ponce
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.”
How to use ponce
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBritish slang for a pimp, or informally, to show off or casually cadge something from someone.
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
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."
Synonyms
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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.