CultureAugust 20, 2026

crimp

KRIMP

Definition

To pinch, squeeze, or fold something to restrict it; historically, a person who entrapped others into labor or service through coercion.

Etymology

Originating in the 17th century, the word likely comes from Middle Dutch or Low German, originally meaning to shrivel or wrinkle, and later evolving to describe the deceptive procurement of sailors.

In the news

The article uses the word to describe both the physical act of folding pastry or sealing tubes and the metaphorical act of AI models 'pinching' traffic away from original source websites.

The art of crimping

Read the full article ↗

The Spectator Australia

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