trollop
/'trɔləp/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A woman who is sexually promiscuous or considered to be sexually immoral. This term is an old-fashioned and derogatory word for a woman who has many sexual partners or is perceived as lacking sexual restraint. 2. A dirty, untidy, or slovenly woman. This meaning focuses on a woman's unkempt appearance and lack of cleanliness.
Usage and Examples
- Referring to perceived promiscuity:
- The scandalous novel portrayed the heroine as a trollop, much to the outrage of polite society.
- He cruelly referred to his former girlfriend as a trollop after their argument.
- Referring to untidiness:
- The character was depicted as a trollop, with messy hair and stained clothes, wandering the streets.
- She was tired of being called a trollop just because she didn't always keep her room perfectly clean.
Advanced Usage and Notes
- Historical and Derogatory Connotation: The word "trollop" is considered highly offensive and archaic. Its use today is rare and almost always intended as a severe insult, carrying strong moral judgment, particularly regarding a woman's sexuality or hygiene.
- Semantic Shift: Historically, the meaning related to slovenliness (an untidy woman) is considered the original, with the meaning related to promiscuity developing later. In modern understanding, the promiscuity-related meaning is often primary.
Variants and Related Words
- Trollopy (adjective, informal): Having the qualities of or resembling a trollop; slovenly or promiscuous in appearance.
- She was criticized for her trollopy appearance at the formal event.
Synonyms
- Promiscuous woman: strumpet, harlot, wanton, slut (all highly derogatory).
- Untidy woman: slattern, sloven, frump.
Idioms and Phrases
No common idioms or phrasal verbs are directly formed with the isolated word "trollop".
Noun
- a woman adulterer
- a dirty untidy woman