Pimp Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pimp

[pɪmp ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

criminal slang

A pimp is someone who controls prostitutes and arranges clients for them, taking a percentage of their earnings in return.

Synonyms

fancy man, madam, pander, procurer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pimp	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.
procurer	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.
madam	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.
pander	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.
fancy man	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.

Examples of usage

He was arrested for running a pimping operation.
The police cracked down on the local pimps.
The pimp forced the young women into prostitution.
The pimp was known for his violent methods.
She managed to escape from the clutches of her pimp.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

slang

To pimp can also mean to make something more showy or impressive, often in a way that is cheap or vulgar.

Synonyms

decorate, embellish, gussy up, spruce up.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pimp	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.
decorate	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.
embellish	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.
gussy up	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.
spruce up	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.

Examples of usage

She pimped out her car with neon lights.
He pimped his outfit with flashy jewelry.
The club was pimped with velvet curtains and gold decorations.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

In modern media, the word is often glamorized, seen in films and music like Snoop Dogg's 'P.I.M.P,' which portrays a flashy lifestyle.
The reality television show 'Pimp My Ride' used 'pimp' to mean enhancing something, but completely different from the original meaning.

Psychology

Individuals who engage in this profession often have complex psychological backgrounds, including experiences of trauma or economic hardship.
Research shows that manipulation and control are key aspects of the relationship dynamics seen in this field.

Sociology

This word often reflects societal attitudes towards sex work and can perpetuate stigmas, creating barriers for understanding the realities of sex workers.
In many communities, people in this role often face legal and social consequences, impacting their lives and relationships.

History

Throughout history, different cultures have had varying views on this profession – some accepting it as a necessity while others criminalizing it.
The profession saw significant changes during major events like the sexual revolution of the 1960s, leading to increased debate about sex work.

Origin of 'pimp'

Main points about word origin

The word is believed to have come from the Middle French 'pimp,' which meant to make or embellish.
Initially, the term referred to someone who flirted or boasted, but it evolved to its current meaning by the 19th century.

The word 'pimp' originated in the 17th century and was originally used to describe a man who acted as a procurer of prostitutes. Over time, the term has evolved to also refer to someone who makes something more showy or impressive. The etymology of 'pimp' is uncertain, but it is believed to have come from the French 'pimper', meaning to dress elegantly or to adorn.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,317, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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26314 cannibal
26315 pout
26316 deregulated
26317 pimp
26318 braver
26319 sylvan
26320 plopped
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