Why English had so many words for 'loose' women and so few for men
In short
These insults have surprising origins. 'Harlot' first meant a male vagabond around 1200 and took on its sexual sense by the fourteenth century, later reinforced by Bible translators. 'Strumpet' dates from the mid-fourteenth century, origin uncertain. 'Hussy' is a worn-down 'housewife' that turned derogatory by the mid-1700s. The main male counterpart, 'rake', dates from the 1650s.
What the full article will cover
- Where does 'harlot' come from?
- What is the origin of 'strumpet'?
- How did 'hussy' grow out of 'housewife'?
- What were the male equivalents, such as 'rake'?
- What do these words reveal about double standards?
Frequently asked questions
- Did 'harlot' always refer to women?
- Is 'hussy' still offensive?
- Why does the King James Bible use 'harlot'?
- What does 'rake' mean in A Rake's Progress?
Sources
- etymonline.com — https://www.etymonline.com/word/harlot
- etymonline.com — https://www.etymonline.com/word/strumpet
- etymonline.com — https://www.etymonline.com/word/hussy
- etymonline.com — https://www.etymonline.com/word/rake
General information, not legal or religious advice.