Word
props
US/ˈpɹɑps/
UK/pɹˈɒps/
Definitions
01theatre/film objects
n. the objects used by actors in a play or film, like a book, a glass, or a phone.
n. the portable objects used on the set of a play or film to enhance the realism or action of a scene.
“The actors had to manage several small props during the dinner scene.”
“The stage manager spent the afternoon cataloguing the historical props to ensure every letter and inkwell was period-accurate for the Victorian drama.”
Synonyms
02respect and credit
n. respect or praise given to someone for doing something well.
n. due respect, recognition, or credit for an achievement. Often used in the phrase 'give props to'.
“You have to give her props for finishing the race with a broken toe.”
“While I disagree with his final decision, I have to give him props for the transparent way he handled the initial crisis.”
Slang · Informal
Usage
Usually appears in the plural form and often follows the verb 'give'.
Antonyms
05shouting respect
interj. a word you say to show you respect what someone just did.
interj. an exclamation used to signal respect or approval toward another person.
“Props to you for standing up to the boss like that.”
“Props for getting that project finished ahead of schedule despite all the technical setbacks we faced this week.”
Slang · Informal
Real-World Examples
“He pointed at Alan Bates’s chair and said, “Ey up, they’ve spelled me name wrong.” By the next day, the props department had made a tiny chair just for him.” “Cwmbran is the town where the band send their stage props for repair, and given the props in question are giant inflatable bears, you wonder whether they could get one installed in goal.” Etymology
From proper, as in "proper respect" or "proper recognition".
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/props