Streetwalker: meaning, definitions and examples
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streetwalker
[ ˈstriːtˌwɔːkər ]
sex work
A streetwalker is typically a person, often a woman, who engages in sexual activities for money in exchange for services in public areas, usually on the street. This term is often used to describe individuals who solicit clients in visible locations rather than in a controlled environment. Streetwalking is commonly associated with sex work in urban settings where individuals may be more vulnerable to various legal and social issues, including criminalization and exploitation. The lifestyle of a streetwalker can often lead to dangerous situations due to lack of protection and the risks involved with interacting with strangers.
Synonyms
escort, prostitute, sex worker.
Examples of usage
- The police often patrol areas known for streetwalkers.
- She was approached by a streetwalker while walking home at night.
- Streetwalkers can face harsh penalties under local laws.
Translations
Translations of the word "streetwalker" in other languages:
🇵🇹 prostituta
🇮🇳 सड़क चलने वाली
🇩🇪 Straßenprostituierte
🇮🇩 pekerja seks jalanan
🇺🇦 вулична повія
🇵🇱 prostytutka uliczna
🇯🇵 ストリートウォーカー
🇫🇷 prostituée de rue
🇪🇸 prostituta callejera
🇹🇷 sokak fahişesi
🇰🇷 거리 성매매 여성
🇸🇦 امرأة شارع
🇨🇿 ulice prostitutka
🇸🇰 ulicová prostitútka
🇨🇳 街头妓女
🇸🇮 ulica prostitutka
🇮🇸 götuhóra
🇰🇿 көшедегі жезөкше
🇬🇪 ქუჩის მეძავი
🇦🇿 k küçə fahişəsi
🇲🇽 prostituta callejera
Etymology
The term 'streetwalker' originated in the late 19th century, derived from the combination of 'street' and 'walker'. The word 'street' refers to a public road in a city or town, while 'walker' indicates someone who walks or travels on foot. Initially, it may have had a neutral connotation, simply describing individuals who walked the streets. However, over time, the term became associated primarily with women engaged in the profession of prostitution. Societal attitudes towards sex work have shaped the word's implications, rendering it pejorative in many contexts. In the 20th century, the increasing visibility of street-level sex work in urban areas led to further entrenchment of the term in popular culture, frequently featuring in media portrayals concerning crime, poverty, and gender issues. Today, 'streetwalker' carries many connotations related to the marginalized experiences of those involved in survival sex work, reflecting broader societal dynamics of exploitation and human rights.