often seen as inadequate compared to what is actually needed or expected. The manager's apology felt like a sop and didn't mend the team's low morale.
Pro Tip 3/3
Token Offering
Highlighting triviality, 'sop' can imply that the offering is symbolic rather than of tangible benefit. Free coffee in the office is nice but it's a sop and doesn't replace fair pay.