noun
ponce
pons
noun
1
British slang, often derogatory, for a man who lives off someone else's earnings, especially a pimp.
"The old film portrayed him as a small-time ponce running girls on the street."
verb
1
British informal, to behave in an affectedly grand or showy way.
"He was poncing about the office in an expensive new suit."
2
British informal, to borrow something casually without intending to return it, or to obtain something by asking.
"Can I ponce a cigarette off you?"
How to Use Ponce
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBritish slang for a pimp, or informally, to show off or casually cadge something from someone.
When to use it
Informal British slang; the "effeminate man" sense is dated and can be considered offensive.
Word Forms
ponced past tense, ponces plural, ponces plural, ponces singular
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The old film portrayed him as a small-time _____ running girls on the street.
Etymology
Origin uncertain, possibly from French Alphonse, once used as slang for a "kept man."