The term "simp" is internet slang used to describe a person, typically a man, who shows excessive sympathy, attention, or submissiveness toward someone else, usually a woman, often in hopes of winning their affection or sexual attention. This behavior is generally seen as excessive or desperate, especially when the feelings are not reciprocated
. Originally, "simp" is a shortened form of "simpleton," meaning a foolish or naive person
. Over time, especially in the early 2000s and later popularized on social media platforms like TikTok and Twitter, its meaning shifted to refer more specifically to someone who goes overboard trying to please or impress another person, often to their own detriment
. In usage, calling someone a "simp" is usually derogatory, implying that the person lacks self-respect or is overly eager to please, sometimes blind to being taken advantage of
. For example, a "simp" might buy expensive gifts, defend someone excessively, or do anything to gain favor, even if the other person does not return the affection
. There are related phrases such as "simp out," meaning to act with excessive eagerness to please, and "simp for someone," meaning to be overly infatuated or obsessed with that person
. In summary, "simp" refers to a person who foolishly or excessively tries to gain the attention or affection of someone else, often without reciprocation, and is used mainly as an insult to criticize such behavior
