Maybe you overheard someone say, „My buddy totally caved and simped.“ Perhaps you spotted a #SimpNation meme, or you stumbled upon a social media profile that read „CEO of Simping.“
But what does „simping“ actually mean? Is it uplifting, derogatory, or does the meaning change depending on the person and situation?
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The word is actually nothing new — in fact, the earliest known definition for „simp“ was coined back in 2005. However, the term has been making rounds once again, thanks to Gen-Zers, and more specifically, TikTok, where its use is as ubiquitous as cringey videos of teens lip-syncing explicit songs.
There’s even a Reddit community, filled with countless threads around the term that ask „What’s the most simp-y thing you’ve ever done?“ and „Simp life: How do I avoid it?“
Still feel like you’re left out of the simp loop?
Well, don’t worry. We’re going to break down what it means to be a simp, whether it’s a good or bad thing, and if your actions make this term applicable to you.
What Does It Mean to Be a Simp?
According to the earliest recorded definition, a simp is „a guy who tags along with hot girls because he thinks it will get him laid.“ Another user noted that two fitting examples of a simp man include Eddie Murphy’s character in the movie „Norbit,“ as well as Kevin James‘ character in sitcom „King Of Queens.“
It’s easy to assume that the term is a derivative of the word „simpleton“ or „sycophant,“ but it’s implied that it’s actually an acronym that stands for … „Suckas Who Idolize Mediocre P*ssy.“ Hey, we never said it was classy.
What Are the Characteristics of a Simp?
The most widely accepted definition (according to the number of upvotes by Urban Dictionary users) describes a few red flags that would label you as a simp. They include:
Putting yourself in a subservient/submissive position under women in hopes of winning them over, without the female bringing anything to the table
Putting too much value on a female for no reason
Priding yourself with chivalry in hopes of getting sexual gratification from women
Being a square with no game other than ‚Rolling out the Red-Carpet‘ for every female
A separate TikTok video by the account NoChillTy explains a few obvious markers of a simp, such as:
Always trying to impress females.
Puts females before themselves.
Has no game when coming to females so they only try to impress them by doing everything for them.
Always doing the most for a female that doesn’t like them.
Constantly getting curved.
@nochilltyy
(repost cause somehow got deleted) send this to a simp ? ##fyp ##nofyp
Is Being Called Simp a Bad Thing?
The term simp is commonly used by men to poke fun at other men who do nice things for a woman — buying her dinner, acting as a chauffeur, listening to her vent after a tough workday — without developing any kind of sexual relationship.
While the use of the term is intended to insult, when you really think about it, what’s so shameful about that? The answer is nothing. Who says men and women can’t be platonic friends? And why is it such a bad thing to offer support to a woman without any sense of entitlement where sex is concerned?
Simping does become problematic, however, if you allow women to walk all over you solely because you’re hoping your nice guy act will ultimately get you laid. Being a doormat simply is never a good thing, gents, and isn’t usually an effective way to get a woman to respect you. Besides, a woman never owes you sexual favors no matter how much you do to help her out.
The Evolution of Simp, Then to Now
The term has evolved over time to extend beyond its initial misogynistic usage. Now, lots of people (men and women included) are labeling themselves simps for any form of potentially pathetic dating behavior, going as far to make self-deprecating jokes about it. You can even be a simp for crushing on a celebrity you’ll never have a shot with.
Shaming a guy for merely respecting women even when you’re not receiving sexual gratification for it is ridiculous. However, if you’re referring to someone who’s actually trying to manipulate women by doing good deeds, that’s a different story.
The bottom line? It all depends on how you use it. Like all slang terms, this one is evolving, and doing something kind for a woman without expecting to get in her pants just means you’re a decent dude.
If that means you’re a simp, well, you can take that as a compliment.
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