Pimp: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used in a negative context to describe a person who manages prostitutes for profit. This word has a strong pejorative connotation and should be used cautiously.

• The police arrested the pimp during the raid.
• He was known in the underground community as a dangerous pimp.

A more formal term that describes someone who obtains people for exploitation, such as procuring individuals for prostitution. It usually carries a negative connotation.

• The procurer was charged with human trafficking and exploitation.
• She worked as a procurer, luring vulnerable people into illegal activities.

Used for a woman who manages a brothel. The word is generally neutral but can adopt negative connotations depending on the context.

• The madam negotiated with clients and ensured the safety of her workers.
• They suspected the elegant lady was actually a madam running a high-class brothel.

This term can describe someone who indulges the immoral or base desires of others. It is often used in a broader sense beyond prostitution, like pandering to preferences or tastes. The term has a negative connotation.

• The politician was accused of pandering to the interests of big businesses.
• He made decisions to pander to his boss's whims.

Often used in British English, 'fancy man' can refer to a woman's lover, especially one who is perceived as being in the relationship for material gain. It can be neutral or carry a slightly disapproving tone depending on the context.

• She was spotted with her fancy man at the high-end restaurant.
• People whispered about her wealthy fancy man who bought her expensive gifts.

Primarily used informally and often in a negative or vulgar context to mean making something more flashy or showy, sometimes excessively.

• He decided to pimp his ride with neon lights and new rims.
• She pimped her phone case with glitter and stickers.

Used in formal and informal contexts to describe adding items or design elements to improve the aesthetic appeal of a space or object.

• They decorated the living room with new furniture.
• The kids love to decorate the Christmas tree every year.

Generally used in more formal or literary contexts to describe adding details or features to something, often to make it more attractive or interesting. It can also imply exaggeration when used figuratively.

• She embellished her story with dramatic details.
• The artist decided to embellish the painting with gold leaf.

An informal term often used to describe making someone or something look fancier or more attractive, usually with clothing or accessories.

• They decided to gussy up for the party.
• She spent hours gussying up the house for the guests.

Used informally to describe cleaning, organizing, or improving the appearance of something or someone in a neat and tidy way.

• He spruced up the garden before the visitors arrived.
• We need to spruce up the office before the big meeting.