Meaning & use
simp
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Meaning
nouncountableinformalslangdisapproving
An insulting internet term for someone, usually a man, who gives excessive attention or obedience to a person they desire.
Grammar: Countable noun; often follows call or be, and is frequently used as a mocking label rather than a neutral description.
Patterns
- a simp for someone
- call someone a simp
- act like a simp
Commenters called any supportive fan a simp.
He laughed off the label simp for sending flowers.
The joke treats ordinary affection as proof that someone is a simp.
Word forms
| plural | simps |
|---|
Common combinations
- call someone a simp
- People online quickly began to call him a simp.
- a simp for attention
- The character is written as a simp for attention, not as a caring partner.
- simp behavior
- The video mocks simp behavior instead of discussing healthy boundaries.
Synonyms and how they differ
- suck-up
- More general and often school or workplace related; simp specifically targets romantic or sexual attentiveness.
- doormat
- Emphasizes letting others treat you badly; simp emphasizes excessive pursuit of someone desired.
- creep
- Much harsher and suggests unwanted or threatening attention, not mere eagerness.
Commonly confused: simp or simple? simp or pimp?
simp vs simple
Simple means easy or not complicated; simp is unrelated internet slang and is usually insulting.
simp vs pimp
Pimp has a different history and criminal meaning; the similar sound does not make the meanings close.
Practice
Which sentence uses simp in its usual internet meaning?
Choose one answer.
Only the first shows excessive submission to someone desired. Simple is a confusable spelling-sound word, pimp is a different slur-adjacent criminal term, and hymn is unrelated.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “simp”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.