What does gimp mean?
Gimp is an English noun and verb with several overlapping meanings. Its older and now offensive noun sense refers to a person with a limp or disability, and it can also be used dismissively for someone regarded as stupid, incompetent, or contemptible. In sexual role-play, a gimp is a submissive or deliberately helpless partner. As a verb, gimp can mean to limp or move with difficulty, while in figurative use it means to impair, disable, or weaken something. The word is usually informal, and its disability-related sense is widely considered inappropriate. A related adjective, gimpy, can describe something lame, weak, or unreliable. Although the word can still be encountered in older writing, humor, and specialized contexts, its strongest modern associations are insulting and potentially demeaning.
A dated, offensive term for a person with a limp or disability; by extension, a contemptible or incompetent person. In sexual role-play, it can mean a submissive or deliberately helpless partner.
"The film used the term 'gimp' as an insult, which many viewers found offensive."
The disability-related sense is widely considered a slur, while the competence-related sense is dismissive. The sexual-role-play sense is specialized and should be used in its relevant context.
To limp or move with difficulty; to make someone or something disabled, impaired, or less effective.
"The restriction could gimp the program without producing any clear benefit."
The verb is informal and relatively uncommon, especially in its transitive, figurative use.
The plural is grammatically regular but rare, because the word is usually used in singular constructions or fixed expressions.
"The novel's narrator treats several of the younger villagers as gimps."
A word that began as a description of limping can become a harsh insult, making its modern use especially sensitive.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Related word forms
How gimp is actually used
The noun is informal and generally offensive when used of a person with a disability; it may also be derogatory when used to insult someone's competence. The verb is comparatively uncommon and is chiefly informal or figurative.
Easily confused with gimp
A gimp is someone regarded as incompetent or disabled, whereas a wimp is someone regarded as weak, timid, or cowardly.