A pimp (also called fleshmonger) finds and manages clients for prostitutes and engages them in prostitution (in brothels in most cases and some cases street prostitution) in order to profit from their earnings. Typically, a pimp will not force prostitutes to stay with him, although some have been known to be abusive in order to keep their prostitutes submissive or to maximize profits. A pimp may also offer to protect his prostitutes from rival pimps and prostitutes, or from abusive clients. He can also enable a prostitute to work in a particular area under his control. Pimping is illegal in many countries.

Most people who work managing prostitutes are men, but some women work in this capacity as well, though rarely in street prostitution. Women are rarely called pimps, as the word implies male dominance - a woman who manages prostitutes is generally called a mamasan or a madam. (This should not be confused with the title of respect given to adult women in most English-speaking countries.)

Often , low level pimps will initially present themselves as lovers or father-figures to prostitutes (who may be run-aways or otherwise lack a family network) before introducing them to prostitution and perhaps drug addiction. This practice is called "turning out." The pimp-prostitute relationship can be abusive, with the pimp using psychological intimidation, manipulation and physical force to control the members in the "stable".

Pimp business in the United States of America

In 2004 two pimps were convicted in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia of conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) and of violations of other criminal statutes.U.S. v. Pipkins, 378 F.3d 1281, (11th Cir. 2004). Both of the defendants appealed their convictions. The 11th Circuit rejected all of the pimps' appeals, but because the court needed to support the RICO claim it went into a detailed description of a pimp's business, including special pimp terms and business tactics. Although some may scoff at the labeling of pimping as a business, it is clear from the Pipkins case that the pimps had rules, regulations, a business structure, and even their own language.

First, as to business structure, pimps operate a multi-tiered business. There is even a series of pimp videos, produced by pimps themselves, that illustrate how the business should be run. Really Really Pimpin' in Da South, Rotten Tomatoes

As to the business structure, at the top there is the pimp who runs the business. Below the pimp is the "Bottom Girl." She acts in a way like an office manager, keeping tabs on the "track" when the pimp is away, keeping the pimp appraised of the law enforcement activity, and collecting money from the prostitutes. The Bottom Girl can be especially important when the pimp is incarcerated. In addition, under the Bottom Girl, the pimp may employ a "wife-in-law" who has similar duties as the Bottom Girl. Below that there is the bevy of normal prostitutes.