If you’re looking to dive into the origins of the term “simp,” let me point you to a classic: The Art of Mackin’ by Tariq Nasheed. This book, which came out in the early 2000s, predates PewDiePie’s rise to fame on YouTube by nearly a decade.
While PewDiePie may have recently started calling out simps, the earliest whispers of this term echo through Nasheed’s work and his Mack Lessons Radio Show. Tariq was shedding light on the concept of simping long before it became a trend on social media.
In fact, I felt so strongly about the lack of awareness surrounding simping that I launched the STOP Simping Movement back in December of 2011. It’s crucial to recognize where these terms come from and avoid spreading misinformation.
To attribute the rise of “simp” awareness to PewDiePie or others who likely started their channels after 2005 is to overlook the cultural roots established by black creators. While I don’t follow PewDiePie closely, and he may have mentioned the term in a deleted video, the truth is: the terminology found its way into mainstream conversations through black voices.
So, if you’re going to use the term “simp,” make sure you understand its history and use it in the proper context. Let’s give credit where it’s due and honor the contributions that laid the groundwork for today’s discussions!
For more book recommendations, check out my ideal list here. And if you want to grab The Art of Mackin’, you can find it here.
