English Lexicon

Pap

/pæp/
verbCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #1500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As verb
  1. 1

    To be photographed, especially in a candid or intrusive manner.

    "The celebrity was papped while shopping at the local market."
  2. 2

    To take a photograph of someone, particularly in a way that captures them unprepared.

    "The photographer papped the couple during their romantic dinner."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The term 'pap' originates from the early 20th century, derived from the slang usage of 'paparazzi', which refers to photographers who take candid pictures of celebrities. The verb form 'papped' emerged as a colloquial expression to describe being photographed unexpectedly.

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