Pronunciation: [kɹˈɪmps] (IPA) 
The word "crimps" is spelled with a silent "p", which can make it confusing to pronounce for non-native English speakers. The IPA phonetic transcription for "crimps" would be /krɪmps/. The "c" is pronounced as /k/, the "r" as /r/, the "i" as /ɪ/, the "m" as /m/, and the "p" is not pronounced. The word "crimps" can be a verb meaning to make small folds or to secure. It can also refer to a person who coerces or swindles others.
Crimps, in its noun form, refers to small, regular folds or bends that are made in a material, typically fabric or paper, to create a decorative or intentional pattern or texture. These folds are often formed by pressing or ironing the material in a specific way. The purpose of crimps can vary depending on the context, such as adding visual interest to clothing or creating intricate designs in arts and crafts.
Alternatively, "crimps" can also be used as a verb. In this case, it means to compress or pinch something together using a tool or device. It is commonly used in the context of hair styling, where a crimping iron is utilized to create small, wavy ridges in the hair strands. This technique adds volume and texture to the hair and is often popularized as a trendy hairstyle.
In a broader sense, "crimps" can also refer to a group of people involved in criminal activities, specifically those who engage in extortion or racketeering. This usage is more colloquial and originates from the criminal jargon used to describe individuals who impose control or restrictions on others to exploit them financially or otherwise.
Overall, the definition of "crimps" depends on its usage in different contexts, ranging from decorative folds or textures to a criminal group engaged in illicit activities.
The word "crimps" has an interesting etymology with multiple origins.
One possible origin is from the Dutch word "kramp", meaning a contraction, spasm, or cramp. This term would later be borrowed into English as "crimp", used to describe a muscular contraction or a spasm.
Another potential origin is from the Old English word "crympan", which means to curl or fold. This sense relates to the practice of crimping fabric, where it is folded or pleated to create a decorative effect.
In relation to its usage in the context of recruiting sailors, "crimps" refers to individuals involved in the illegal act of forcibly enlisting men into the navy. This specific meaning likely comes from the Middle English word "crymple", meaning to curl or wrinkle, and later developed into the sense of forcefully bending or twisting something against its will.
