noun
ponce
pons
Ponce (noun) means British slang, often derogatory, for a man who lives off someone else's earnings, especially a pimp. Example: “The old film portrayed him as a small-time ponce running girls on the street.”
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.
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Word forms
- Plural
- ponces
- Third person singular
- ponces
- Past tense
- ponced
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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."
Related words
Rhymes for ponce
See all rhymes for ponce →Frequently asked questions
What does “ponce” mean?
The word “ponce” means british slang, often derogatory, for a man who lives off someone else's earnings, especially a pimp. In plain terms, british slang for a pimp, or informally, to show off or casually cadge something from someone.
How do you pronounce “ponce”?
“Ponce” is pronounced pons (/pɒns/ in IPA).
How do you use “ponce” in a sentence?
Here is “ponce” used in a sentence: “The old film portrayed him as a small-time ponce running girls on the street.”
What is another word for “ponce”?
Words with a similar meaning to “ponce” include hustler, mack, nelly, girlyman and quiche-eater.
What part of speech is “ponce”?
Depending on how it is used, “ponce” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “ponce” come from?
The word “ponce” comes from French. Origin uncertain, possibly from French Alphonse, once used as slang for a "kept man.".
How many meanings does “ponce” have?
“Ponce” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: british slang, often derogatory, for a man who lives off someone else's earnings, especially a pimp.
