pap

pap v. (of paparazzi or a press photographer) to take a photograph (of someone or something). Editorial Note: As pointed out in the comments, the etymological information given in the first citation is incorrect. Etymological Note: From the noun “pap,” shortened from and meaning “paparazzi.” (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)

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2 comments
  • The first citation appears to be wrong – paparazzi comes from the character in Fellini’s Dolce Vita called Paparazzo, and the Italian comes from a dialect word for mosquito.

Further reading

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