The word "COURTESAN"

[Gabrielle TallCoolOne]

Metternich
The Passionate Diplomat
by Barbara Cartland

This is a fascinating biography of `a 19th century European "hobbyist" and the many "courtesans" in his life.

[Guest062114-5]

Thank you so much, Elizabeth. I was waiting patiently for your comments on the subject. I could agree more with what you wrote. Much appreciated!

[Guest110516]

Originally Posted by LilMynx69

Exactly, SpicyPants!

So, judging a book by its cover?

[WTF]

The word courtesan is just like the word whore, it is used to categorize. Some folks think that is good, some folks think it bad. I think it just is. Kinda like the sky being blue....no amount of debating is going to change the color of a blue sky. I guess you could call it a green sky if that made you feel better.


Definition of categorize (vt)

Bing Dictionary

• cat·e·go·rize
• [ káttəgə rz ]
• 
  

1. put somebody or something into category: to place somebody or something in a particular category and define or judge the person or thing accordingly

[James1588]

Originally Posted by SpiceItUp

You mean like women who describe themselves as "Classy, upscale, elegant, and articulate"....

I'm very new to the demimonde, and hesitate to write anything critical. But, after reading many ads, one thing that I do wish all the courtesans would take to heart is the difference between "discreet" (careful, prudent, and good at protecting information and keeping secrets) and "discrete" (separate, in distinct parts, discontinuous).

Easy way to remember it: you want "discreet," not "discrete."

[JohnnyYanks]

Originally Posted by LilMynx69

... Must she also be a muse?

Absolutely.

And how swell of you to notice.

[Guest062114-5]

Originally Posted by James1588

I'm very new to the demimonde, and hesitate to write anything critical. But, after reading many ads, one thing that I do wish all the courtesans would take to heart is the difference between "discreet" (careful, prudent, and good at protecting information and keeping secrets) and "discrete" (separate, in distinct parts, discontinuous).

Easy way to remember it: you want "discreet," not "discrete."

My mnemonic for Discreet vs. Discrete --- The two "ee"s are trying to keep a secret and they can't do that with the letter "t" in the way. The letter "t" keeps the two "ee"s separate and distinct.

Originally Posted by JohnnyYanks

Absolutely.

And how swell of you to notice.

Theeeerrrreee's Johnny! Thanks for joining us and commenting.

[James1588]

Originally Posted by LilMynx69

My mnemonic for Discreet vs. Discrete --- The two "ee"s are trying to keep a secret and they can't do that with the letter "t" in the way. The letter "t" keeps the two "ee"s separate and distinct.

That's really good! I like that!

And while I'm here, might as well throw in my worthless two cents about such terms as "courtesan," "whore," and so on. "Whore" is ugly and abusive, and is not a term I'd ever use. "Courtesan" sounds like an archaic sales word, requires explanation, and doesn't seem very useful. I think there's a need for a generalized noun for sex workers, but I don't think "sex worker" really gets it done either ... sounds like a politically-correct euphemism, like "differently abled." I don't really have a candidate term to offer. I guess the general term I'd use for the ladies I've seen would be "professional companion," but I don't really like that one much either; it sounds stilted. In person, their names work pretty well, I think. Except approaching the moment of truth, at which time, as far as you can tell from my words, they must be "oh-god-oh-god-oh-god-that's GOOD!"

A problem without a solution, so far.

[WTF]

Originally Posted by James1588

A problem without a solution, so far.

Correct.