(verb) Exclusive to the southern Appalachian region of the United States, the term refers to the taking, or stealing, of copper material to sell to a scrap yard for a monetary gain. Of all the precious metals copper is one that yields the biggest payoff. Though nearly non-existent now, nearer the turn of the twenty-first century when copper prices were at all-time highs copper enthusiasts were cutting down power lines for the thick copper enclosed within. As a result of such exploits some people did indeed lose their lives. FYI: such practices are indeed felonious. Persons involved in such activities may find themselves incarcerated if caught up in such acts. Be careful, trust no one.
Back in the day, whenever they went out harvesting (or) picking copper, it wasn't uncommon for the entire hollow to lose electricity for a couple of days on account of Chris and Tommy sawing down several nearby power poles. Motherfucking low-life thieves caused me to miss quite a few episodes of The Montel Williams Show.
few choices, in general. Possibly, no choices at all (understatement). Pickings = the things you have available to pick. Slim = thin, few, small. Also slim pickens, slim pickings.
Pimping agency - staffing or employment agencies that treat you like a dog, make lots of money off of you, and pay you next to nothing in return ... (in my opinion).
A pimping agency treats their workers like dogs. No matter how bad the place is that they send you to work, you have to suck it up, do a good job and not complain. A pimping agency gives you no paid vacation, no paid holidays, no paid sick leave, no benefits. They rake in lots of money from your hard labor and pay you next to nothing. Note: Not every staffing or temporary agency is a pimping agency, just most of them (in my opinion).