Need help from an English major...

[Run]

Is "pimp'n" in this context a noun or a verb? Was he saying "I'm pimping" or was he calling this guy "pimp'n"? Can someone translate for me? I'm extremely caucasian and confused. Thanks.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/04/03/cnn.shooting/index.html

[stetsko]

Pimpin' is an elided form of the present participle of the verb "to pimp."

In this sentence, it's semantically ambiguous. Either:

a) "pimp'n" is being used as a gerund in direct address, as an adjectival noun. (cf. "why you so low, blue?")
b) "pimp'n" is being used as a noun in direct address, as a nickname. If this were the use, the editor erred in not capitalizing.
c) "pimp'n" is being used as a present participle, but the speaker has omitted the subejct "I," "you," or "she" as well as the verb "am," "are," or "is." (Potentially, "has been.") This omission would convey a specific sense of urgency that may be the most appropriate in the circumstance. (cf. "AAAH! Bleeding!) However, under this interpretation, the editor erred in not using a period, semicolon, or exclamation point prior to "pimpin'."

K.

[timalimdim]

White you are, Kate.

I think that it's a general epithet rather than a specific nickname. I don't think these guys knew one another, but I may be wrong.

Think "pal" or "buddy".

[stonelake]

Thank you for the sig.