hussy
/'hʌsi/ Cách viết khác : (huzzy) /'hʌzi/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A woman of improper or promiscuous behavior: A derogatory term for a woman considered sexually immoral, brazen, or lacking in modesty or decency. This is the primary and most common meaning. 2. A saucy or mischievous girl: An archaic or less common use, referring to a girl or young woman who is impudent or cheeky, though not necessarily immoral.
Usage and Examples
- Primary Meaning (Immoral Woman):
- The scandalous rumors painted her as a hussy who had broken up the marriage.
- He called her a hussy for her flirtatious and forward manner.
- Archaic Meaning (Saucy Girl):
- "Come here, you little hussy!" the old woman scolded the cheeky child. (This usage is now rare and can sound dated.)
Advanced Usage and Notes
- Register and Connotation: The word "hussy" is strongly pejorative and judgmental. It is considered old-fashioned and offensive in modern usage, carrying strong moral condemnation. Its use often reflects the social attitudes of a past era regarding female sexuality and propriety.
- Etymology: The word originated as a contraction of "housewife" ("huswife"), but its meaning deteriorated over time from a neutral term for a woman managing a household to a term of contempt.
Variants and Related Words
- Huzzy: An archaic variant spelling of "hussy."
- Strumpet (noun): A dated synonym for a promiscuous woman or prostitute.
- Trollop (noun): Similar to "hussy," meaning a woman regarded as slovenly or sexually promiscuous.
- Minx (noun): A flirtatious or impudent young woman. This is less severe than "hussy" and can sometimes be used playfully.
Synonyms
- Jade
- Wanton
- Slattern
- Tramp (informal, derogatory)
- Loose woman
Antonyms
- Lady (in the sense of a refined, respectable woman)
- Prude (though this has a negative connotation of excessive modesty)
Idioms and Phrases
Note: "Hussy" itself is not commonly found in modern idioms. Its usage is typically as a standalone noun of insult.
Noun
- a woman adulterer