gimp

¹

[ gimp ]

noun

1. a flat trimming of silk, wool, or other cord, sometimes stiffened with wire, for garments, curtains, etc.
2. a coarse thread, usually glazed, employed in lacemaking to outline designs.

gimp

²

[ gimp ]

noun

, Chiefly Northeastern U.S.

1. spirit, vigor, or ambition:

   She didn't have the gimp to look for a better job.

gimp

³

[ gimp ]

noun

1. a limp.
2. Usually Disparaging and Offensive. a term used to refer to a person who limps or is lame.

verb (used without object)

1. to limp; walk in a halting manner:

   a sprain that made her gimp for weeks.

gimp

⁴

[ jimp ]

adjective

, Scot. and North England.

1. a variant of jimp.

gimp

¹

/ ɡɪmp /

noun

1. offensive.
   a physically disabled person, esp one who is lame
2. slang.
   a sexual fetishist who likes to be dominated and who dresses in a leather or rubber body suit with mask, zips, and chains

gimp

²

/ ɡɪmp /

noun

1. a tapelike trimming of silk, wool, or cotton, often stiffened with wire

Sensitive Note

When describing someone who is lame, gimp is used with disparaging intent and perceived as insulting. But within the disability community, it is sometimes a term of self-reference.

Other Words From

• gimpy adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gimp¹

First recorded in 1655–65; probably from Dutch gimp; further origin unknown

Origin of gimp²

First recorded in 1900–05; origin uncertain

Origin of gimp³

An Americanism dating back to 1920–25; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of gimp¹

C20: of unknown origin

Origin of gimp²

C17: probably from Dutch gimp, of unknown origin

Example Sentences

(Sadly, Kanye did not make an appearance wearing his crystal gimp mask) — they managed to pull it off.

From The Daily Beast

"Peculiar about Charlie," Gimp answered, looking awed and puzzled.

From Project Gutenberg

Gimp waved them off angrily, but they valeted for him, anyhow.

From Project Gutenberg

"I'll check your ionic setting for you, Two-and-Two," Gimp answered him.

From Project Gutenberg

The earnings didn't change Nelsen's life much, nor Gimp's, nor Ramos'.

From Project Gutenberg

Gimp and Frank got permission to pass the lock after about fifteen minutes.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• hitch