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C2 Noun (plural) #19 最常用 15分钟阅读

harlots

前19

开始练习例句笔记与提示 harlots 30秒了解

解析 harlots in your Level:

The word 'harlots' is a very old and very mean word for women that people thought were bad a long time ago. You will not hear this word in school or when talking to friends today. It is only in very old books or movies about kings and queens. It is plural, which means it talks about more than one woman. You should not use this word because it is not polite. If you see it in a story, just know it means a woman who people did not respect in the past. It is like a 'bad name' from history. You don't need to learn how to say it or write it for your tests, but it is good to know it is an old, mean word.

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'Harlots' is an archaic (very old) word. It is the plural of 'harlot.' Long ago, people used this word to describe women who worked in a way that the church or the law did not like. Today, we do not use this word in daily life. You might see it in a movie about the 1700s or in an old book. It is a derogatory word, which means it is used to hurt someone's feelings or show that you think they are bad. If you are reading a story and see 'harlots,' it usually means women who were poor and had to do difficult things to survive. Remember, it is a very impolite word and you should not use it in your own speaking or writing.

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At the B1 level, you should recognize 'harlots' as a literary and historical term. It is a derogatory noun used to describe prostitutes in an archaic context. You will encounter it in historical novels, such as those set in Victorian London or medieval Europe. The word carries a strong moral judgment. In the past, society used words like 'harlots' to shame women. When you see this word in a text, it tells you something about the setting and the attitudes of the characters. For example, a 'villain' in a story might call someone a 'harlot' to be cruel. It is important to know that this word is not used in modern, professional, or polite English. Instead, we use terms like 'sex workers.'

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The word 'harlots' is an archaic, derogatory term for prostitutes. At the B2 level, you should understand that its usage is strictly limited to specific registers: historical fiction, religious texts, and literary analysis. It is never appropriate for modern conversation or standard academic writing. The word implies a moral condemnation that was common in previous centuries but is now considered offensive and outdated. In literature, it is often used to create a sense of 'period authenticity.' For instance, an author might use it to illustrate the harsh social hierarchy of the 18th century. You should also be aware of the word 'harlotry,' which refers to the profession itself in a similarly archaic and judgmental way.

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As a C1 learner, you should be aware of the sociolinguistic implications of the word 'harlots.' It is an archaic and highly derogatory term that reflects the historical marginalization of women. Its primary function in modern English is stylistic; it is used in historical dramas, period pieces, and literary criticism to evoke the moralistic atmosphere of the past. You might encounter it in the works of Shakespeare, Chaucer, or in older translations of the Bible (like the King James Version). In these contexts, the word often carries a metaphorical weight, symbolizing spiritual or political corruption. It is crucial to distinguish 'harlots' from more neutral modern terms like 'sex workers' and to understand that using 'harlots' today would be seen as a deliberate attempt to be offensive or archaic.

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At the C2 level, 'harlots' should be understood through its complex etymological and cultural history. Originally a gender-neutral term in Middle English meaning 'vagabond' or 'rogue,' it underwent a process of 'pejoration' and 'gendering' to become a derogatory term specifically for women. In a C2 context, you might analyze how the word is used in political polemics to 'slut-shame' or to metaphorically describe the 'prostitution' of one's values for profit. You should be able to discuss the word's role in the 'Great Harlot' archetype in apocalyptic literature and its use in the 'reclamation' of history in modern feminist narratives (e.g., the TV show 'Harlots'). The word is a prime example of how language serves as a tool for social control and how its meaning can shift dramatically over centuries.

开始练习例句笔记与提示

harlots 30秒了解

An archaic and derogatory term for prostitutes, used mainly in historical and literary contexts.
Carries a strong moral judgment and is considered highly offensive in modern conversation.
Found in works like the King James Bible, Shakespeare, and historical period dramas.
Originally meant 'rogue' or 'vagabond' for both sexes before becoming a gendered insult.

The term harlots is an archaic and deeply derogatory noun used to describe prostitutes or women who were perceived as promiscuous or morally loose according to the societal standards of the time. In contemporary English, the word is almost never used in casual conversation because it carries a heavy, judgmental weight and is considered highly offensive. Instead, its presence is largely confined to historical literature, religious texts, and period dramas where the goal is to evoke a specific era's linguistic atmosphere and moral climate. Understanding this word requires looking back at several centuries of linguistic evolution, where the term underwent a significant semantic shift from a general descriptor to a gendered insult.

Historical Etymology: Interestingly, in the 13th century, a 'harlot' was a term used for a person of either sex, often meaning a vagabond, a rogue, or even a jester. It was not until the 14th and 15th centuries that the word began to be applied specifically to women and took on the connotation of sexual impropriety. This transition highlights how language often evolves to police female behavior through derogatory labeling.

The preacher stood upon the wooden crate, shouting warnings against the harlots who frequented the dockyards, claiming they were the ruin of honest men.

When encountering this word in a C2 context, it is usually within the analysis of a text like the King James Bible or a Shakespearean play. For instance, in the biblical narrative, the term is used to denote not just physical prostitution but also spiritual unfaithfulness or idolatry. This metaphorical usage is crucial for advanced learners to grasp, as it explains why the word appears in political or religious polemics even when no actual sex work is being discussed. The word serves as a powerful tool of 'othering,' casting the subjects as outsiders to the moral community.

Literary Register: In literature, the word is often paired with adjectives like 'brazen,' 'painted,' or 'scarlet,' further emphasizing the visual and moral condemnation associated with the term. It creates a vivid, albeit biased, image of a woman who defies the patriarchal norms of her society.

In the play, the antagonist dismisses the hero's love as a mere dalliance with harlots, attempting to shame him into returning to his duties.

Furthermore, the term 'harlotry' refers to the practice or profession itself. In historical analysis, one might discuss the 'harlots of London' during the Victorian era to describe the socio-economic conditions that forced women into such positions. However, modern historians prefer more neutral terms like 'sex workers' to avoid the moralistic baggage that 'harlots' carries. The word is a relic of a time when female sexuality was strictly regulated by religious and legal institutions, and its use today is almost exclusively a stylistic choice to evoke that specific historical weight.

Societal Impact: The use of 'harlots' in historical texts often reflects the double standards of the era. While the women were labeled and shamed, the men who sought their services were rarely subjected to the same level of linguistic vitriol. This makes the word a significant point of study for those interested in feminist linguistics.

The city's old laws were harsh, often sentencing suspected harlots to public floggings while their patrons walked free.

Historical novelists use the word harlots to ground their dialogue in the vernacular of the 1700s.

The ancient scrolls described the fall of the empire as a result of leaders consorting with harlots and ignoring the needs of the people.

Using the word harlots correctly requires a keen understanding of register and context. Because it is an archaic term, it cannot be dropped into a modern business email or a casual text message without causing confusion or offense. Its primary use today is in creative writing, historical scholarship, or literary criticism. When writing a historical novel set in the 18th century, for example, a character might use the word to express their moral outrage or to describe the inhabitants of a red-light district. In this context, the word functions as a 'period marker,' signaling to the reader that the setting is not contemporary.

Descriptive Context: When using the word to describe a scene, it often accompanies other archaic terms to maintain a consistent tone. You might write about 'the dim-lit alleys where harlots and highwaymen lurked,' creating a sense of danger and illicit activity typical of gothic or historical fiction.

The magistrate's decree was clear: all harlots found within the city walls after sunset were to be imprisoned.

In literary criticism, the word is used to discuss character archetypes. One might analyze the 'harlot with a heart of gold' trope, a recurring theme in literature where a woman of low social standing and perceived 'immorality' possesses a noble spirit. Here, the word is used as a technical term for the archetype rather than a direct insult. It is also used when quoting or paraphrasing older texts, such as the Bible or the works of Geoffrey Chaucer, where the word appears frequently. In these cases, the speaker is not endorsing the term but rather referencing its historical usage.

Metaphorical Usage: Occasionally, the word is used metaphorically to describe someone who 'sells out' their principles for gain. For example, a political commentator might refer to 'the harlots of the press' to criticize journalists they believe are being paid to spread propaganda. This is a very strong and aggressive metaphor.

He viewed the corporate lobbyists as little more than political harlots, ready to support any cause for the right price.

Grammatically, 'harlots' is the plural form of 'harlot.' It functions as a countable noun. It can be the subject of a sentence ('The harlots gathered...'), the object ('He avoided the harlots...'), or part of a prepositional phrase ('...a den of harlots'). It is often used in the collective sense to describe a group or a class of people within a historical narrative. Because it is a noun, it can be modified by various adjectives to add color to the description, such as 'shameless,' 'wretched,' or 'notorious.'

Syntactic Patterns: Common patterns include 'consorting with harlots,' 'the company of harlots,' and 'den of harlots.' These phrases are almost always used to indicate a fall from grace or a state of moral decay.

The king was criticized for spending his nights among harlots instead of attending to the affairs of the state.

She was unfairly branded as one of the town's harlots simply because she chose to live independently.

The novel depicts the complex lives of harlots in Georgian London, moving beyond simple stereotypes.

In the modern world, you are unlikely to hear the word harlots in a grocery store, a boardroom, or a typical news broadcast. Its natural habitat is within the realms of high art, historical fiction, and religious study. If you are a fan of period dramas on platforms like Netflix or the BBC, you will encounter it frequently. Shows like 'Harlots' (which ran from 2017 to 2019) use the word explicitly to explore the lives of women in the 18th-century London sex trade. In such media, the word is used to establish the harsh reality of the time, where women had few economic options and were often defined by their sexual status.

Cinematic and Televisual Usage: In movies set in the Middle Ages or the Renaissance, characters might use 'harlots' as a sharp insult during a heated argument. It is a word that immediately signals a lack of respect and a desire to shame the recipient. It adds a layer of 'authentic' historical grit to the dialogue.

In the film, the angry mob gathered outside the tavern, shouting 'Away with the harlots!' as they sought to purge the town of sin.

Another common place to hear the word is in religious settings, particularly those that use older translations of the Bible, such as the King James Version (KJV). During a sermon, a preacher might read a passage about 'the great harlot' from the Book of Revelation. In this context, the word is treated as a theological term representing spiritual corruption or the ultimate enemy of the divine. For many people, this is the only context in which they ever hear the word spoken aloud. It carries a solemn, almost terrifying weight in these settings, far removed from its literal meaning.

Academic and Educational Contexts: In a university lecture on English literature or history, a professor might use the word when discussing the social hierarchy of the past. They might talk about the 'regulation of harlots' in medieval cities, using the term as it appeared in the historical documents they are analyzing.

The professor explained that the term harlots was often used by the ruling class to justify the surveillance of poor women.

Finally, you might encounter the word in the lyrics of folk songs or opera. Many traditional ballads tell stories of 'harlots' and 'rakes,' using these terms to paint a picture of the underworld. In opera, particularly those by composers like Verdi or Puccini, the themes of fallen women and societal rejection are common, and translations of the libretto might use 'harlots' to convey the intended insult or social standing of a character. In all these cases, the word is a bridge to the past, carrying with it the echoes of centuries of moral judgment and social conflict.

The folk song tells the tragic tale of a young man who lost his fortune to the harlots of the city and died in poverty.

In the historical documentary, the narrator describes how the harlots of the era were often the only women with their own income.

The Shakespearean actor delivered the line with such venom that the word harlots seemed to hang in the air like a curse.

The most significant mistake a learner can make with the word harlots is using it in a modern, everyday context. Because the word is archaic and highly derogatory, using it to describe someone today is not only linguistically incorrect but also socially unacceptable. It is not a synonym for 'promiscuous' in a casual sense; it is a word that implies a deep moral failing and is tied to a specific historical worldview. If you use it in a contemporary setting, you will likely be viewed as either extremely rude or completely out of touch with modern English usage.

Register Mismatch: A common error is using 'harlots' in a formal essay about modern sociology. Unless you are specifically discussing the history of the term or quoting an old text, you should use 'sex workers.' Using 'harlots' in a modern academic paper would suggest a lack of objectivity and a failure to use professional terminology.

Incorrect: The study examines the lives of modern-day harlots in urban environments.

Another mistake is confusing 'harlots' with other similar-sounding or related words. For example, some might confuse it with 'charlatans.' While both words are derogatory, a charlatan is a fraud or a fake (usually someone claiming to have skills they don't possess), whereas a harlot is a term for a prostitute. Confusing these two can lead to very strange sentences. Additionally, learners sometimes forget that 'harlots' is plural. The singular is 'harlot.' Using the plural form when referring to a single person is a basic grammatical error that can occur if the learner only knows the word from collective phrases like 'a den of harlots.'

Misunderstanding the Tone: Learners might sometimes think 'harlots' is a 'fancy' or 'sophisticated' word for a prostitute because it appears in classic literature. This is a mistake. While it is 'literary,' it is not 'polite.' It is a harsh, judgmental term. Using it to sound 'more English' will backfire.

Correct: The Victorian novelist used the term harlots to reflect the judgmental attitude of his characters.

Finally, there is the mistake of misapplying the word to men. While the word originally could refer to men in the 13th century, that usage has been dead for over 500 years. In any modern or even semi-modern context (like a Shakespeare play), 'harlots' refers exclusively to women. Using it to describe a group of men would be historically and linguistically inaccurate. It is also important not to use the word as a joke unless you are very sure of your audience, as its history of being used to shame and marginalize women makes it a sensitive term for many people.

Translation Errors: When translating from other languages, learners might choose 'harlots' because it is the first word that appears in an old dictionary. It is better to choose a word that matches the register of the original text—usually 'prostitutes' or 'sex workers' for modern texts.

Incorrect: The police arrested several harlots during the raid on the modern nightclub.

Correct: The police arrested several sex workers during the raid on the modern nightclub.

Incorrect: He was a harlot who tricked people out of their money (Use 'charlatan' instead).

The word harlots exists within a large family of terms used to describe sex work and perceived immorality, each with its own specific nuance, register, and historical context. Understanding these alternatives is essential for a C2 learner to navigate English literature and history accurately. The most direct modern equivalent is 'prostitutes,' which is more clinical and less archaic, though still carries a social stigma. In professional, legal, and sociological contexts today, the preferred term is 'sex workers,' which is neutral and focuses on the labor aspect rather than making a moral judgment.

Harlots vs. Courtesans: While 'harlots' usually implies a lower-class, street-level context, 'courtesans' refers to high-class prostitutes who often had wealthy, powerful patrons and moved in elite social circles. A courtesan might be well-educated and influential, whereas a harlot was typically depicted as desperate and marginalized.

The novel contrasts the elegant courtesans of the palace with the wretched harlots of the slums.

Another archaic synonym is 'strumpets.' Like 'harlots,' it is derogatory and archaic, but it often carries a slightly more 'blowsy' or loud connotation. In Shakespeare's 'Othello,' the word 'strumpet' is used as a devastating insult. Then there is 'whore,' which is the most direct and vulgar equivalent. While 'harlot' sounds literary and old-fashioned, 'whore' remains a common and extremely offensive slur in modern English. Learners should be aware of 'whore' but avoid using it entirely. 'Jades' is another archaic term, often used to describe a woman who is considered 'worthless' or 'worn out,' sometimes implying prostitution but more often just general contempt.

Euphemisms: In the past, people often used euphemisms to avoid saying 'harlots' directly. Terms like 'ladies of the night,' 'fallen women,' or 'women of easy virtue' were common in Victorian literature to discuss the subject without using 'vulgar' language.

The Victorian author preferred the term fallen women to describe those whom the church called harlots.

In a metaphorical sense, 'mercenaries' can be a synonym for 'harlots' when describing people who sell their services or loyalty for money, though 'mercenary' is usually applied to soldiers or professionals. The word 'sycophants' might also be used for those who flatter for gain, though it lacks the sexual connotation. Understanding these distinctions allows a learner to appreciate the precise shade of meaning an author intended when they chose 'harlots' over another term. It is a word that combines classism, sexism, and religious moralism into a single, sharp-edged package.

Comparison Table

Harlots: Archaic, derogatory, moralistic.
Sex Workers: Modern, neutral, professional.
Courtesans: Historical, high-class, sophisticated.
Strumpets: Archaic, vulgar, insulting.

The historian noted that while the law treated them all as harlots, their social realities were vastly different.

In the poem, the harlots are depicted as victims of a cruel and indifferent city.

He was warned to stay away from the strumpets and harlots who gathered near the theater.

How Formal Is It?

正式

中性

非正式

Child friendly

俚语

趣味小知识

In the works of Chaucer, 'harlot' could still refer to a man. He famously described a character as a 'gentil harlot,' which at the time meant a 'fine fellow' or a 'good-natured rogue.' The word's journey from a positive or neutral term for men to a derogatory term for women is a classic example of semantic pejoration.

发音指南

UK /ˈhɑː.ləts/

US /ˈhɑːr.ləts/

The primary stress is on the first syllable: HAR-lots.

押韵词

starlets scarlets vilets islets eyelets pilots stylists violists

常见错误

Pronouncing the 'o' clearly like 'lots' (it should be a reduced schwa).
Confusing the pronunciation with 'charlots' (not a word).
Making the 'h' silent (it must be heard).
Over-emphasizing the 't' at the end.
Misplacing the stress on the second syllable.

难度评级

阅读 8/5

Found in complex historical and literary texts.

写作 9/5

Extremely difficult to use correctly without sounding offensive or out of place.

口语 10/5

Almost never spoken in modern English; very high risk of offense.

听力 7/5

Recognizable in period dramas or religious contexts.

接下来学什么

前置知识

prostitute archaic derogatory literature morality

接下来学习

courtesan pejorative etymology semantic shift patriarchy

高级

pejoration amelioration archetype polemic libretto

需要掌握的语法

Pluralization of nouns ending in 't'

harlot -> harlots

Use of archaic terms for stylistic effect

Using 'harlots' to establish a 17th-century setting.

Collective nouns in historical contexts

The harlots (as a class of people).

Adjective placement with derogatory nouns

The brazen harlots (Adjective + Noun).

Noun phrases in biblical English

The Great Harlot of Babylon.

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按水平分级的例句

The old book had a story about harlots.

Le vieux livre racontait une histoire de prostituées.

Plural noun.

People long ago used the word harlots.

Les gens d'autrefois utilisaient le mot prostituées.

Subject of the sentence.

He saw harlots in the movie.

Il a vu des prostituées dans le film.

Direct object.

The harlots lived in the city.

Les prostituées vivaient dans la ville.

Plural subject.

Is the word harlots very old?

Le mot prostituées est-il très vieux ?

Interrogative sentence.

I read about harlots in a history class.

J'ai lu sur les prostituées dans un cours d'histoire.

Prepositional object.

The king did not like the harlots.

Le roi n'aimait pas les prostituées.

Negative sentence.

There were many harlots in that old town.

Il y avait beaucoup de prostituées dans cette vieille ville.

Existential 'there were'.

The harlots were often very poor women.

Les prostituées étaient souvent des femmes très pauvres.

Linking verb 'were'.

In the play, the man shouts at the harlots.

Dans la pièce, l'homme crie après les prostituées.

Action verb.

She learned that harlots is a mean word.

Elle a appris que 'prostituées' est un mot méchant.

Noun clause.

The harlots walked through the dark streets.

Les prostituées marchaient dans les rues sombres.

Past tense verb.

The story says the harlots were in the tavern.

L'histoire dit que les prostituées étaient dans la taverne.

Indirect speech.

He does not want to use the word harlots.

Il ne veut pas utiliser le mot prostituées.

Infinitive phrase.

The harlots wore colorful dresses in the movie.

Les prostituées portaient des robes colorées dans le film.

Adjective-noun agreement.

Why did people call them harlots?

Pourquoi les gens les appelaient-ils prostituées ?

Wh- question.

The historical novel depicts the difficult lives of harlots in London.

Le roman historique dépeint les vies difficiles des prostituées à Londres.

Transitive verb 'depicts'.

The preacher warned the congregation to avoid the harlots of the city.

Le prédicateur a averti la congrégation d'éviter les prostituées de la ville.

Infinitive of purpose.

Many harlots were forced into that life by poverty.

De nombreuses prostituées ont été forcées à cette vie par la pauvreté.

Passive voice.

The term harlots is rarely used in modern English conversations.

Le terme prostituées est rarement utilisé dans les conversations anglaises modernes.

Adverb of frequency.

She was researching the social status of harlots in the Middle Ages.

Elle faisait des recherches sur le statut social des prostituées au Moyen Âge.

Past continuous tense.

The play features a character who is kind to the local harlots.

La pièce met en scène un personnage qui est gentil avec les prostituées locales.

Relative clause.

The word harlots carries a very negative and judgmental tone.

Le mot prostituées porte un ton très négatif et critique.

Present simple tense.

Historians use the word harlots when quoting old legal documents.

Les historiens utilisent le mot prostituées lorsqu'ils citent de vieux documents juridiques.

Subordinate clause starting with 'when'.

The author used the word harlots to evoke the atmosphere of the 18th century.

L'auteur a utilisé le mot prostituées pour évoquer l'atmosphère du XVIIIe siècle.

Infinitive phrase to show purpose.

The magistrate ordered the harlots to be expelled from the town.

Le magistrat a ordonné que les prostituées soient expulsées de la ville.

Object + infinitive construction.

In Victorian literature, harlots were often portrayed as tragic figures.

Dans la littérature victorienne, les prostituées étaient souvent dépeintes comme des figures tragiques.

Passive voice with 'often'.

Using the term harlots today would be considered highly offensive.

Utiliser le terme prostituées aujourd'hui serait considéré comme hautement offensant.

Gerund as subject.

The documentary explores how harlots were treated by the legal system.

Le documentaire explore comment les prostituées étaient traitées par le système judiciaire.

Noun clause starting with 'how'.

She argued that the term harlots was a tool of social control.

Elle a soutenu que le terme prostituées était un outil de contrôle social.

Reported speech.

The harlots of that era had very few legal rights or protections.

Les prostituées de cette époque avaient très peu de droits ou de protections juridiques.

Quantifier 'very few'.

The word harlots is an example of an archaic pejorative.

Le mot prostituées est un exemple de péjoratif archaïque.

Predicate nominative.

The biblical passage refers to the 'great harlot' as a symbol of corruption.

Le passage biblique fait référence à la 'grande prostituée' comme symbole de corruption.

Proper noun usage in quotes.

Critics praised the TV show for its nuanced portrayal of 18th-century harlots.

Les critiques ont loué la série télévisée pour son portrait nuancé des prostituées du XVIIIe siècle.

Prepositional phrase with 'for'.

The shift from 'harlots' to 'sex workers' reflects a change in societal attitudes.

Le passage de 'prostituées' à 'travailleuses du sexe' reflète un changement d'attitudes sociétales.

Noun phrase as subject.

He dismissed the journalists as mere harlots of the political establishment.

Il a rejeté les journalistes comme de simples prostituées de l'establishment politique.

Metaphorical usage.

The poem uses the image of harlots to critique the decay of urban life.

Le poème utilise l'image des prostituées pour critiquer le déclin de la vie urbaine.

Infinitive of purpose.

Historians must be careful when using terms like harlots to avoid bias.

Les historiens doivent être prudents lorsqu'ils utilisent des termes comme prostituées pour éviter les partis pris.

Modal verb 'must'.

The term harlots is deeply embedded in the patriarchal language of the past.

Le terme prostituées est profondément ancré dans le langage patriarcal du passé.

Participle phrase 'deeply embedded'.

She analyzed the 'harlot with a heart of gold' trope in 19th-century fiction.

Elle a analysé le trope de la 'prostituée au grand cœur' dans la fiction du XIXe siècle.

Compound noun phrase.

The etymological journey of 'harlots' reveals a fascinating semantic shift from male vagabonds to female outcasts.

Le voyage étymologique de 'harlots' révèle un glissement sémantique fascinant, des vagabonds masculins aux parias féminins.

Complex subject with 'reveals'.

In his polemic, the author uses the term harlots to dehumanize those who disagree with him.

Dans son pamphlet, l'auteur utilise le terme prostituées pour déshumaniser ceux qui ne sont pas d'accord avec lui.

Relative clause 'who disagree'.

The reclamation of the word harlots in modern feminist discourse is a complex linguistic phenomenon.

La réappropriation du mot prostituées dans le discours féministe moderne est un phénomène linguistique complexe.

Gerund phrase as subject.

Shakespeare's use of 'harlots' often serves to underscore the precarious social position of his female characters.

L'utilisation de 'harlots' par Shakespeare sert souvent à souligner la position sociale précaire de ses personnages féminins.

Infinitive phrase 'to underscore'.

The term harlots, while archaic, still resonates with the echoes of centuries of moral surveillance.

Le terme prostituées, bien qu'archaïque, résonne encore des échos de siècles de surveillance morale.

Concessive clause with 'while'.

One might argue that the term harlots is a linguistic relic of a bygone era of institutionalized shaming.

On pourrait soutenir que le terme prostituées est une relique linguistique d'une époque révolue de honte institutionnalisée.

Modal 'might' for hypothetical argument.

The socio-economic conditions of the time meant that many women were branded as harlots regardless of their actual profession.

Les conditions socio-économiques de l'époque signifiaient que de nombreuses femmes étaient marquées comme prostituées, quelle que soit leur profession réelle.

Passive voice 'were branded'.

The linguistic vitriol directed at harlots in historical texts is a testament to the era's double standards.

Le vitriol linguistique dirigé contre les prostituées dans les textes historiques témoigne des deux poids deux mesures de l'époque.

Noun phrase 'linguistic vitriol'.

常见搭配

consorting with harlots

den of harlots

brazen harlots

painted harlots

company of harlots

notorious harlots

repentant harlots

shameless harlots

harlots and highwaymen

scarlet harlots

常用短语

The Great Harlot

— A symbolic figure in the Book of Revelation representing corruption.

The theologian discussed the identity of the Great Harlot.

A harlot's progress

— A phrase referring to a series of paintings by William Hogarth showing a woman's downfall.

The lecture focused on the symbolism in 'A Harlot's Progress'.

Branded as harlots

— To be publicly shamed or labeled as immoral.

Many innocent women were branded as harlots during the witch trials.

The harlots of Babylon

— A biblical reference often used to describe a place of great sin.

He compared the modern city to the harlots of Babylon.

A den of harlots

— A place where immoral or illicit activities take place.

The abandoned house had become a den of harlots.

Consorting with harlots

— Spending time with prostitutes, usually implying moral decay.

His reputation was ruined by reports of him consorting with harlots.

Harlots and tax collectors

— A biblical phrase referring to the outcasts of society.

The sermon was about how Jesus spent time with harlots and tax collectors.

The harlot's cry

— A literary image of the suffering or presence of sex workers.

Blake's poem mentions 'the youthful harlot's curse'.

Painted like harlots

— Wearing excessive makeup, which was historically associated with prostitution.

The strict mother told her daughters they were painted like harlots.

Treated like harlots

— To be shown no respect or to be treated as an outcast.

The female workers felt they were being treated like harlots by the management.

容易混淆的词

harlots vs charlatans

A charlatan is a fraud or fake person; a harlot is an archaic term for a prostitute.

harlots vs harlots (singular)

Remember that 'harlots' is plural; 'harlot' is the singular form.

harlots vs starlets

A starlet is a young actress; the words sound similar but have completely different meanings.

习语与表达

"Harlot of the press"

— A journalist who sells their integrity for money or influence.

He called the editor a harlot of the press for burying the story.

Aggressive/Metaphorical

"To play the harlot"

— To be unfaithful or to compromise one's principles (often biblical).

The prophet accused the nation of playing the harlot with other gods.

Archaic/Religious

"A harlot's heart"

— Implies a lack of true affection or a mercenary nature.

He feared she had a harlot's heart and only loved his gold.

Literary

"Harlot's rouge"

— Excessive or cheap makeup.

The actress was criticized for wearing harlot's rouge on stage.

Archaic

"To go the way of harlots"

— To fall into a life of sin or ruin.

The warning was clear: do not go the way of harlots.

Archaic

"The harlot's smile"

— A fake or manipulative expression of affection.

He saw through her harlot's smile to the greed beneath.

Literary

"Harlotry and vice"

— A general term for sexual immorality and bad habits.

The city was a sink of harlotry and vice.

Archaic/Formal

"A harlot's wages"

— Money earned through immoral or shameful means.

He refused to touch what he called the harlot's wages.

Archaic

"The mother of harlots"

— A biblical title for a source of great evil.

The text describes the city as the mother of harlots.

Religious

"To be no better than harlots"

— A strong insult comparing someone's behavior to prostitution.

The gossips said the girls were no better than harlots.

Archaic/Insulting

容易混淆

harlots vs charlatan

Similar sound.

A charlatan tricks people; a harlot is a prostitute.

The doctor was a charlatan, but the book mentioned harlots.

harlots vs harlotry

Same root.

Harlotry is the noun for the practice; harlots are the people.

The city was full of harlotry and harlots.

harlots vs courtesan

Similar meaning.

Courtesans were high-class; harlots were usually lower-class.

She was a courtesan to the king, not one of the street harlots.

harlots vs strumpet

Synonym.

Both are archaic, but strumpet is often considered more vulgar.

The play uses both 'harlots' and 'strumpets' as insults.

harlots vs concubine

Historical context.

A concubine lived with a man as a secondary wife; a harlot was a prostitute.

The emperor had many concubines, but the harlots lived in the city.

句型

The [Noun] warned about the harlots.

The priest warned about the harlots.

They were branded as harlots by the [Noun].

They were branded as harlots by the community.

The word harlots is used to [Verb] the [Noun].

The word harlots is used to marginalize the women.

The semantic shift of harlots illustrates [Noun].

The semantic shift of harlots illustrates historical gender bias.

He saw many harlots in the [Noun].

He saw many harlots in the city.

It is a story about harlots and [Noun].

It is a story about harlots and thieves.

The [Adjective] harlots were [Verb].

The notorious harlots were imprisoned.

Metaphorically, they are the harlots of [Noun].

Metaphorically, they are the harlots of the industry.

词族

名词

动词

形容词

如何使用

frequency

Very Low (Modern) / High (Historical Literature)

常见错误

Using 'harlots' in a modern essay. → Using 'sex workers'.
'Harlots' is archaic and judgmental; 'sex workers' is the professional modern term.
Calling a man a 'harlot'. → Calling a man a 'rogue' or 'prostitute'.
The male usage of 'harlot' has been dead for centuries.
Thinking 'harlots' is a polite word. → Recognizing it as a derogatory slur.
It is literary but very insulting.
Confusing 'harlots' with 'charlatans'. → Using 'charlatans' for frauds.
They sound similar but have different meanings.
Using 'harlots' as a singular noun. → Using 'harlot' for one person.
'Harlots' is plural.

小贴士

Avoid Modern Use

Never use 'harlots' to describe someone in a modern setting; it is highly offensive and outdated.

Learn the Archetype

Understanding the 'harlot' archetype helps in analyzing classical literature and art.

Plural Form

Remember that 'harlots' is the plural; the singular is 'harlot'.

Historical Fiction

Use 'harlots' in historical fiction dialogue to add a sense of period authenticity.

Biblical Meaning

In the Bible, 'harlots' can metaphorically mean being unfaithful to God.

Neutral Alternatives

Always use 'sex workers' in professional or respectful modern discussions.

Tone Recognition

Notice the sneer or judgmental tone often used by actors when they say 'harlots'.

Male Origins

Remember the word once meant 'rogue' for men to appreciate how language changes.

Art History

Look up Hogarth's 'A Harlot's Progress' to see the word's visual history.

记住它

记忆技巧

Think of 'HARsh' and 'LOTS'. People in the past were HARsh to LOTS of women they called harlots. Or, imagine a HARp playing in a LOT of old stories where this word appears.

视觉联想

Imagine a 'Scarlet Letter' (the letter A) or a woman in a brightly colored, old-fashioned dress standing in a dark, foggy Victorian alleyway.

Word Web

Prostitute Archaic Derogatory Literature History Bible Insult Victorian

挑战

Try to find the word 'harlots' in a Shakespeare play or a King James Bible passage. Write down the sentence and explain why the word was used instead of a modern term.

词源

The word 'harlot' entered English from Old French 'herlot' or 'arlot', which originally meant a lad, a young fellow, or a knave. In the 13th century, it was used for a person of either sex and often referred to a vagabond or a beggar. It wasn't until the late 14th century that it began to specifically target women and take on its modern meaning of a prostitute.

原始含义： A vagabond, rogue, or person of low birth (regardless of gender).

Indo-European > Germanic/Romance influence (via Old French).

文化背景

This is a highly derogatory and offensive word. It should only be used in academic or creative contexts where the historical nature of the term is understood.

In the UK and US, the word is strictly archaic. Using it in public would be seen as a sign of extreme religious fundamentalism or a bizarre attempt at historical roleplay.

The TV series 'Harlots' (Hulu/ITV). William Hogarth's 'A Harlot's Progress' (series of paintings). The Book of Revelation (The Whore/Harlot of Babylon).

在生活中练习

真实语境

Historical Fiction

the harlots of the slums
a den of harlots
consorting with harlots
the harlot's cry

Religious Studies

the great harlot
harlots and tax collectors
playing the harlot
repentant harlots

Literary Criticism

the harlot archetype
the harlot with a heart of gold
pejorative language
gendered insults

Art History

A Harlot's Progress
depictions of harlots
symbolism of the harlot
the painted harlot

Sociolinguistics

semantic shift of harlot
archaic pejoratives
linguistic marginalization
reclamation of harlots

对话开场白

"Have you ever noticed how the word 'harlots' is used in historical dramas to set the tone?"

"What do you think about the semantic shift of the word 'harlot' from a male rogue to a female insult?"

"In your native language, is there an archaic word for 'harlots' that is still found in literature?"

"Why do you think modern historians prefer 'sex workers' over 'harlots'?"

"Can you think of any famous literary characters who would have been called 'harlots' in their time?"

日记主题

Reflect on a historical novel or movie you've seen where the word 'harlots' was used. How did it affect your view of the characters?

Discuss the power of language to shame and control, using the word 'harlots' as a primary example.

Write a short scene set in the 1800s where two characters discuss the 'harlots' of their city, focusing on the social divide.

How does the archaic nature of 'harlots' change its impact compared to a modern slur?

Research the etymology of a derogatory word in your own language. Does it share a similar history with 'harlots'?

常见问题

10 个问题

No, 'harlots' is considered archaic and derogatory. It is only used in historical, literary, or religious contexts. In modern English, 'sex workers' is the preferred term.

It carries a heavy moral judgment and was historically used to shame and marginalize women. It reduces a person's identity to a perceived moral failing.

It is a symbolic figure from the biblical Book of Revelation, often interpreted as representing a corrupt city or empire (like Rome or Babylon).

In modern and even Shakespearean English, no. However, in the 13th century, it could refer to a rogue or vagabond of either sex.

It is 'literary' and 'archaic,' but not 'formal' in the sense of being polite. It is a harsh, judgmental term.

They mean the same thing, but 'harlot' is archaic and moralistic, while 'prostitute' is more modern and clinical.

You can find it in the King James Bible, the works of Shakespeare, Chaucer's 'Canterbury Tales,' and Victorian novels.

Harlotry is the archaic noun for the profession or practice of being a harlot.

It is common in period dramas or historical movies to help establish the setting and the characters' attitudes.

Only if you are analyzing a text where the word appears. Do not use it as a general synonym for 'prostitutes' or 'women.'

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