Here's the breakdown:
* Origins: The phrase originated in the 1960s within African American communities.
* Meaning: It originally referred to giving someone "proper respect" for their achievements or skills.
* Shortened: The phrase was shortened to "props" for ease of use.
* Popularization: The term gained wider popularity through hip-hop culture and music in the 1980s and 1990s.
So, when someone says "give props" or "props to...", they're essentially saying "give them proper respect."