pip emma

[ pip em-uh ]

adverb

, British.

1. in, on, or during the afternoon.

pip-emma

/ ˈpɪpˈɛmə /

adverb

1. old-fashioned.
   in the afternoon; p.m Compare ack-emma

Word History and Origins

Origin of pip emma¹

First recorded in 1910–15; phrase representing P.M., used by signalmen

Word History and Origins

Origin of pip emma¹

World War I phonetic alphabet for P, M

Example Sentences

But if they slip up, Man City can pip Emma Hayes’ side by winning at West Ham.

From The Guardian

Lyra Silvertongue, Lyra Belacqua, but really just Lyra: one of those characters in literature — Pip, Emma, Lolita — who is on first-name terms with her public.

From New York Times

“Master saying ‘six p.m.,’ but Signal Bwana always saying ‘six pip emma’—all same p. 77meaning but different language, please God, sah. 

From Project Gutenberg

“No boat allowed to move in harbour after six pip emma, sah, thank God, please.”

From Project Gutenberg

“Who on earth’s Pip Emma?” enquired the bewildered Bertram, as they hurried down the hill to the quay.

From Project Gutenberg