проститутка

Meaning

проститутка means “prostitute”: a woman who provides sexual services for payment.

It is a direct, commonly understood Russian term, but it can sound harsh, insulting, or derogatory when used to label someone. In neutral, formal, or respectful contexts, English often uses “sex worker” instead.

Context and related terms

• sex worker — more neutral and respectful umbrella term.
• escort — may refer to a paid companion; it does not always explicitly mean a sex worker.
• call girl — older English euphemism, now somewhat dated.
• hooker — informal slang; often derogatory.
• whore — strongly insulting and offensive, especially when used as an insult rather than literally.

The masculine Russian counterpart is проститут (“male prostitute”), though it is less commonly used.

Word background

Russian проститутка comes through European languages from Latin prostituta, meaning a woman “exposed” or “offered publicly.” The related English word prostitute has the same Latin origin.

Examples

1. The article discusses the legal rights and safety of sex workers.
2. Calling a person a prostitute as an insult is disrespectful.
3. The film follows an escort trying to start a new life.
4. She said that the word hooker felt demeaning in that context.
5. The organization provides health services to people involved in sex work.
6. In formal writing, sex worker is usually more neutral than prostitute.