hussy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hussy" is correct and usable in written English, though it is considered derogatory.
It can be used to describe a woman who is perceived as promiscuous or flirtatious, often in a judgmental context. Example: "She was labeled a hussy by her peers for her bold behavior at the party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

She has defended herself on both counts: she pointed out that great Indian leaders such as Jawarhalal Nehru often had their birthdays marked at public expense ("Presumptuous hussy," hissed her detractors), and claimed the video was doctored.In this section Expecting trouble?

The Economist

"Only a fast hussy would wear red", but yellow was also lacking in respectability.

Independent

Petite in stature, but blessed with a distinctive, husky voice, she made the most of voicing characters like Gloria the penguin in the computer-animated Happy Feet and Luanne, the Texas beauty-school hussy in the animated series King Of The Hill, Murphy was a versatile star and performer.

Independent

I'm not telling you who you should date, it's not my business and I respect your "process," but that girl was an ungrateful hussy who never appreciated you.

The New Yorker

The young woman who can't understand why everybody feels sorry for Lila whose husband the young hussy is running around with.

The New Yorker

Over the centuries, both sensation-seeking biographers and those sympathetic to the Revolution's bloodiest phases have depicted her as a mindless hussy, while those of Royalist sympathies have promoted the image of a benevolent martyr.

The New Yorker

The results, subject to chance, were then fashioned into lyrics like these: Meet his little hussy with his ghost-town approach Her face is sans feature, but she wears a Dali brooch Sweetly reminiscent, something mother used to bake Wrecked up and paralyzed, Diamond Dogs are stabilized It was rare for Bowie to embrace clear meaning.

The New Yorker

Still, the director Carolyn Cantor's cast (including Alexis Bledel, as a local hussy) enacts the story with quiet pathos.

The New Yorker

"You can talk about a slut, a hussy, a heifer, a player, any other subject — you are not going to get the response you get when you start talking about fags, or gays," he says.

The New Yorker

His sickly wife, "a hussy... that queens it" because she's too ill to work, receives the moniker Vulva.

The New Yorker

Remember: A little boy is becoming a man — and a girl, quite possibly, a hussy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If you aim to be neutral or less offensive, consider alternative terms such as "promiscuous woman" or "woman of questionable character".

Common error

Avoid using "hussy" in contexts where it could be misconstrued as a neutral term for a housewife or housekeeper, which was its original meaning. Ensure your intended meaning is clear from the context.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "hussy" is as a noun, typically used to negatively label a woman based on perceived immoral or promiscuous behavior. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in literature, news, and social commentary to denote a woman considered disreputable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "hussy" is a noun with a history rooted in "housewife" that has evolved into a derogatory label for women perceived as promiscuous or immoral. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, while emphasizing its offensive nature. Usage is most common in News & Media contexts, and its informal register makes it unsuitable for formal communication. When using "hussy", it's crucial to understand its negative connotations and consider less offensive alternatives. Related phrases such as "slut" and "tramp" carry similar negative weights.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slut

A more vulgar and harsher term for a woman perceived as promiscuous.

tramp

Implies a lack of morals or social respectability in a woman.

strumpet

An archaic term for a female prostitute or promiscuous woman.

loose woman

A more explicit and less offensive way to suggest sexual promiscuity.

floozy

Suggests a gaudy or cheap woman, often implying promiscuity.

jade

An outdated term for a disreputable or worn-out woman.

minx

Describes a cheeky or mischievous girl or young woman.

wench

A term originally used to describe a young woman or girl, now sometimes derogatory.

coquette

Describes a woman who flirts to attract attention but might not be promiscuous.

jezebel

Refers to an immoral or brazen woman, often implying seductiveness.

FAQs

How can I use "hussy" in a sentence?

You can use "hussy" to describe a woman considered immoral or promiscuous, but be aware that the term is derogatory. For example: "She was labeled a "hussy" by the town gossips".

What are some alternatives to using "hussy"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "slut", "tramp", or "loose woman". Be mindful of the connotations each word carries.

Is it appropriate to use "hussy" in formal writing?

No, "hussy" is generally considered informal and derogatory. It's best to avoid it in formal writing. Use more neutral or descriptive language instead.

What is the origin of the word "hussy"?

The word "hussy" comes from the Middle English word "huswif", meaning "housewife". Over time, its meaning shifted to describe a disreputable or immoral woman.