Pamper

Pamper

Verb · /ˈpæm.pər/

Definition

To treat with excessive indulgence; to give someone a great deal of care, comfort, and special attention — often more than is strictly necessary; to spoil or cosset. Used both of people and animals, and in marketing contexts for luxury treatments and products.

Origin

From Middle Dutch pamperen or Low German pampen (to indulge, to cram with food — related to pap, soft food for children) — the original sense being to cram or overfeed, extended to the general sense of excessive indulgence and treating with undue luxury. Appearing in English from the sixteenth century, initially with a slightly negative connotation of excessive, spoiling indulgence, and later evolving towards a more positive or neutral sense of welcome luxury and self-care.