Top 31 Slang For Prostitute – Meaning & Usage

Prostitution is a topic that has been shrouded in secrecy and stigma for centuries. But the truth is, it’s a profession that has its own set of unique slang and terminology. In this article, we’ve delved into the world of prostitution to bring you a list of the top slang words used to refer to prostitutes. Whether you’re curious about the origins of these terms or simply want to expand your knowledge of the English language, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to dive into a fascinating and educational journey as we uncover the colorful and sometimes surprising slang for prostitute.

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1. Harlot

This term refers to a woman who engages in sexual activities in exchange for money. It is often used in a derogatory manner to shame or criticize sex workers.

For example, in literature, you might come across phrases like “a fallen harlot” or “a notorious harlot.”
In historical contexts, the term might be used to describe women who were considered immoral or promiscuous.
Someone using this term might say, “She’s nothing but a harlot, selling her body for cash.”

2. Courtesan

A courtesan is a high-class prostitute who provides companionship and sexual services to wealthy clients. They often have refined manners and are well-educated in various subjects.

For instance, in historical periods, courtesans were often sought after by nobles and aristocrats.
In literature or movies set in the past, you might find characters like “the courtesan of the king.”
Someone might use this term to describe a person engaging in sex work but with a certain level of sophistication, saying, “She’s not just a regular prostitute, she’s a courtesan.”

3. Strumpet

Strumpet is a derogatory term used to describe a woman who is considered promiscuous or sexually immoral. It is often used to shame or degrade women who engage in sex work.

For example, in Shakespearean plays, you might come across lines like “Thou strumpet!” or “Begone, you strumpet!”
The term might be used in a judgmental or scornful way to describe a woman who is perceived as sexually promiscuous.
Someone using this term might say, “She’s nothing but a strumpet, sleeping around with anyone.”

4. Trollop

Trollop is a derogatory term used to describe a woman who is considered promiscuous or sexually immoral. It is often used to shame or degrade women who engage in sex work.

For instance, in old-fashioned literature or movies, you might find characters like “the village trollop.”
The term is usually used in a judgmental or disdainful way to criticize a woman’s sexual behavior.
Someone using this term might say, “She’s just a trollop, hopping from one man to another.”

5. Cyprian

Cyprian is an archaic term used to refer to a prostitute. It is derived from the name of the ancient city of Cyprus, which was associated with the worship of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty.

For example, in historical texts or literature, you might find references to “Cyprian women” or “Cyprian prostitutes.”
The term is not commonly used in modern language but may appear in historical or literary contexts.
Someone using this term might say, “She’s a Cyprian, selling her body for money.”

6. Bawd

A bawd is a woman who manages or runs a brothel and/or acts as a pimp for prostitutes. The term can also be used to refer to a woman who is involved in the sex trade in some way.

For example, “The bawd controlled a network of prostitutes and profited from their work.”
In a historical context, a writer might describe a character as a “notorious bawd.”
A discussion about the sex industry might include the term “bawd” to refer to the people who profit from it.

7. Doxy

Doxy is a slang term used to refer to a female prostitute or a woman who is a mistress or lover. It can also be used more generally to describe a promiscuous or loose woman.

For instance, a character in a novel might say, “She was known as a doxy, always seen with different men.”
In a conversation about historical figures, someone might mention a famous courtesan as a “doxy.”
A discussion about the portrayal of women in media might include the term “doxy” to criticize the objectification of female characters.

8. Drab

Drab is a derogatory term used to describe a low-class prostitute or a promiscuous woman. It is often used to imply that the woman is dirty or unattractive.

For example, in a historical context, a writer might describe a character as a “drab” to emphasize their low social status.
In a discussion about gender stereotypes, someone might use the term “drab” to criticize the judgment of women based on their sexual behavior.
A conversation about the history of prostitution might include the term “drab” to describe the living conditions of prostitutes in certain eras.

9. Punk

Punk is a slang term used to refer to a male prostitute or a young male involved in the sex trade. It can also be used more broadly to describe a person who is seen as weak or insignificant.

For instance, a character in a movie might say, “He’s just a punk, selling himself for a few bucks.”
In a conversation about the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, someone might use the term “punk” to criticize the treatment of young people in the sex trade.
A discussion about the criminalization of prostitution might include the term “punk” to describe the individuals who are most affected by punitive laws.

10. Streetwalker

A streetwalker is a prostitute who solicits clients directly on the street, often walking or standing at street corners or other public places. The term is used to distinguish these types of prostitutes from those who work in brothels or other indoor establishments.

For example, a person might say, “I saw a streetwalker on the corner last night when I was walking home.”
In a conversation about the dangers faced by sex workers, someone might mention the risks associated with being a streetwalker.
A discussion about the regulation of prostitution might include the term “streetwalker” to explore the different approaches taken by different jurisdictions.

11. Call girl

– For example, a character in a movie might say, “I need to hire a call girl for the party tonight.”

In a discussion about the sex industry, someone might ask, “What’s the difference between a call girl and an escort?”
A person sharing personal experiences might say, “I used to work as a call girl, and it was a very different lifestyle.”

12. Working girl

– For instance, someone might say, “She’s a working girl, doing what she needs to support herself.”

In a discussion about the challenges faced by sex workers, someone might mention, “Working girls often face stigma and discrimination.”
A character in a novel might say, “I became a working girl to escape poverty and provide for my family.”

13. Lady of the night

– For example, a character in a historical drama might say, “Beware the lady of the night, for she holds many secrets.”

In a discussion about the portrayal of prostitutes in literature, someone might mention, “The lady of the night is often depicted as tragic and misunderstood.”
A person sharing their own experiences might say, “I worked as a lady of the night for several years before finding a different path.”

14. Fallen woman

– For instance, a character in a Victorian novel might say, “She was once a respectable lady, but now she’s a fallen woman.”

In a discussion about societal attitudes towards sex work, someone might argue, “The concept of the fallen woman reinforces harmful stereotypes.”
A person discussing the historical treatment of prostitutes might mention, “The label of fallen woman often led to social ostracism and limited opportunities for redemption.”

15. Scarlet woman

– For example, a character in a period drama might say, “Beware the scarlet woman, for she tempts men into sin.”

In a discussion about the portrayal of women in literature, someone might mention, “The scarlet woman is often depicted as a seductress or femme fatale.”
A person sharing personal experiences might say, “I was once labeled a scarlet woman simply because of my profession.”

16. Rent boy

This term refers to a male prostitute who is hired for sexual services in exchange for money. It is often used to describe young men or boys who engage in sex work.

For example, in a discussion about the sex industry, someone might mention, “Rent boys are often overlooked and face unique challenges.”
In a news article about sex trafficking, the term might be used to describe the victims: “The organization aims to provide support for former rent boys.”
A person sharing their personal experience might say, “I used to work as a rent boy to support myself through college.”

17. Brass

This term is a slang word used to refer to a prostitute, particularly in British English. It is derived from the Cockney rhyming slang “brass nail” which rhymes with “tail,” a euphemism for a prostitute.

For instance, in a crime novel set in London, a character might say, “Watch out for the brass on that corner.”
In a documentary about the history of prostitution, the term might be used to describe the profession: “During the Victorian era, many young women turned to brass for survival.”
A person discussing the stigma surrounding sex work might say, “Calling someone a brass is derogatory and perpetuates harmful stereotypes.”

18. Demimondaine

This term refers to a high-class prostitute or courtesan. It is often used to describe a woman who is financially supported by wealthy clients and who leads a luxurious lifestyle.

For example, in a historical drama about the 19th century, a character might be portrayed as a demimondaine: “She was the most sought-after demimondaine in Paris.”
In a discussion about the portrayal of sex workers in literature, someone might mention, “Demimondaines were often romanticized as tragic heroines.”
A person studying the history of prostitution might say, “During the Belle Époque, demimondaines played a significant role in Parisian society.”

19. Lorette

This term is a slang word used to refer to a prostitute, particularly in French. It originated in the 19th century and was often used to describe a young woman who engaged in sex work.

For instance, in a novel set in 19th century France, a character might say, “She was forced to become a lorette to survive.”
In a discussion about the social conditions of the time, the term might be used to describe the plight of young women: “Many lorettes were abandoned by their families and had no other means of support.”
A person discussing the impact of urbanization on prostitution might say, “The rise of industrial cities led to an increase in the number of lorettes.”

20. Bagnio

This term refers to a brothel or a house of prostitution. It originated in the 17th century and was commonly used to describe a place where sexual services were provided for payment.

For example, in a historical fiction novel set in ancient Rome, a character might say, “Let’s go to the bagnio and have some fun.”
In a documentary about the history of prostitution, the term might be used to describe the different types of establishments: “There were high-end bagnios for the wealthy and seedy ones for the lower classes.”
A person discussing the regulation of prostitution might say, “Many cities implemented strict laws to control the operation of bagnios.”

21. Fancy woman

This term refers to a prostitute who presents herself as sophisticated and high-class. It suggests that the woman is well-dressed and attractive.

For example, in a historical novel, you might read, “The protagonist was seduced by a fancy woman in the red-light district.”
A TV show set in the 1920s might have a character say, “I saw him leaving the fancy woman’s apartment last night.”
In a conversation about the history of prostitution, someone might mention, “Fancy women were often sought after by wealthy clients.”

22. Cocotte

Cocotte is a French slang term for a prostitute. It is often used to describe a young and attractive woman who engages in sexual activities for money.

For instance, in a French film, a character might say, “She worked as a cocotte to support herself.”
A person discussing the history of prostitution might explain, “Cocottes were prevalent in Paris during the late 19th century.”
In a conversation about slang, someone might mention, “Cocotte is a term that originated in the French underworld.”

23. Moll

Originally, “moll” referred to a gangster’s girlfriend or female companion. However, it has also been used as a slang term for a prostitute, especially in older contexts.

For example, in a crime novel, you might read, “The detective suspected that the moll was involved in the criminal operation.”
A person discussing the language of the 1920s might say, “Moll was a common term for a prostitute during the Prohibition era.”
In a conversation about organized crime, someone might mention, “Molls often played a role in assisting gangsters with their illegal activities.”

24. Bawdy-house

This term refers to a house or establishment where prostitutes work and sexual services are provided. It is often used in a historical context to describe places where prostitution was common.

For instance, in a Victorian-era novel, you might read, “The protagonist visited a bawdy-house to find companionship.”
A person discussing the history of prostitution might explain, “Bawdy-houses were prevalent in urban areas during the 18th and 19th centuries.”
In a conversation about the regulation of sex work, someone might mention, “Bawdy-houses were often subject to legal restrictions and periodic crackdowns.”

25. Quean

Quean is a derogatory term for a prostitute or promiscuous woman. It carries a negative connotation and is often used to demean or insult women engaged in sex work.

For example, in a heated argument, someone might say, “You’re nothing but a quean, selling your body for money.”
A person discussing the objectification of women might criticize the use of terms like “quean” to degrade sex workers.
In a conversation about gender equality, someone might mention, “The use of derogatory terms like quean perpetuates harmful stereotypes and discrimination against women.”

26. Escort

An escort is a person who is hired to accompany someone socially or professionally. In the context of prostitution, an escort refers to a person who provides sexual services in exchange for money.

For example, “I hired an escort to accompany me to a formal event.”
A discussion about the legality of prostitution might involve the term “escort.”
Someone might say, “She works as an escort to support herself financially.”

27. Whore

Whore is a derogatory term used to refer to a prostitute. It is important to note that using this term is offensive and disrespectful. It is recommended to use more neutral and respectful terms like “sex worker” instead.

For instance, “He called her a whore, which was completely inappropriate.”
A conversation about the stigma surrounding sex work might involve discussing the use of the term “whore.”
It is important to educate oneself about the experiences and challenges faced by sex workers.

28. Courtyard creeper

Courtyard creeper is a slang term used to describe a prostitute who solicits clients in public spaces, such as courtyards or parks. This term is often used to indicate the visibility of the prostitute’s activities in open areas.

For example, “The police increased patrols in the park to deter courtyard creepers.”
A discussion about the safety and regulation of sex work might involve mentioning the presence of courtyard creepers.
It is important to approach conversations about prostitution with sensitivity and respect for the individuals involved.

29. Joy girl

Joy girl is a slang term used to describe a prostitute who provides sexual services in exchange for money. The term emphasizes the idea of pleasure and enjoyment offered by the prostitute.

For instance, “He visited a joy girl to fulfill his desires.”
A conversation about the different terms used to refer to prostitutes might include the term “joy girl.”
It is crucial to respect the choices and autonomy of individuals involved in sex work.

30. Street princess

Street princess is a slang term used to describe a prostitute who solicits clients on the streets. The term can be used to indicate a young or attractive prostitute working in outdoor areas.

For example, “The city implemented measures to address the safety and well-being of street princesses.”
A discussion about the challenges faced by street-based sex workers might involve mentioning the term “street princess.”
It is important to approach conversations about prostitution with empathy and understanding.

31. Call boy

A “call boy” refers to a male escort who is hired for companionship or sexual services. This term is typically used to refer to male sex workers who cater to male clients.

For example, someone might say, “I hired a call boy for a special evening.”
In a discussion about the sex industry, a person might mention, “Call boys provide services to a diverse range of clients.”
Another might ask, “Are there any reliable websites to find reputable call boys?”