VocabDictionary

hussy

/ˈhʌzi/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A derogatory term for a woman or girl perceived as impudent, brazen, or sexually promiscuous.

Example Sentences:
  • In the old-fashioned melodrama, the villain referred to the heroine as a brazen hussy.
  • She was tired of being called a hussy simply because she enjoyed dancing and wearing bold makeup.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “hussy”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Middle English 'huswif', a contraction of 'housewife'. Originally, the term was a neutral or even positive descriptor for a woman who managed a household. By the late 17th century, the meaning underwent a process of pejoration, shifting to refer to a woman perceived as impudent, flirtatious, or sexually promiscuous.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a 'hussy' as a 'housewife' who has gone rogue and is causing a 'fuss' with her behavior.

Rhyming Words

Frequently Asked Questions About “hussy

1. What is the meaning of “hussy” in English?

In English, hussy (noun) is defined as: “A derogatory term for a woman or girl perceived as impudent, brazen, or sexually promiscuous.”.

2. How do you use “hussy” in a sentence?

In the old-fashioned melodrama, the villain referred to the heroine as a brazen hussy.

3. What are English synonyms of “hussy”?

Common synonyms include:strumpet,wench,trollop,minx

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “hussy”?

Derived from the Middle English 'huswif', a contraction of 'housewife'. Originally, the term was a neutral or even positive descriptor for a woman who managed a household. By the late 17th century, the meaning underwent a process of pejoration, shifting to refer to a woman perceived as impudent, flirtatious, or sexually promiscuous.