Origin of props = kudos?

Factual Questions
1

I may be accused of living in a cave, but I have only recently begun to hear the phrase “Props to …” as a substitute for “Kudos to …”

I Googled and found that the OED added “props” to their 2001 edition, as follows.

PROPS - prAHps (n. pl.): (a) Stage requirements (theatrical slang), short for properties. (b) Accolades or kudos, as in Mad props to my peeps!. An expression of appreciation.

The news release goes on to say that “Props, which is defined below, has been in use previously only in highly urbanized areas (in addition to some wanna-bes in the 'burbs). However, say officials, “We can not continue to deny the immense utility of the word.” Before the end of February, Props is expected to have swept the country, in schools and high society alike, becoming the new bon ton when giving your friends and family kudos or other signs of appreciation.”

So my question is, how did “props” as a replacement for “kudos” come about?

2

I believe it is short for “proper respect.”

3

I think you will find that a previous thread covered it pretty well.

http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=49750&highlight=props

4

Sheesh. I guess I have been living in a cave! (well, midwestern suburbs, which can be the same thing.)

Thanks for the link samclem, and for the quick correct answer Emilio.

And leave it to me to be beaten to the question by Why A Duck by over a year-and-a-half. :smack:

Mods, I guess you can lock this thread to make room for more intelligent threads.

5

I may be kinda slow in the head, but that article you quoted from sounds totally fake. Where did you find it?

6

Achernar, good catch.Here is the link.

It was the first item listed when I Googled “props expression kudos”.

Upon further inspection, it sure reads like an Onion type parody. Shame on me for not doing further research. I’m usually quite skeptical too.

Furthermore, I cannot find any dictionary reference to “props” online, not even in a slang dictionary.

7

I heard Arsenio Hall talking about giving his guests their “propers” back when he had his late night show – so that’s what, 10 years ago. I clearly understood that “propers” meant “proper respect.” And from that, I guess it was shortened to “props.”

8

It certainly goes back to Aretha’s version of “Respect” (I can’t remember if Otis Redding’s original has the same wording)

I 'm about to give you - all of my money
And all I’m asking in return honey
is for you to give me my propers when ya get home…

or something like that…

9

I dunno, I couple of sites (one []here) have the word as profits

10

Talk about inconsistent lyrics!!!

This site gives the lyrics as…

I’m out to give you all my money
but all I askin’ in return, honey,
is to give me my proper respect
when you get home, yeah baby,
when you get home.

While this site shows…

Hey little girl, you’re so sweeter than honey
And I am about to just give you all my money
All I’m asking for
Is a little respect when I come home.

And this one has…

I’m about to give you all my money
And all I’m asking in return honey
Is to give me my profits when you get home
(Justa Justa Justa) Yeah baby when you get home

11

I don’t care what any site has - the word in question is NOT “profits” - eeesh. Listen to the song!!!

Seeing the quote above reminded me - the version listed is Redding’s original lyric (note the reference to a girl - smart, aren’t I?). Anyway, all the Queen of Soul did was talk in slang and instead of saying “all I’m asking for is a little respect” the way Otis did, she said “all I’m asking for is my propers” which means the same in thing in a cooler lingo.

This really is that straightforward.

12

“kiss this guy” anyone?