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The meaning behind the youth word “props” is derived from “proper respect.” There are now various variations in the spelling of the term.
Meaning of “props”: The origin of the term
The term ‘props’ is short for “proper respect.” Alternative spellings include “probz,” for example. In both cases, this translates as “due respect” or “hats off!”
- This term originated in the USA in the 1960s to 1980s. American singer Aretha Franklin already used “propers” as an abbreviation of “Proper Respect” in her song “Respect.”
- The rap scene at the time eventually renamed the term “propers” to the short form “props.” “Props” is also a common term for praise in hip-hop.
- Another theory is that the term ‘props’ was formed from the initial letters of “People Respect Other People Seriously.” Translated, this means “people respect other people seriously” and is therefore not really different from “proper respect.”
- Today, the term is firmly established in youth language. It is also frequently used online, for example on social media or gaming platforms.
Use of “props”
The term “props” is used to show respect and recognition to someone. It is understood as praise, recognition, and appreciation of a person or their actions, expressed verbally.
- Therefore, a common phrase is “Props to you!”
- Variations of this include, for example: “Props to my family” or “Props go out.”
- If you want to show a lot of respect, you can say “mad props.”
- “Props” should not be confused with the similar terms “probs” and “propz.” ‘Probs’ is short for “problem.” Accordingly, in English, “no probs” is said to mean “no problem.” “Propz,” on the other hand, is short for “probably.” In addition, ‘prop’ can be short for “properties,” which often refers to the props used in a film.
