Why You Should Stop Using The Word ‘Simp’

Aug 26, 2020

These days, creating new slang words is commonplace. It often is a lighthearted affair and can elicit laughter amongst friends. However, sometimes such words can actually insult the audience they are for. I recently learned of a word — ‘simp’ — that is indeed insulting to multiple demographics and I believe we should collectively stop using it.

Dictionary.com explains the word simp as “a slang insult for men who are seen as too attentive and submissive to women, especially out of a failed hope of winning some entitled sexual attention or activity from them.”

Others have changed the usage of the word and made it in an action word. For instance, people say things like “My buddy simped and caved.” Secondly, multiple Reddit accounts have been created to form a collective of stories of those who are “simps.” The tone in the accounts makes it evident that the term is not one individuals would particularly enjoy being called.

This term became well-known in late 2019/early 2020 when a slew of TikToks came out. They identified male members of Generation Z called “Simp Nation.” The slang has been criticized for stereotyping such men as effeminate and implies women are manipulative sexual objects.

Why is simp such a bad word?

Think about it. When using this word, we are creating a double standard. Feminists and those fighting for equal rights have often struggled with men automatically receiving positions of power, higher pay, and more respect. Now, with calling men Simps, we are saying that if they tone down their authoritative attitude, they are less masculine and less than men. Women have been fighting double standards for generations. In my opinion, accepting this term would be counterproductive to everything we have been fighting for.

Digging a little deeper…

Others say that “simps” perform their gentler, caring actions in hopes of gaining the attention of a potential suitor. People insult those who they think may be in this category saying their efforts are excessive. Yet time would tell that those who put forth the effort and are more emotionally transparent and communicative typically are happier in their relationships.

The evolution….

Askmen.com states “The term has evolved over time to extend beyond its initial misogynistic usage. Now, lots of people (both men and women) are labeling themselves simps for any form. It could be either potentially pathetic dating behavior, going as far as to make self-deprecating jokes about it. You can even be a simp for crushing on a celebrity you’ll never have a shot with.”

In my humble opinion, whether you are using this as an insult to someone else or to be self-deprecating, this is a word that we should all exclude from our vocabulary.

Featured image via Eugene Dimidiv on Life of Pix