Hugh Hefner

It is women who have traditionally, historically been given non-human roles, perceived as simply the daughters of Eve, perceived as either Madonna or whore. And I think that it is the sexual revolution that plays one part in female emancipation.

American Publisher

The term is extremely derogatory and insulting when used to describe someone.

Highly Offensive

Using this word in formal or polite settings can be inappropriate and disrespectful.

Avoid in Polite Conversation

When used as a verb, it can metaphorically describe someone exploiting themselves for gain.

Metaphorical Use

The verb form carries a judgmental tone, suggesting moral compromise.

Negative Connotation

Although it can refer to any gender, it is often used to insult women.

Gender Insult

Incorrectly using the word can unfairly label someone and damage relationships.

Relationship Misuse

It can be slang for being sexually active but is mostly seen as an insult.

Casual vs. Insult

The term may have different levels of offensiveness in different cultures.

Cultural Sensitivity

 “a whore who sang about her own licentiousness.” Later, a Pope and Archbishop ordered her poetry burned. Almost all of it had vanished by the Middle Ages. Then, about a century ago, people began rediscovering Sappho’s poetry—

The surprising origins...

 The family was really struggling. So when we met, Chuck was a senior in high school. He had just turned 18. That winter, a kid in the schoolyard called Chuck's mom a crack whore. Chuck pushed the kid's face into the snow

Whore