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#15746 01/17/01 03:00 AM
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Does anyone know the origin of the word "props," used to indicate praise or due regard? Or know of an online slang dictionary? My hardcopies are apparently just too out-of-date. Thanks.


#15747 01/17/01 02:37 PM
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the online slang dictionary says this:
(http://www.geocities.com/online_slang_dictionary/slang/p.html#top)
props n 1. praise, compliments. One usually "gives" props. Sometimes prefixed with "mad". ("I'll give Joe props for that crazy stunt.")

I guess this use was originally gleaned from the verbal meaning: to prop sth. up, i.e. to support, which of course, can also be used figuratively.


#15748 01/17/01 03:40 PM
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Now this is a new usage to me - I've never heard it used this side of the slop-bowl. Over here, the only slang use I know of is in the theatre, where "props" are the bits and pieces that an actor usesd on stage, other than actual furniture: glasses, bottles, candlesticks, daggers and swords, knives forks and plates - all that sort of thing.

In that context, it is an abbrev. of "stage properties."


#15749 01/17/01 04:06 PM
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I think that it's an abbrev. of 'propers' or 'proper respects'; as a verb, you can 'prop' someone rather than 'dis' him.


#15750 01/17/01 05:31 PM
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I gotz mad props for this hot-shot linguistic crackpot!


#15751 01/17/01 05:49 PM
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Speaking of "props" Rubarb offered Now this is a new usage to me - I've never heard it used this side of the slop-bowl.

The Atlantic isn't the only pond that one hasn't crossed, Rhuby. I've never heard it here either. Like you the only props I knew of were stage props.


#15752 01/17/01 06:04 PM
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Max, currently compere at the Big Bang Burger Bar, agrees with 'Barb: The Atlantic isn't the only pond that one hasn't crossed, Rhuby. I've never heard it here either. Like you the only props I knew of were stage props.

Me, neither. Except as short-hand for propellor, of course (see malaturbinism in some other thread). Nice to learn something completely new!



The idiot also known as Capfka ...
#15753 01/17/01 08:15 PM
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My OED also has it as an abbrev. for "proposition", a use I dimly remember from my youth, but I've not heard it used so for more years than a Neddy will own to.


#15754 01/17/01 08:32 PM
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Oh thank you, belligerentyouth, for the link!

If anyone wants to see current slang in action, visit the message boards at www.espn.com.

Quit disin' my man, peeps, and give 'em props.


#15755 01/18/01 01:57 AM
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Tsuwm (how do you pronounce that?), I think you have got it. Props to you.


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