Give props ✋👍

Meaning

To give credit, respect, or admiration to someone.

Origin

The term 'props' is short for 'proper respect', emerging from African American Vernacular English (AAVE) in the late 20th century. It gained mainstream popularity through hip-hop culture, where giving props became a way to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements and skills of artists, friends, or anyone deserving of recognition. Imagine the raw energy of a cypher, an MC spitting fire and shouting out to the innovators who came before, or a DJ shouting 'props to my man Biggie!' That's the spirit – a genuine, verbal nod of appreciation reverberating through the community.

🗣️ communication 💪🙏 pride 🏆 success 💪📈 work

Give props represented with emoji✋👍

This playful arrangement of 'hand' and 'thumbs up' functions as a delightful visual pun, inviting us to consider the gesture of giving credit. It's not just the simple act of admiration, but a charming echo of how we verbally and non-verbally acknowledge the efforts and achievements of others, elevating the mundane to a moment of shared appreciation.

Examples

  • I have to give props to the chef for that amazing meal.
  • We should all give props to the volunteers who organized the event.
  • The wizard would give props to his broomstick for always flying straight, even in a hurricane.
  • The talking squirrel demanded we give props to his magnificent nut-gathering skills, lest we face his tiny, but determined, wrath.

Frequently asked questions

Can you give props to an inanimate object?

While you can say you 'give props' to an object metaphorically, the phrase traditionally refers to giving credit or respect to a person. It originates from acknowledging the achievements or skills of individuals.

Is 'give props' a formal or informal phrase?

Giving props is considered an informal expression, widely used in casual conversation and popular culture. Its origins in African American Vernacular English and hip-hop culture emphasize its informal, community-oriented roots.

What's a common misconception about the phrase 'give props'?

A common misconception is that 'props' refers to physical objects, like theatrical props. In reality, 'props' is short for 'proper respect,' signifying admiration or credit given to someone.

Can you 'give props' sarcastically?

Yes, the phrase 'give props' can definitely be used sarcastically to imply the opposite of genuine respect or admiration. Like many expressions, its tone and context determine the true intent.

Similar to "give props"

Shout out to someone
Both acknowledge someone's effort, but 'shout out' has a more public, performance-like or celebratory feel, often aimed at spreading awareness or showing general appreciation in a lively way
Give credit where credit is due
Both point to recognizing someone's contribution, but 'give credit where credit is due' sounds more formal and emphasizes fairness, like settling a debt of recognition, whereas 'give props' is more casual and about genuine respect
Recognize someone's achievements
Both involve lauding someone, but 'recognize someone's achievements' is a more measured and official declaration of accomplishment, often in a formal setting, while 'give props' is a spontaneous, informal nod of admiration for any positive action or quality

Opposite of "give props"

Throw shade
This phrase argues for subtle, indirect criticism or expressing contempt, directly countering the generous spirit of 'give props' by highlighting how negativity can be disguised as innocent observation, making the contrast a masterclass in passive aggression
Take credit for
This argues for unjustly claiming someone else's accomplishment as your own, a blatant act of disrespect that stands in stark opposition to the core idea of honestly acknowledging another's merit inherent in 'give props'
Undermine someone
This phrase suggests a deliberate effort to weaken or sabotage someone, a direct assault on their reputation or efforts that starkly contrasts with 'give props', which is all about bolstering and celebrating

Related to "give props"

Big up someone
This phrase shares the same energetic, enthusiastic vibe as 'give props,' originating from similar informal and often urban contexts, both aiming to elevate and praise someone's qualities or actions
Hat tip
Like 'give props,' this phrase signifies a gesture of respect or acknowledgment, but it's a more subtle, almost formal nod, like a literal tipping of one's hat to show deference
Raise the bar
This phrase shares the aspirational quality with 'give props,' as acknowledging someone's excellence naturally sets a higher standard for others, creating a positive feedback loop of achievement
On fleek
While 'give props' is about the act of admiration, 'on fleek' is about the state of being that inspires such admiration – indicating someone or something is perfectly executed and worthy of praise