Lady of the evening Meaning in English
expression
Definition
A polite or indirect way to refer to a woman who works as a prostitute.
Usage & Nuances
This expression is old-fashioned and euphemistic, sometimes considered humorous or dated. Used mostly in polite or literary contexts to avoid saying 'prostitute' directly. In modern speech, 'sex worker' is more neutral and accepted.
Example Sentences
The story is about a lady of the evening in the city.
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He didn't realize she was a lady of the evening.
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The movie showed a lady of the evening waiting on the street.
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He used the phrase 'lady of the evening' to be polite when describing her profession.
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Back then, calling someone a 'lady of the evening' was considered less offensive.
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Many classic novels refer to a lady of the evening without ever saying 'prostitute'.
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