A fork of Rural Dictionary
Slang term for "accolades", "proper respect", or "just dues". Popularized in the 1980s by rappers who shortened the term "propers" which was in turn being used as an abbreviated version of "proper respect" at least by the 1960s. The increase in this term's usage during the late 1980s and early 1990s coincided with an increasing fascination with the mafia within rap circles. Both communities have traditionally placed great emphasis on the importance of earning and giving respect.
My four-year-old son is the king of Chutes and Ladders, but punk neighbor kids won't give him his props.
Props is short for "propers" as in, "proper respect"
On 13 Dec 2001, Joe M**** answered the question on Deja News. Here is how it is explained: Props, short for Propers, -Don't forget that the entire word "propers" is used in the song "Respect", written by Otis Redding and most famously recorded by Aretha Franklin in 1967. At least, I think it is ("all I'm askin' in return honey is to give me my propers when I get home")-
A "prop" is any item, either hand held or free standing, that is not nailed down on a theatrical or film set. The term originates from the basic inventory of the company being the "property" of the owner. General use is to give authenticity to a performance by adding a prop to give the actor "business". Interacting with a brush, sitting at a dressing table in a scene sets up the "suspension of disbelief" along with sets and costuming.
"The stage manager asked for all hand props to be used at rehearsal.