# What is the origin of the word pimp? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [May 19, 2005, 11:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-origin-of-the-word-pimp/304561 "2005-05-19T11:47:29Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![FlippyFly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e95f7d/32.png) [@FlippyFly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlippyFly)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2005, 11:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-origin-of-the-word-pimp/304561/1 "2005-05-19T11:47:29Z")
Where did the word pimp originate? Are there any related words? ---
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2005, 12:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-origin-of-the-word-pimp/304561/2 "2005-05-19T12:14:29Z")
> [@FlippyFly](#): > > Where did the word pimp originate? Are there any related words? The OED says: > [@](#): > > [Origin obscure. > Generally thought to be in some way related to 16th c. F. \*pimper \* vb., pr. pple. \*pimpant \* alluring or seducing in outward appearance or dress, pimpesouée a pretentious woman (Hatz.-Darm.). F. pimper is taken as = Pr. pimpar, pipar to render elegant (Littré). But these leave much to be explained in the history of the word before 1600.] > > ``` > a. One who provides means and opportunities for unlawful sexual intercourse; a pander, procurer. > > ``` > > 1607 MIDDLETON Five Gallants II. i. 36 First Courtesan.Our pimp’s grown proud. 1666 PEPYS Diary 10 June, The Duke of York is wholly given up to his new mistress… Mr. Brouncker, it seems, was the pimp to bring it about. ---
**Author:** ![Cliffy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/59ef9b/32.png) [@Cliffy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cliffy)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2005, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-origin-of-the-word-pimp/304561/3 "2005-05-19T13:41:45Z")
The legend is that it’s an acronym for “Procurement For Immoral Purposes,” although like For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge, no one seriously believes that’s the true etymology. –Cliffy ---
**Author:** ![Birdmonster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/71e660/32.png) [@Birdmonster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Birdmonster)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2005, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-origin-of-the-word-pimp/304561/4 "2005-05-19T14:20:38Z")
[Good ol’ etymoline](http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=pimp&searchmode=none) echoes the OED, more or less. The OED should probably update it’s definition pretty soon too, considering the drastic connotation changes that’ve gone on with this word. I mean, I saw a little kid, probably 5 or 6, on the bus last week wearing a shirt that said “Future Pimp.” A little disturbing. “Pimp” has gone from a word associated always with its meaning (read: guy with harem) to basically meaning anything that’s extravagant, a little excessive, souped up, or exceedingly cool. The only other word I can think of, ironically, that’s undergone a similar change lately (in both connotation and acceptance) is “bitch.” I’m sure something can be read into this, it’s just too early for me. ---
**Author:** ![Tom\_Carroll](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3be4f8/32.png) [@Tom\_Carroll](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tom_Carroll)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2005, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-origin-of-the-word-pimp/304561/5 "2005-05-19T19:31:45Z")
> [@Birdmonster](#): > > meaning anything that’s extravagant, a little excessive, souped up, or exceedingly cool. You left out having shiny wheels taller than the vehicle, a radio that can be heard three miles away, a cell phone permanently connected to the ear, and the inability to whisper or speak softly. ---
**Author:** ![Cliffy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/59ef9b/32.png) [@Cliffy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cliffy)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2005, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-origin-of-the-word-pimp/304561/6 "2005-05-19T19:59:31Z")
**Birdmonster** , I think a case can be made for another word; it starts with N. As to the cause, let us assume that it’s because kids are dumb. 😉 –Cliffy ---
**Author:** ![Birdmonster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/71e660/32.png) [@Birdmonster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Birdmonster)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2005, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-origin-of-the-word-pimp/304561/7 "2005-05-19T20:10:41Z")
True, true. I tread lightly in those alleys. Of course, as for the kid with the “future pimp” shirt: he was 5. Maybe 6. Mom definately bought that one for him. So, we can assume that mom (or dad) is dumb. But that’s not exactly a revelation.