VIP

or V.I.P.

[ vee-ahy-pee ]

Informal.

1. very important person.

VIP

abbreviation for

1. very important person
2. visually impaired person
3. vasoactive intestinal peptide: a polypeptide secreted by the small intestine during digestion and also found in the brain as a neurotransmitter: large amounts in the blood cause diarrhoea

VIP

1. An abbreviation for “ V ery I mportant P erson”: “The luncheon will be exclusive, with VIPs only.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of VIP¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

More than £14.1m was recouped from ticket sales alone, with one VIP group package which included a ringside seat and photographs with the fighters costing as much as £1.6m.

From BBC

Emails reportedly sent in advance of official visits, including to a VIP lunch, ask for "no bananas" to be allowed on certain premises and refer to Brandberg having a "strong allergy" to the fruit.

From BBC

Gray was given VIP tickets to Aberdeen matches at Hampden three times, once in his current role and twice when he was wellbeing economy, fair work and energy secretary.

From BBC

He remained on stage in the VIP section long after the ceremony ended, chatting up Dodgers broadcasting legend Jaime Jarrín and others, instead of trying to mix with the crowd.

From Los Angeles Times

Many looking for the general admission line ended up waiting in the VIP line and many others wandered back and forth looking for someone to ask.

From Salon

More About VIP

What does VIP mean?

VIP (or V.I.P.) is an abbreviation of very important person.

VIP is an informal way to refer to someone who is notable in some way and is given special treatment in a particular setting. It is also used to describe things involving special access for such people, as in phrases like VIP treatment or VIP pass. The plural of VIP is VIPs.

Example: The hotel provides additional security for the rooms reserved by VIPs like heads of state.

Where does VIP come from?

The first records of VIP come from the middle of the 1900s. Initially, it was most often applied to important, high-ranking military personnel. Over time, the term became a widely used abbreviation.

VIP most often refers to people like celebrities or wealthy customers who are given special privileges or treatment. Many businesses often label their most loyal (and highest-paying) customers as VIPs in order to offer them special perks. For example, a boutique might have an exclusive event for VIPs like celebrities and influencers who they hope will create interest in the business. People given such access and perks are often said to have received VIP treatment.

VIP is commonly used in phrases that refer to things that allow or involve special access. For example, some seats at concerts and sporting events are reserved for people with VIP passes. Amusement parks frequently offer (very expensive) VIP packages that have all kinds of extra benefits. If someone has VIP status within an organization, it means they are high in the chain of command or they have been granted access to things and sections that are off-limits to lower-ranking people. Often, such VIPs are given special badges to prove their status.

Since VIP is an abbreviation, it can stand for other things, such as visually impaired person.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to VIP?

• V.I.P. (alternate spelling)
• VIPs (plural)
• V.I.P.s (plural)

What are some synonyms for VIP?

• very important person

What are some words that often get used in discussing VIP?

• treatment
• status
• pass
• section
• privilege
• celebrity
• dignitary
• luminary
• premium
• exclusive

How is VIP used in real life?

VIPs are usually celebrities or people who have paid for special access and privileges.

cwg shld be a public sports festival which every indian could enjoy. cant be reserved for vips and friends.

— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) October 2, 2010

Not gonna lie, I’ve likely ate my share of the steak available in the VIP section of today’s beer festival.

— 🍺Brian (@BrianMSTL) February 29, 2020

This lost stuffed bunny got the VIP treatment after being left behind at an Irish hotel https://t.co/x4SBmNNks4 pic.twitter.com/yCfcy9Izoh

— Condé Nast Traveler (@CNTraveler) January 14, 2016

 

 

Try using VIP!

Is VIP used correctly in the following sentence?

After the pop star announced that she was coming to the restaurant, the manager told his staff to treat her as a VIP and give her the best table.