# Since when is being a pimp cool? **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [December 21, 2004, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-is-being-a-pimp-cool/281063 "2004-12-21T22:14:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![7\_up\_yours](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/7/919ad9/32.png) [@7\_up\_yours](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/7_up_yours)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2004, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-is-being-a-pimp-cool/281063/1 "2004-12-21T22:14:04Z")
I think I may be getting old. I’ve only been out of high school for two years, and either I’ve always been careful with my words, or I’ve completely lost my touch with teenage vernacular. I don’t claim I don’t use mind numbing slang from time to time. I’ve caught myself saying “dude” or “like” or “whatever” or even “Dude, like, whatever!”. But sometimes, even I have my limit, because sitting on the bus, I inadvertently eavesdropped on two girls’ conversation, which went something like this: Girl 1: So I blah blah blah blah, and blah blah blah, and that like made me soooo pissed off. So I’m like going to stop talking to him. Like, I can’t believe he’s such a loser! Like, he’s such a pimp! Girl 2: Uh, well, he’s like a loser from what you tell me, but like why would you call him a pimp? Girl 1: Because he’s a loser! Girl 2: You know, calling him a pimp is like praising him, so you should like, not do that. Girl 1: Oh, well, that is like so gay! But whatever. He’s like a loser anyway! At that point, I scrambled to turn my ipod on to prevent my brain from rotting anymore. So what I’m pissed about… Since when is soliciting women for sex cool? Since when is abusing them and forcing them into the sex trade, taking all their money, and leaving them with pennies an honourable thing to do!!! I fucking hate MTV for promoting assholes who throw around the word “pimp” and its concept like it isn’t disgusting and criminal. And I hate the brain dead idiots who lap up every word of what MTV tells them is cool!! Plus, we live in Canada, you’re not supposed to throw around “gay” as an insult anymore!!! :mad: ---
**Author:** ![Bill\_H](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a5b964/32.png) [@Bill\_H](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bill_H)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2004, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-is-being-a-pimp-cool/281063/2 "2004-12-21T22:25:47Z")
All I know is that it ain’t easy. But someone’s got to do it. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2004, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-is-being-a-pimp-cool/281063/3 "2004-12-21T22:29:17Z")
> [@7 up yours](#): > > Since when is soliciting women for sex cool? Since when is abusing them and forcing them into the sex trade, taking all their money, and leaving them with pennies an honourable thing to do?!?! It’s not, of course, but some people think pimps [look](http://seinaholic.tripod.com/kramerarrested.jpg) cool and don’t take into consideration how they get the money to look like that. ---
**Author:** ![tremorviolet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e47774/32.png) [@tremorviolet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tremorviolet)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2004, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-is-being-a-pimp-cool/281063/4 "2004-12-21T22:29:27Z")
Are you _sure_ you’ve only been out of high shcool for two years? The whole “pimp” style thing has been going of for a while now. Last ten years at least. The Hughes Brothers [American Pimp](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0179074/?fr=c2l0ZT1kZnxteD0yMHxzZz0xfGxtPTIwMHx0dD1vbnxwbj0wfHE9cGltcHxodG1sPTF8bm09b24_;fc=1;ft=21;fm=1) came out in 1999 and the first Snoop Dogg album was released in _1993_… ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2004, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-is-being-a-pimp-cool/281063/5 "2004-12-21T22:37:11Z")
And 1983’s [DC Cab](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085387/combined) involved a cabbie (Mr. T’s character) wanting the local kids to stop paying attention to a pimp and his flashy wheels. ---
**Author:** ![Lobsang](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobsang/32/4067_2.png) [@Lobsang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobsang)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2004, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-is-being-a-pimp-cool/281063/6 "2004-12-21T22:38:05Z")
> [@Lute Skywatcher](#): > > It’s not, of course, but some people think pimps [look](http://seinaholic.tripod.com/kramerarrested.jpg) cool and don’t take into consideration how they get the money to look like that. Linked site doesn’t support hotlinking. (for those who don’t know this trick: right-click, ‘copy shortcut’, open new browser, paste shortcut, success) ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2004, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-is-being-a-pimp-cool/281063/7 "2004-12-21T22:41:11Z")
> [@Lobsang](#): > > Linked site doesn’t support hotlinking. How odd. The link works for me. ---
**Author:** ![blowero](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/41988e/32.png) [@blowero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blowero)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2004, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-is-being-a-pimp-cool/281063/8 "2004-12-21T22:47:38Z")
I have an all-purpose theory that I think covers this situation: People are idiots. ---
**Author:** ![duffer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duffer/32/1026_2.png) [@duffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/duffer)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2004, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-is-being-a-pimp-cool/281063/9 "2004-12-21T22:52:03Z")
I first found out pimp means “cool” when my 14 y/o nephew started using it last winter. I figure that’s about the age of mental developement that would consider it valid adjective. But if that damn kid is still using it by next summer you all may read about me in your local papers. ---
**Author:** ![Lobsang](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobsang/32/4067_2.png) [@Lobsang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobsang)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2004, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-is-being-a-pimp-cool/281063/10 "2004-12-21T22:52:06Z")
> [@Lute Skywatcher](#): > > How odd. The link works for me. If you have the picture in your cache the browser gets it rather than the tripod message. From the moment anyone follows the tip in my last post the link will work. ---
**Author:** ![Ace309](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ace309/32/1050_2.png) [@Ace309](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ace309)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2004, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-is-being-a-pimp-cool/281063/11 "2004-12-21T22:56:12Z")
When I was 14, 8 long years ago, I remember having it explained as “being in control [ie, of all the women around you].” Pop culture - eg, HBO’s “Pimps Up, Hoes Down” documentary, the pro-wrestling Godfather character (who was accompanied to the ring by an entourage of ‘hoes’ who had been picked from local strip joints), etc - doesn’t help much either. ---
**Author:** ![GaWd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/f08c70/32.png) [@GaWd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaWd)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2004, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-is-being-a-pimp-cool/281063/12 "2004-12-21T23:23:02Z")
It’s just a word, people. The word “pimp”, or “pimpin”, or “pimp ride”, Etc Etc ad infinitum has nothing to do with the act of sex or solicitation of sex or beating women who solicit people for sex and bring you back 90% of their money. It has to do with the “street cred” pimps had and still have today. “Pimp”, for the most part, means “cool”. Pimp ride- something all customized with awfully ugly huge rims, tinting, etc. Someone who is pimpin, can be someone who is dressed to the 9’s, or just the opposite. It has nothing to do with prostitution or women. Talk about uptight. Sam ---
**Author:** ![duffer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duffer/32/1026_2.png) [@duffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/duffer)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2004, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-is-being-a-pimp-cool/281063/13 "2004-12-21T23:28:23Z")
Well, I for one am not taking into account the actual meaning of the word. Just the absolute insipidness of referring to anything as “pimp”. I put it right up there with 12 year old suburban kids referring to anything in anyway with the word “shizznit”. Great, now I have to start blood pressure meds tomorrow just thinking of it. :mad: ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2004, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-is-being-a-pimp-cool/281063/14 "2004-12-21T23:34:25Z")
> [@duffer](#): > > I first found out pimp means “cool” when my 14 y/o nephew started using it last winter. I figure that’s about the age of mental developement that would consider it valid adjective. > > But if that damn kid is still using it by next summer you all may read about me in your local papers. Make a joke out of it. He should be getting _pimp_les about now. ---
**Author:** ![duffer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duffer/32/1026_2.png) [@duffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/duffer)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2004, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-is-being-a-pimp-cool/281063/15 "2004-12-21T23:42:08Z")
> [@Lute Skywatcher](#): > > Make a joke out of it. He should be getting _pimp_les about now. :smack: :smack: :smack: Fuck, I didn’t even think of that! Him: “Oh dude, that is PIMP!” Me: “No kidding! That is so pimple you should do it/try it/buy it!” God I love these boards! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Berkut](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a88e57/32.png) [@Berkut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Berkut)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2004, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-is-being-a-pimp-cool/281063/16 "2004-12-21T23:46:39Z")
> [@GaWd](#): > > It’s just a word, people. The word “pimp”, or “pimpin”, or “pimp ride”, Etc Etc ad infinitum has nothing to do with the act of sex or solicitation of sex or beating women who solicit people for sex and bring you back 90% of their money. > > It has nothing to do with prostitution or women. Talk about uptight. _Of course_ the word “pimp” has something to do with prostitution or women. People may not have that meaning in mind when they use it sometimes, but that doesn’t mean that a “pimp” is no longer “One who finds customers for a prostitute; a procurer.” ---
**Author:** ![GaWd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/f08c70/32.png) [@GaWd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaWd)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2004, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-is-being-a-pimp-cool/281063/17 "2004-12-21T23:57:16Z")
> [@Berkut](#): > > _Of course_ the word “pimp” has something to do with prostitution or women. I disagree. Over time, words in all languages come and go, their meanings change with time as well. This is one situation where a slang use of the word has come into play, a slang use that has absolutely nothing to do with the original meaning of the word. Feel free to disagree, however. Sam ---
**Author:** ![Revtim](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/revtim/32/1042_2.png) [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2004, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-is-being-a-pimp-cool/281063/18 "2004-12-22T00:00:26Z")
I heard a comedian making a similar complaint about that MTV show ‘Pimp My Ride’. “What’s next, ‘Crack Whore My House’?” ---
**Author:** ![Berkut](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a88e57/32.png) [@Berkut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Berkut)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2004, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-is-being-a-pimp-cool/281063/19 "2004-12-22T00:12:42Z")
> [@GaWd](#): > > Feel free to disagree, however. > > Sam I do. A word can have multiple meanings. Just because another meaning has come to be does not mean the original is lost. So, what’s the new term for a guy who solicits customers and manages prostitutes, if “pimp” no longer has its original meaning? ---
**Author:** ![kung\_fu\_lola](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/f4b2a3/32.png) [@kung\_fu\_lola](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kung_fu_lola)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2004, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-is-being-a-pimp-cool/281063/20 "2004-12-22T00:12:55Z")
> [@GaWd](#): > > **a slang use that has absolutely nothing to do with the original meaning of the word**. > > Feel free to disagree, however. > > Sam I think it does, though. A guy who is “pimpin’” may not be actively entrenched in the demimonde of the sex trade, but I think the values are the same - money is more important than anything, even humanity and respect; women are decoration/commodities; and being an “outlaw” is cool. I spent some time in the sex trade, and when I turn on MTV or MuchMusic, it’s like deja vu. The “slang” use of “Pimpin’” is just bringing the trappings of real street pimps into the mainstream. To say that it has “absolutely nothing to do” with the sex industry is to have horse-sized blinders on. Just IMHO, YMMV. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-is-being-a-pimp-cool/281063.md?page=2)