When Did Pimping Begin?
The word pimp has become a common part of the English language in recent years. The use of this word has become wildly popular in urban language. Because of its recent popularity, the meaning has changed somewhat and does not necessarily mean that a person sells prostitutes for a living, but can also mean that a person is a "pimp" if he knows the ins and outs of street life or get something for nothing.
History
The first time that the word pimp appeared in the English language was sometime in the 1600s, although no one really knows where or when the word originated. When the word appeared in the 1600s, it had the same meaning that it does today: A person who sets up chances to have sexual experiences with a prostitute.
Identification
Since the 1970s, an inner-city pimp stereotype has emerged. This stereotype has been highly popularized and has given birth to such terms as the pimp walk and the pimpmobile. The pimpmobile is usually a customized, highly decorated vehicle. The pimp walk is a type of swagger made popular in inner cities.
Types
Even pimps have a hierarchy amongst themselves. The pimps that are established and successful are referred to as players. Pimps who tend to beat up the prostitutes that they manage or those who use intimidation to get their prostitutes to do what they want are referred to as gorilla pimps. Finesse pimps are known to use psychological tactics to get young prostitutes hooked in the prostitution system. The lowest form of a pimp is a new pimp, or those who have little to no respect. These pimps are referred to as wannabes, popcorn pimps or hustlers.
Function
The pimp's purpose is to maintain the current selection and obtain a new selection of prostitutes for the customer. Prostitutes can move from one pimp to another, but there is a protocol that must be followed. In order to leave her old pimp and move on to a new pimp, the prostitute must let the new pimp know that she intends to do so. What follows is known as an "intentions period." During this time frame, the new pimp can reject the prostitute. If he chooses to take her under his wing, then he will accept money from her and this will cement their business relationship. He will then become her pimp.
Considerations
Though prostitutes and pimps exist in the United States and beyond, that does not mean that prostitution is legal. Instead, they typically work their established parts of a town and are constantly on the lookout for police. The pimp will often serve as the lookout. If he spots police nearby, he will alert his prostitute so that she does not get caught.
One form of pimping that is legal is located in Nevada, at the Moonlight Bunny Ranch. The Ranch is owned by a man who employs multiple prostitutes at his brothel. Men and women can walk into the brothel, choose their prostitute, pay their money and have a sexual encounter. Nevada is one of the only states to legalize prostitution.
Misconceptions
It is often believed that only black men are pimps. This could not be further from the truth. This belief dates back to the 1970s stereotype, which painted a picture of the pimp as being black. Mobsters such as Lucky Luciano and Al Capone were also known to be pimps during their heyday.
