VIP stands for “very Important Person”, an expression used to refer to a very important and distinguished person.
This term is usually given to people who, because of their importance, have some privileges that are not granted to others.
Typically, a VIP person is an artistic celebrity, such as famous singers and actors, or individuals who belong to an exclusive group from the upper social class, such as the socialites, for example.
Celebrities can also be heads of state, heads of government, businessmen of large groups, politicians with a great influence on the media or people with large fortunes.
People considered socially VIP's often use this title to influence or persuade other people to get something they want, like attending a restricted event, for example.
VIP was a term that emerged between the 1930s and 1940s. Initially, this term mainly referred to customers of a particular store or bank who had high financial limits.
Currently, the term VIP is used anywhere as synonymous with exclusivity
. For example, at airports there are VIP zones for some passengers with boarding privileges and special amenities.Learn more about the meaning of privilege.