Etymology Clipping of copious, Coined by Illinois Department of Natural Resources in 2022 in reference of the abundance of Asian carp as well as to give it a less racist name.
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Asian carp
Chiefly Illinois
Now imagine if copi becomes the new tuna or tilapia or shrimp. Skyrocketing demand could encourage a surge in fishing, which in turn could help restore some semblance of ecological balance in rivers up and down the Mississippi watershed.2022 June 22, Patti Wetli, “Introducing Copi, the Fish Formerly Known as Asian Carp”, in WTTW:
You’re in the mood for fish and your server suggests a dish of invasive carp. Ugh, you might say. But how about broiled copi, fresh from the Mississippi River?2022 June 22, John Flesher, “A ‘copi’ fillet? Illinois hopes new name for ‘invasive carp’ will convince diners”, in PBS:
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That may as well be the new battle cry for Illinois fishery managers trying to rebrand four invasive species of Asian carp as copi.2022 July 1, Chris Bentley, “If you can't beat 'em, eat 'em: Illinois fisheries rebrand the invasive Asian carp”, in WBUR:
It’s “copi,” short for “copious,” which the fish certainly are in Illinois’s waterways. Copi are actually four very different fish species native to China: grass, bighead, black, and silver carp.2022 August 14, Christian Elliot, “This Invasive Fish Got an Anti-Racist Rebrand”, in Sierra:
Copi
noun
Etymology By shortening of Copious, coined in 2022 by Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
"Copi is a great name: Short, crisp and easy to say. What diner won't be intrigued when they read Copi tacos or Copi burgers on a menu?"2022 June 22, Jelisa Castrodale, quoting Colleen Callahan, “What Is Copi? A New Name for an Invasive Fish”, in Food&Wine: