The spelling of the word "crimp" follows the consonant-vowel-consonant-vowel pattern, or CVCV, which means that it is pronounced as /krɪmp/. The first syllable is stressed, and it starts with the voiceless velar stop consonant /k/, followed by the short vowel /ɪ/, and then the voiced bilabial stop consonant /m/. The second syllable starts with the close front unrounded vowel /i/ and ends with the voiceless bilabial plosive /p/. The word "crimp" refers to the act of creating a fold or wave in a material to prevent it from slipping or unraveling.
Crimp can be used as both a verb and a noun, with slightly different meanings. As a verb, crimp refers to the act of folding, compressing, or pinching together with a tool or device to create a secure connection or hold. It commonly refers to actions like securing or fastening by bending, folding, or pressing with pliers or a similar tool. This process is often used in the context of joining two metal pieces by deforming them to form a tight bond. Crimping plays a crucial role in various industries, such as electrical and plumbing, where wires, cables, and pipes are frequently secured using this technique.
As a noun, crimp refers to the result or the physical effect of the crimping action. It denotes the mark, fold, or bend formed through the process. For instance, hair crimping refers to creating a wavy or zigzag pattern in the hair using a specialized tool. Similarly, fabric crimp refers to the folds or ridges formed in the material.
Apart from its technical uses, crimp can also have more general meanings. It can signify impeding or hindering someone's plans or actions, putting a stop to their progress or success. It can also refer to a mischievous or deceitful person trying to outsmart or deceive someone else, particularly in criminal or unlawful activities. In this sense, it is often used in the phrase "put a crimp in" to describe an action that interrupts, hampers, or obstructs a person, plan, or activity.
• A game at cards.
• To pinch up in small ridges, as a frill or ruffle; to induce rigid muscular contraction in a fish by making cuts through the flesh.
• Brittle; easily crumbled.
• One who unfairly decoys men into naval or military service-especially one who entraps sailors; one who ostensibly keeps a lodging-house for sailors, but whose real occupation is to fleece the unwary of their wages.
• To decoy into naval or military service.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "crimp" has a diverse etymology, and it has different meanings and origins depending on the context:
1. The verb "crimp" meaning to fold, press, or pinch originates from the Old English word "crympan", which means "to bend" or "to curl". This sense of the word has been in use since the late 15th century.
2. In the context of hairdressing, the verb "crimp" meaning to create small, uniform waves or ridges in hair comes from the Middle English word "crympen", which has the same meaning. It is related to the Old English term mentioned above.
3. In the context of textiles and fabrics, the verb "crimp" refers to the process of creating a wavy or corrugated appearance in materials. This is achieved through heat, moisture, or mechanical means.