Is peep the same as peek? If it is, why say peeping tom instead of peeking tom?

Question

Is peep the same as peek? If it is, why say peeping tom instead of peeking tom?

Answer 1

Peeping is watching for a while and nobody can see you.  Peeking is a quick glance and you don't care who sees you.

Answer 2

I might peek around a corner but if I hide and watch I'm peeping.

Answer 3

Peek does have a very similar meaning to peep,and it would make sense to say "peeking Tom", but "peeping tom" is a specific phrase used to describe men (usually) who spy on others (often getting undressed in their homes/change-rooms etc).  

Answer 4

Definition of peep- to look through a small opening or from a concealed location.

According to the popular story, Lady Godiva took pity on the people of Coventry, who were suffering grievously under her husband's oppressive taxation. Lady Godiva appealed again and again to her husband, who obstinately refused to remit the tolls. At last, weary of her entreaties, he said he would grant her request if she would strip naked and ride through the streets of the town. Lady Godiva took him at his word and, after issuing a proclamation that all persons should keep within doors and shut their windows, she rode through the town, clothed only in her long hair. Only one person in the town, a tailor ever afterwards known as Peeping Tom, disobeyed her proclamation in one of the most famous instances of voyeurism. In the story, Tom bores a hole in his shutters so that he might see Godiva pass, and is struck blind. In the end, Godiva's husband keeps his word and abolishes the onerous taxes.

Answer 5

cuz its wrong english