Trulls

Part of speech: noun, plural

Definitions

  1. A derogatory term for women considered to be morally loose or promiscuous; a disreputable or vile woman; a prostitute
  2. Used to describe females thought to engage in immoral or licentious behavior; a contemptible or unprincipled woman; a sex worker
  3. Refers to women viewed as lacking virtue or decency; an objectionable or depraved female; one who provides sexual services for money

Etymology: This plural noun finds its roots in the English slang of the 17th century, where it referred disparagingly to women of questionable repute, often prostitutes or women considered morally loose. The term first appeared in print around the early 1600s, capturing a rough, colloquial tone that made it a staple in the underworld and criminal argot of the time. The word likely derives from the Middle English "trulle," which itself may have been influenced by or related to Dutch or Low German terms such as "trulle" or "trulle," meaning a woman or a wench. These Northern European connections reflect the bustling trade and cultural exchanges between England and the Low Countries during the late medieval and early modern periods, a time when many such slang terms crossed linguistic borders. Over the centuries, its use narrowed and became more specifically tied to the idea of a prostitute, as opposed to a broader pejorative for women. This semantic tightening is typical of many slang words that start as general insults and later acquire more precise social meanings. In literature and historical accounts, the word appears sporadically, often to evoke the seedier side of urban life in early modern England. Though the term has largely fallen out of common usage today, it offers a window into the social attitudes and linguistic creativity of early English speakers, especially those on the margins of society. The plural form, as given, indicates its common use to describe groups rather than individuals, fitting the often collective and stigmatized nature of the communities it referenced.

Synonyms: prostitutes, harlots, sex workers, courtesans, strumpets