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Whorish Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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whorish

[หˆhษ”rษชสƒ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

descriptive behavior

The term 'whorish' is often used to describe behavior that is promiscuous or sexually provocative. It carries a negative connotation and is typically directed at women, reflecting societal judgments about female sexuality. The word can imply a lack of morals or respectability, suggesting that the person exhibits behaviors deemed unacceptable by conventional standards. The term is frequently employed in derogatory contexts, highlighting cultural attitudes toward sexual conduct and the stigma associated with promiscuity.

Synonyms

debauched, dissolute, licentious, promiscuous.

Examples of usage

  • She received comments for her whorish appearance.
  • The novel portrayed a whorish character who challenged societal norms.
  • Critics accused the film of promoting whorish behavior.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Gender Studies

  • The term has been used historically to police women's sexuality, reflecting cultural double standards regarding sexual behavior.
  • Calling someone 'whorish' often reflects societal anxieties surrounding female sexuality and power.
  • The stigma attached to this word can lead to harmful stereotypes, influencing how society views women's choices.

Literature

  • Shakespeare often used similar terms to describe characters, illustrating societal views on morality and status.
  • In many literary works, characters labeled as 'whorish' often serve as commentary on the constraints placed on women, highlighting their struggles.
  • Modern literature critiques the term, showing how it can perpetuate shame and judgement about one's sexual autonomy.

Pop Culture

  • Contemporary music occasionally embraces the term ironically or as a form of empowerment, challenging traditional negative connotations.
  • Films and series depict characters labeled with this term to explore themes of sexuality, female empowerment, and societal judgement.
  • Social media conversations increasingly question and critique words like 'whorish,' advocating for more nuanced discussions of sexuality.

Origin of 'whorish'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'whorish' is derived from 'whore,' which has roots in Old English 'hor,' meaning 'prostitute.'
  • The transformation of 'whore' from a neutral term meaning 'woman' or 'bride' to its modern derogatory sense occurred over centuries.
  • In Middle English, 'whor' could signify a person guilty of unchastity, reflecting societal views on gender and morality.

The word 'whorish' emerges from the Middle English term 'hore', which is derived from the Old English 'hลre', referring to a prostitute or a promiscuous woman. Its origins can be traced back to Proto-Germanic *hลrล, which relates to sexual immorality. Over time, the term evolved in usage, often reflecting societal attitudes towards women and sexuality. In many cultures, the behavior associated with being 'whorish' is heavily stigmatized, leading to its use as a pejorative. The evolution of this word illustrates the intersection of language and social norms, particularly regarding gender and sexual behavior.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,001, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.