lady of pleasure
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A woman who engages in sexual intercourse for money; a prostitute.
Usage
This term is a dated and euphemistic expression for a prostitute. It is rarely used in modern, everyday English and can be considered archaic. Its use often carries a formal or literary tone, and it may appear in historical contexts or older literature.
Examples
- In the 18th-century novel, the character was described as a lady of pleasure.
- The historical records mentioned the area was frequented by ladies of pleasure.
Advanced Usage
- The term is a euphemism, a mild or indirect word substituted for one considered too harsh or blunt. Its usage reflects the social attitudes and language of past eras.
Variants and Related Words
- Courtesan (noun): A prostitute, especially one with wealthy or upper-class clients. This term also has historical connotations.
- Demimondaine (noun): A woman considered to be part of the demimonde; a woman whose social standing is questionable due to her sexual conduct or relationships.
Synonyms
- Prostitute
- Sex worker
- Harlot (archaic)
- Strumpet (archaic)
- Courtesan
Related Idioms
No common idioms are directly formed from this specific term.
Noun
- a woman who engages in sexual intercourse for money