Kiped: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

Last Updated on
July 4, 2023

“Kipe" (pronounced like "pipe" with a 'k') is a slang verb that means to steal or swipe something, typically in a sneaky or sly manner. So when something has been "kiped," it implies that something has been stolen or taken without the owner's permission.

In short:

"Kiped" denotes that something, usually of small value, has been stealthily taken or stolen.

What Does "Kiped" Mean?

"Kiped" is an idiomatic expression that conveys the idea of theft or pilfering. The phrase suggests that when someone has "kiped" something, they have taken it away surreptitiously, often without the owner's knowledge or consent.

Let's explore its core meanings and usage:

  • It typically reflects the act of petty theft, where the value of the stolen item might not be very high.
  • It is often used in a light-hearted or humorous context rather than referring to serious crimes or grand larceny.
  • While generally used in informal or colloquial settings, the phrase can be relevant to discussions about personal property, respect for others' belongings, or ethical behavior.

Where Does "Kiped" Come From?

As with many slang terms, the origin of "kiped" is unclear. It may have evolved from the now-defunct English verb "to kip," meaning to grab or snatch. This verb, "kip," made its first appearance in the English language around the year 1250, and its roots can be traced back to the Old Norse verb "kippa," which signifies actions like snatching, tugging, or pulling. While it's not a widely used term, it does appear occasionally, especially in American English.

10 Examples of "Kiped" in Sentences

Here are some examples of the idiom in use:

  • Johnny kiped an apple from the neighbor's tree, even though he knew it was wrong.
  • Someone kiped my sandwich from the office fridge yesterday.
  • After getting gooned at the party, he kiped a traffic cone on his way home as a souvenir.
  • If you notice someone has kiped your belongings, you should lodge a complaint with the authorities.
  • The detective's suspicion was on the nose when he discovered that the suspect kiped the evidence.
  • You shouldn't have kiped her notebook without asking; it wasn't very nice.
  • My bad. I was the one who kiped the pen from the store.
  • We used to kiped each other's notes in school and claimed them as our own.
  • My dog kiped a sausage from the kitchen counter.
  • Little did we know, our mischievous friend kiped the last slice of pizza while we were distracted.

Examples of "Kiped" in Pop Culture

The term "kiped" doesn't commonly appear in pop culture, likely due to its more informal and slangy nature. However, it could occasionally be heard in movies, TV shows, or books portraying a specific era or linguistic style.

  • "I held it in my pocket all day, with an eye on my backpack, making sure no one kiped my precious lunchbox-sized portable, personal tape player." This is a quote from a 2009 biographical book, The Replacements, by Jim Walsh.
  • Here's another quote from the romance novel Eternal: More Love Stories with Bite by P.C. Cast: "Chelsea about had a fit, trying to laugh with her chin up and her posture okay while lounging in a deck chair with kiped beers."

Other/Different Ways to Say "Kiped"

There are numerous alternative expressions that convey a similar meaning to "kiped."

Here are some of them:

  • Swiped
  • Pilfered
  • Pinched
  • Purloined
  • Nicked

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Kiped":

  • What does "kiped" mean?

"Kiped" is a phrase that implies something has been stolen or taken without permission.

  • How can I use "kiped" in a sentence?

You can use "kiped" to suggest petty theft or pilfering. For example, "I believe someone kiped my lunch from the office fridge."

  • Where does the idiom "kiped" come from?

The term "kiped" likely originates from early 20th-century American slang, possibly associated with the Romany word "kip" meaning "house."

  • Is "kiped" a negative term?

Yes, "kiped" refers to stealing, which is generally seen as negative and unethical behavior.

  • Can "kiped" be used in formal language?

No, "kiped" is informal and colloquial, making it less suitable for formal or academic contexts.

  • Can "kiped" be used in serious crime-related contexts?

Generally not, "kiped" typically refers to petty theft or larceny, and is often used in a more light-hearted or humorous context.

  • What is the synonym for "kiped"?

Some synonyms for "kiped" include "stolen", "pilfered", "swiped", "pinched", and "purloined".

  • Is "kiped" a commonly used term?

While it's not widely used in contemporary English, it does appear occasionally, especially in American English or in certain linguistic or historical contexts.

  • Is "kiped" a legal term?

No, "kiped" is not a legal term and would not typically be used in a legal context.

  • Does "kiped" imply malicious intent?

Not necessarily. While it does refer to stealing, it often relates to minor theft and can sometimes be used in a more playful or humorous manner.

Final Thoughts About "Kiped"

The slang term "kiped" refers to the act of stealing, often used in a more light-hearted or informal context. Its usage isn't widespread in contemporary English but might be found in specific cultural, historical, or linguistic contexts.

Here's a quick recap:

  • The term "kiped" signifies the act of stealing, usually in an informal or humorous manner.
  • The expression is part of early 20th-century American slang, possibly influenced by the Romany language.
  • It isn't a common term in modern English but could be encountered in certain contexts or genres.

Language is a dynamic and fascinating construct. Slang words like "kiped" add color and nuance to our conversations, reflecting specific cultural or historical contexts and linguistic styles. While not as common today, terms like this add richness to the tapestry of language and its ongoing evolution.

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