Meaning of the word ponce in English

What does ponce mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

ponce

US /pɑːns/
UK /pɒns/

Noun

1.

(British, informal, derogatory) a man who lives off the earnings of a prostitute

Example:
The police arrested the ponce for exploiting vulnerable women.
He was known as a local ponce, always seen with different women.
2.

(British, informal, derogatory) a man who is effeminate or dresses in an ostentatious way

Example:
He's such a ponce, always preening in front of the mirror.
Don't be such a ponce, just get on with it!

Verb

1.

(British, informal, derogatory) to act in an effeminate or ostentatious way

Example:
He's always poncing about, trying to impress everyone.
Stop poncing around and help me with this work!
2.

(British, informal, derogatory) to cadge or borrow something, especially money, without intending to return it

Example:
He's always trying to ponce money off his friends.
Can I ponce a cigarette off you?