A Dictionary of Dutchness

Loverboy

A loverboy is the modern Dutch word for an old-fashioned pimp – a young man who seduces a girl into a relationship with sweet words, lots of attention and expensive gifts. Once she is totally dependent on him, he persuades her to become a prostitute, using violence if necessary. Naturally the girl sees little or none of the money she earns. Stung by criticism that loverboy sounds too nice, some experts are now using the word pooierboy or ‘pimp boy’ instead.