Language in prostitution: use, intention and meanings of some words and expressions

Abstract

This paper describes and analyzes the uses of language, words and linguistic constructions related to paid sex, as well as the associated meanings. A review is made of the main terms used to refer to people in prostitution, people who pay for sex, and other social actors involved in this activity such as managers, entrepreneurs, managers, etc.

Among the results, we can highlight the use of terms such as prostitute, prostituida, puta, pilingui, victim, sex worker and others with different uses depending on the context in which they are used. Behind these terms there are different ideological positions, as well as meanings depending on the emic and etic perspectives. In this sense, the emic perspectives of the protagonists involved in the activity differ substantially from the etic perspective of professionals, academics, feminists, journalists and other social actors outside prostitution. While the women involved in this activity prefer whore, prostitute or sex worker, the professionals who work with them refer to them as prostituted women, women prostitutes, women in prostitution or sex workers. The use of language to refer to women in paid sex can be another form of violence against women, which must be combated according to the Istanbul Convention and the 2030 Agenda.