Wench: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฉโ๐พ
wench
[ wษnสง ]
historical usage
A wench is an archaic term that typically refers to a young woman or girl, often in the context of social or economic roles. In historical contexts, it was commonly used to describe a serving girl or a peasant woman. The term, however, has often carried derogatory connotations, implying promiscuity or low status. By the early modern period, it was often used in a more disparaging manner, associated with taverns and the lower class. This term has largely fallen out of favor in contemporary language due to its offensive implications.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The wench served drinks at the tavern.
- In the old play, the wench captured the audience's heart.
- The merchant employed several wenches to assist with his trade.
Translations
Translations of the word "wench" in other languages:
๐ต๐น serva
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฆเคพเคธเฅ
๐ฉ๐ช Magd
๐ฎ๐ฉ pelayan
๐บ๐ฆ ะดะพัะปัะถะฝะธัั
๐ต๐ฑ sลuลผka
๐ฏ๐ต ๅฌไฝฟใ
๐ซ๐ท servante
๐ช๐ธ criada
๐น๐ท hizmetรงi
๐ฐ๐ท ํ๋
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฎุงุฏู ุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ sluลพka
๐ธ๐ฐ sluลพka
๐จ๐ณ ๅฅณไฝฃ
๐ธ๐ฎ sluลพkinja
๐ฎ๐ธ รพjรณnustustรบlka
๐ฐ๐ฟ าัะทะผะตััั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแฎแแแ แแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ xidmษtรงi
๐ฒ๐ฝ sirvienta
Etymology
The term 'wench' originates from the Middle English word 'wenche,' which meant 'girl' or 'young woman.' This, in turn, comes from the Old English 'wenฤe,' reflecting a similar meaning. The term was widely used during the medieval period and Renaissance to describe a young female servant or female of lower social standing. As society evolved, the usage of the term broadened but also began to carry a more negative connotation, often implying promiscuity or disrespect. By the end of the 18th century, 'wench' was increasingly viewed as an insult and began to decline in usage. Today, it is recognized as an outdated and potentially offensive term, reflecting the historical attitudes toward women of lower economic status.