Exploring Terminology: Is service Providers' a More Polite Term than 'Prostitute'?

[Obvio-0bvio]

I wanted to open up a discussion about the language we use when discussing individuals who engage in sex work. Specifically, I'm interested in exploring whether the term "service providers" is considered more polite and respectful compared to the term "prostitute."
Language plays a significant role in shaping our perceptions and attitudes, and it's important to consider the impact of our words. While some argue that "service providers" is a more respectful term that acknowledges the agency and independent of those involved, others may have different perspectives.I'd love to hear your thoughts on this matter. Do you believe that using "service providers" as a term is more polite, or do you think it's just a matter of personal preference? How do you think the language we use can affect the way we view and interact with individuals in the sex work industry?Let's engage in a thoughtful and respectful discussion on this topic. Please remember to express your opinions with sensitivity and empathy.

Which term do you believe is more polite and respectful?
1. Service Providers
2. Prostitute
3. It's a matter of personal preference
4.other
5.sex worker
6.escort

Personally me;When it comes to discussing individuals who provide sexual services in exchange for money, it is generally considered more polite to use the term service providers rather than "prostitute." These terms are considered more respectful and acknowledge the agency and autonomy of individuals in the industry. It is always important to use language that is non-judgmental and respectful when referring to any profession or individual.


Note: Please remember to keep the discussion respectful and refrain from any discriminatory or derogatory language.

 

[runninggag123]

In my humble opinion (as a non-SP), I agree that "service provider" is more polite/respectful due to the negative connotations terms like "prostitute" can carry in our imperfect world. In many languages/cultures, "prostitute" is used as a common slur/insult/demeaning term to mean a variety of things, to include things not at all related to sex work. (In my utopian world, "prostitute" and "sex worker" are no more derogatory descriptors of a person's profession than teacher, accountant, dentist, gym trainer, etc.) Irrespective of the politeness/respectfulness value in its usage, "service providers" is arguably the more accurate term as an SP can offer services and experiences outside of, and in addition to, sex. Unlike "sex worker" and "prostitute", "service providers" seems broad enough to capture the range and complexity of what can be offered, so it works better as a sort of umbrella term.
There are times when I object to the use of euphemistic language, but in this case, I think there's only upside benefit if it is indeed a term SPs find more polite/respectful/useful and its use can help affect the way people view and interact with individuals in the industry for the better.

 

[Anna Bijou]

You can do a little experiment and put the word prostitute in the search bar. (Not taking this post into account, obviously) you won't find many of us referring to ourselves as prostitutes in posts. Do some of us use it among ourselves? Yes, some do and some don't. But just like "whore" or "hooker", if we use those terms we tend to do so out of earshot because some people seem to take it as an invitation to use the terms themselves as well.


Regardless of intentions, until these are not words used as insults and in order to demean or dehumanize (hard to see how that could be given how negative even the broad definition unrelated to Sex is), it's not a word for you. Maybe someone who you're very familiar with might be fine with you using one of these terms with them. That's their call and shouldn't be interpreted as a pass that extends beyond your private conversations with this person.


IMO it's about more than politeness, though. I think politeness and respect are very different. Politeness is kind of the bare minimum and people can be polite only because they feel social pressure to be. Respect is something that is intentional; genuine respect doesn't happen because of pressure. It's there or it's not. xo

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From the Tryst blog:


... terms which are now considered outdated and slurs which should not be used unless you are a sex worker. We encourage clients to learn and understand these as their use adds to the stigma and violence we face. If you hear them used by non sex workers, please call them out for using derogatory language.

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Terms you should not use unless you are a sex worker

Below is a list of terms which should not be used by non sex working individuals. As sex workers are an extremely diverse group of individuals, and much of the current discourse has been presented by mainly white sex workers, some sex workers prefer to use terms outside of "sex worker" to describe their work. We ask that if you hear non sex workers using these terms that you call them out as it does contribute to the violence against us. Most importantly, listen to sex workers if you, yourself are called out for saying something offensive.

Prostitute - this is a term used to criminalise our work and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Those who oppose the consensual selling and buying of sexual services between adults with use this term because of it's negative connotations and implies sex workers cannot be empowered or autonomous beings.

Hooker/Whore/Harlot - are misogynistic slurs to describe someone who is promiscuous and degrade women's sexuality

 

[Rebaynia]

Honestly i have generally attributed prostitute as a derogatory term, almost akin to whore.. (it makes me think of the crackhead streetwalker looking for her next fix)
Even when i was younger i saw Escort as a higher class term, (it makes me think of a sexy well rounded lady, even if she is paid for, being the arm candy and presentable to show off as your date to an event)
Service provider is a good way to cover what the job is called because technically a bus driver is a service provider too . Along with many other jobs concidered as a public service. But is a good way to be discreet in telling someone what you so for a living.. (I should probly be useing that term more often for others discretion)

 

[wiinston17]

I would never use the word prostitute to refer to someone in real life. I find that terms quite derogatory similar to crack whore or hooker. If it's about a fictional character and I am talking about her profession, only then would I be comfortable with it. Otherwise, sex worker, service provider, escort or simply 'not-a-friend with benefits'.

 

[Hemme]

What about guidoune

 

[envelopes]

If someone uses the term "service provider", I know they're a John.

I never say service provider with the general audience. I say "sex worker" or "escort".

Sometimes when I'm drunk, I will say "im gonna go see some hoez"

 

[Halloween Mike]

What about guidoune

My mom says this ... yikes.

 

[Mw66]

i think the label comes down to:
1) what the buyer can expect
2) how the girl percieves herself

Sex worker is broad and encompasses everything below, including porn, of, stripping, so not necessarily how a lady would want to brand herself for services provided.

1) Higher end and experiemce oriented beyond just pure sex:
- Courtesean
- Companion

Neutral terms (ymmv, big spectrum in between 1 and 3)
- Escort
- SP
- MA


3) Low end (pure sex, lower quality women, associated with pimps, abuse and drugs)
- Whore
- Hooker
- Prostitute
- call girl

 

[wiinston17]

My mom says this ... yikes.

Ahh so thats what it means.being living in quebec all this time and only knowing the meaning now lol

 

[Halloween Mike]

Ahh so thats what it means.being living in quebec all this time and only knowing the meaning now lol

Its a derogatory term to design a woman who slept around (not specifically an escort or such) but it was mostly used in the 80-90s. I have not heard this word from anyone under 60 for years lol.

 

[wiinston17]

Its a derogatory term to design a woman who slept around (not specifically an escort or such) but it was mostly used in the 80-90s. I have not heard this word from anyone under 60 for years lol.

is it related to guidon on a bicycle?

 

[Hemme]

is it related to guidon on a bicycle?

Not that i know

ÉTYMOLOGIE1932 (in TLFQ); variante de guedoune, du radical gued-« chienne en chaleur », attesté notamment dans l’ouest de la France au même sens dans des substantifs féminins, et -oune.

 

[Hemme]

How about wench?
Don t know why but i like the word putain

 

[Obvio-0bvio]

How about wench?
Don t know why but i like the word putain

I feel somewhat lost and puzzled about their personal fondness for the word "putain," as it remains uncertain as to the specific context or reasons behind it.

 

[minutemenX]

You all have probably noticed that the word “prostitute” has been exclusively applied nowadays to politicians which will say, do, anything and team up with anybody to get elected. In contrast, our lovable ladies have rules, principles, and restrictions

 

[Mw66]

You all have probably noticed that the word “prostitute” has been exclusively applied nowadays to politicians which will say, do, anything and team up with anybody to get elected. In contrast, our lovable ladies have rules, principles, and restrictions

The same politicans will use the term "getting some company" when booking an escort for themselves.

 

[Anna Bijou]

What about guidoune

I was trying to translate this into English to a friend and couldn't find the right words. I don't think guidoune is equivalent to sex worker. Like we used to say some guy was "un Gino", guidoune probably goes back even more. Maybe it used to mean sex worker then but when we used the word it wasn't related to sexual issues, more to a look, much like the "Gino" expression. Or even in a different context, it was used to tease friends "t'es donc ben guidoune". More recently, I've called female dogs guidoune. Lol so, doesn't associate with sex worker in my use of it. Lol

 

[Cap'tain Fantastic]

Language plays a significant role in shaping our perceptions and attitudes, and it's important to consider the impact of our words.

This is the basic fundamental that shapes our perception and social interaction in general. Something that I’ve learned late in my life, being from another era! Lol

I have to admit here, that my nieces taught me a few things about this, don’t worry here, they are grown ups with their own kids, and they are close enough to have open convos with me. Of course I don’t talk about my hobby with them but they grew up seeing me with lots of different women so, asking me about it when they became adults was just natural.For example, I’ve been taught to use the terms « compagnes » or « fréquentations » instead of fuck friends.
So for me « companions » is not suited for SWs.
In a random social convo, I will use sex workers to encompass all « trades », be it escorts, Dominatrix, content creator, masseuses etc.
If it’s more specifically about women providing full sexual intercourse I will use the term escorts because everybody understands clearly what it implies.

Now when talking with providers, I will mostly use the term providers but also sometimes escorts, most rarely SW. So far I never got any bad reactions from the girls.

 

[Cap'tain Fantastic]

More recently, I've called female dogs guidoune.

This is very common for québécois, I remember my grand mother using it when referring to her dog.