# 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:** 2
**Author:** ![Biggirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biggirl/32/3294_2.png) [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2004, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-is-being-a-pimp-cool/281063/21 "2004-12-22T00:15:53Z")
[Ever since Statler and Waldorf did it.](http://www.w1k.com/cache/gallery/contestcache.asp?contest_id=1251&display=photoshop) And Mickey and Abe Lincoln. . . ---
**Author:** ![GaWd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/f08c70/32.png) [@GaWd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaWd)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2004, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-is-being-a-pimp-cool/281063/22 "2004-12-22T00:18:08Z")
I still disagree. When I look at a vehicle with chrome, and I use the aforementioned word which is entrenched in the sex industry and could not possibly ever have any other use, I am not thinking of sex, nor money, nor bitches, hoes. I don’t even have a hard on. I’m simply using a word which has emerged as a colloquialism and refers to something totally unrelated(IMO, YMMV). Looks like I’m outnumbered though, so I’ll slink away and let you all hash it out without me. 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 22, 2004, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-is-being-a-pimp-cool/281063/23 "2004-12-22T00:23:02Z")
> [@Berkut](#): > > I do. A word can have multiple meanings. Just because another meaning has come to be does not mean the original is lost. Nope, just what popular culture defines it as. Go to San Francisco and ask random men for a fag. Chances are you won’t be offered a cigarrette. But it would be pimp if they whipped out a pack of Marlboros. ---
**Author:** ![SlyFrog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a3d4f5/32.png) [@SlyFrog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlyFrog)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2004, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-is-being-a-pimp-cool/281063/24 "2004-12-22T00:24:12Z")
> [@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 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 Oh please. Yeah, that’s why, as part of the “pimp is just a word” cult, we see numerous rap videos with people dressed up like traditional pimp stereotypes (the kind that, you know, prostitute and beat women), speak of keeping their pimp hand strong, make back handed “bitch slap” motions toward the camera that emulate slapping up hos, etc. The whole point of the “pimp ride” deal is that there is a present glorification of the aesthetically godawful pimp stereotype from years past. Part of this glorification is the interjection of it being cool to ride herd on your bitches, and keep them in line like the non-human chattel they are. Moral relativism has its dangers. Allow me to Godwinize; it would clearly be fine to use a term like “Kapo” to mean “cool awesome guy who fucks people over and keeps them in line” because hey, it doesn’t mean the Nazi-death camp type of Kapo, it’s just a word. ---
**Author:** ![GaWd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/f08c70/32.png) [@GaWd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaWd)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2004, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-is-being-a-pimp-cool/281063/25 "2004-12-22T00:27:31Z")
This thread gets more amusing by the post… ---
**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 22, 2004, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-is-being-a-pimp-cool/281063/26 "2004-12-22T00:34:26Z")
I just thought of a segment on a radio show that replayed a question from Ken Jennings’ _Jeaopardy!_ run. It went something like this. (Not directly quoting, but the gist is clear.) Alex: This word can mean either a garden tool, or a low character trait. (Again, not direct quote, but…) Ken: Hoe (Major audience laughter, then Alex finally “gets it”. Alas wrong answer) Other contestant: Rake. Alex: That’s right. Next category. How Ken wasn’t given that one I still don’t understand. How many people use the fucking word “rake” anymore? 😕 ---
**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, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-is-being-a-pimp-cool/281063/27 "2004-12-22T00:36:17Z")
> [@GaWD](#): > > This thread gets more amusing by the post… Since you are back, will you answer this for me? > [@Berkut](#): > > What’s the new term for a guy who solicits customers and manages prostitutes? ---
**Author:** ![Starving\_Artist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/aeb1de/32.png) [@Starving\_Artist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Starving_Artist)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2004, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-is-being-a-pimp-cool/281063/28 "2004-12-22T00:42:37Z")
> [@Revtim](#): > > I heard a comedian making a similar complaint about that MTV show ‘Pimp My Ride’. “What’s next, ‘Crack Whore My House’?” Yes, but you see by then “crack whore” would no longer refer to a female crack addict selling her body to get more crack. Nope, now it would only mean a woman who has gained “sheet credibility,” and while she may look and sound and act like a 'ho, she really isn’t thinking about sex while she’s doing it. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Happy\_Lendervedder](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/happy_lendervedder/32/8488_2.png) [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2004, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-is-being-a-pimp-cool/281063/29 "2004-12-22T00:44:58Z")
I don’t understand what’s with these kids using “cool” and “groovy.” And using “bad” to mean “good?” I don’t get it. What’s a person’s temperature got to do with their worth? And how can a person have grooves? And just _how_ can “_bad_” mean “_good???_” Give me a break, people. When has youth culture or slang ever required an approving nod from its elders? If it bugs you, or confuses you, or makes you shake your head, then it’s doing its job. ---
**Author:** ![GaWd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/f08c70/32.png) [@GaWd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaWd)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2004, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-is-being-a-pimp-cool/281063/30 "2004-12-22T00:53:09Z")
> [@Berkut](#): > > Since you are back, will you answer this for me? I will answer with a question… Since when must a word have one and only one usage or definition? Maybe two… If a word has two usages, and only one of them describes something that society considers bad, must the other usage be refrained from? Sam ---
**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, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-is-being-a-pimp-cool/281063/31 "2004-12-22T01:06:27Z")
> [@GaWd](#): > > I will answer with a question… Figures. > [@](#): > > Since when must a word have one and only one usage or definition? That’s exactly the point I’m trying to make. Like I said in my previous post: > [@Berkut](#): > > I do. A word can have multiple meanings. Just because another meaning has come to be does not mean the original is lost. You said: > [@GaWD](#): > > 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. The word pimp most certainly does have something to do with prostitution or women. It ALSO has something to do with being flashy, cool, etc. To say that the word pimp “has nothing to do with prostitution or women” is simply not correct. ---
**Author:** ![GaWd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/f08c70/32.png) [@GaWd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaWd)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2004, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-is-being-a-pimp-cool/281063/32 "2004-12-22T01:34:45Z")
> [@Berkut](#): > > Figures. Fuck yourself. > [@](#): > > To say that the word pimp “has nothing to do with prostitution or women” is simply not correct. Bullshit. TO say that the word pimp “has nothing to do with prostitution or women” when used in the context of a cool car or clothes or some other ridiculous usage is exactly correct. To say that the word pimp “has nothing to do with prostitution or women” when used in the context of the sex trades would be incorrect. You really aren’t this obtuse normally, are you? Sam ---
**Author:** ![Tracy\_Lord](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@Tracy\_Lord](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tracy_Lord)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2004, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-is-being-a-pimp-cool/281063/33 "2004-12-22T01:39:19Z")
> [@duffer](#): > > I just thought of a segment on a radio show that replayed a question from Ken Jennings’ _Jeaopardy!_ run. It went something like this. (Not directly quoting, but the gist is clear.) > > Alex: This word can mean either a garden tool, or a low character trait. (Again, not direct quote, but…) > > Ken: Hoe > > (Major audience laughter, then Alex finally “gets it”. Alas wrong answer) > > Other contestant: Rake. > > Alex: That’s right. Next category. > > How Ken wasn’t given that one I still don’t understand. How many people use the fucking word “rake” anymore? 😕 The clip was hilarious (especially Alex’s response after he picked up on it: “Is that what they teach you in Utah?”), but the clue specified a _19th-century_ term, which “hoe” definitely is not. ---
**Author:** ![glee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b5a626/32.png) [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2004, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-is-being-a-pimp-cool/281063/34 "2004-12-22T01:43:00Z")
> [@GaWd](#): > > TO say that the word pimp “has nothing to do with prostitution or women” when used in the context of a cool car or clothes or some other ridiculous usage is exactly correct. To say that the word pimp “has nothing to do with prostitution or women” when used in the context of the sex trades would be incorrect. > > Sam But why do you think the word ‘pimp’ is used to mean cool? Why not say ‘boss’ or ‘duck-billed platypus’? As SlyFrog has said, the rappers clearly intend to refer to the original word. Pimps make money, control women, break the law and have flashy clothes and cars. That’s why that word is used. ---
**Author:** ![Squink](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5e925/32.png) [@Squink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Squink)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2004, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-is-being-a-pimp-cool/281063/35 "2004-12-22T02:03:47Z")
> [@glee](#): > > But why do you think the word ‘pimp’ is used to mean cool? Why not say ‘boss’ or ‘duck-billed platypus’? The Pimpmobiles of the early 70’s were very cool, and lots of people who weren’t actually pimps drove them. The coolnes factor got promoted by movies such as Shaft, Shaft’s Big Score, Shaft in Africa, Cleopatra Jones etc. ---
**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, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-is-being-a-pimp-cool/281063/36 "2004-12-22T02:08:07Z")
> [@GaWd](#): > > Fuck yourself. Just to help you out, that would not require the services of a pimp. > [@](#): > > You really aren’t this obtuse normally, are you? Sorry for being obtuse. Putting myself in your shoes was the only way I could make any sense of your argument. ---
**Author:** ![ZebraShaSha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/eada6e/32.png) [@ZebraShaSha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZebraShaSha)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2004, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-is-being-a-pimp-cool/281063/37 "2004-12-22T02:22:36Z")
Now adays pimp is just about everything - mostly cool, but basically whatever. That desk? Pimp. That towel rack? Pimp. That 3 inch figurine of St. Francis of Assisi? _Extra_ pimp. I’m not saying it is correct, I’m not saying that teenagers aren’t being sheltered, but I’m also not saying you should condemn some children who more than likely see the whole Pimp/Ho social dichotomy as a fantasy, imaginary world that maybe one time existed but doesn’t anymore. Back in, say, the '70s when blackpoitation films flourished; not modern, 2004 America. For the most part, teenagers today see pimps on MTV, BET, et al - not actual pimps that do in fact treat humans as chattel but lavish eccentric pimps that act ultra cool and hip that smack bitches around, with it always being the hoe’s fault. Remember, the kids most likely to use pimp as an adjective or descriptive phrase in general are more than likely suburbanites or uptowners who have never actually whitnessed life in an urban area where the trade is likely to exist. They are, in essence, _innocent_. Basically, you are failing to take into account your maturity when considering how “awful” they are being. Well, sure, call them stupid, there is bound to be something there to chastise, but don’t call them stupid for using slang if you aren’t understanding their context. Sometimes, everything is in fact nothing more than what it is. (However, I don’t want to change your opinions even if I feel it is negligent. Also, in some special cases, teenagers do use pimp “properly,” which is of equal weighting as hate speech - this is not the teenagers I was emphasizing with above.) ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2004, 2:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-is-being-a-pimp-cool/281063/38 "2004-12-22T02:28:01Z")
> [@Berkut](#): > > The word pimp most certainly does have something to do with prostitution or women. It ALSO has something to do with being flashy, cool, etc. To say that the word pimp “has nothing to do with prostitution or women” is simply not correct. CONTEXT. Everybody happy now? ---
**Author:** ![UrbanChic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/9dc877/32.png) [@UrbanChic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UrbanChic)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2004, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-is-being-a-pimp-cool/281063/39 "2004-12-22T02:30:11Z")
So, what’s the verdict here? Can I still caution my husband about keeping his pimp hand strong or is that gay now? ---
**Author:** ![SlyFrog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a3d4f5/32.png) [@SlyFrog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlyFrog)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2004, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-is-being-a-pimp-cool/281063/40 "2004-12-22T03:06:03Z")
> [@UrbanChic](#): > > So, what’s the verdict here? Can I still caution my husband about keeping his pimp hand strong or is that gay now? Know yo place woman! Who is you to tell yo man what to do? Wow, it really is fun and edgy to use such slang and poor grammar. Tap dat ass! My god, it’s so good, I just can’t stop. I’ve given in to the dark side. Sheeeeit dough, S’all good! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-is-being-a-pimp-cool/281063.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-is-being-a-pimp-cool/281063.md?page=3)