Who is a simp? Meaning, synonyms & examples of use
Some words used on the Internet seem to appear out of nowhere. Are you wondering what simp actually means or where it came from? Or maybe you’re looking for synonyms? You’ve come to the right place!
The definition of simp
The word simp comes from Internet slang and has gained popularity only in the past few years. It refers to a person who consistently shows extreme attention and affection towards a person who doesn’t return such affection. It can be used both as a noun and a verb (examples below).
Simp – etymology
Some sources say that the term came from a shortened version of the word “simpleton” that went out of use. However, it might also be connected to the word “sympathy”, which is closer to the modern meaning. Closer still is the word “simper”, both in form and in meaning, since it refers to smiling in an ingratiating, coquettish or artificial way. We can only guess – the true origins of the word remain unclear.
Synonyms of simp
- Kiss-up,
- brown-noser,
- boot-licker,
- flatterer,
- sycophant,
- yes-man,
- groveler.
Controversies around the word simp
The overtone of this word is often debated. Because it’s largely used to mean a man who shows excessive attention towards a woman in hope of attracting her, some people see it as misogynistic – is being nice to someone a bad thing?
However, other people focus on the fact that the object of attention – be it a man or a woman – doesn’t give anything back, and that such imbalanced relationships should be condemned.
And then there are people who embrace this term, using it to show that they’re a fan of someone/something or just a dedicated partner. What do you think?
Before you decide whether you like this word or not, take a look at how it can be used in a sentence.
Example sentences – simp
Come early February, Mike was still “dating” Haley, but his brother caught onto the nature of their relationship and started calling him a “simp.”
Ian Frisch, The Verge, March 21, 2023
‘I’m not saying that it’s good to simp for these elite female professional-success people, but there are so many women who just want to do better and move up,’ says Ashley Louise, the co-founder and CEO of Ladies Get Paid […].
Katelyn Fossett, Politico, March 9, 2021
