Names of Prostitutes

Parent-Duchâtelet researched and recorded nicknames frequently adopted by prostitutes of various classes. Parent-Duchâtelet describes this list as follows: 

"On the subject of their changed names, it must be noted that many “filles publiques” and their friends give to and receive from each other a “name of war” or nickname which they become more commonly known by; these names, which I have taken down with care, offer a large dissimilarity, following the classes of prostitutes, and give only an idea of what could be the societies that they frequent, the readings they do, the education they received and the value they attach to expressions. I will put, in two columns, the most common names that I have encountered." (1)

There is an incredible difference in the qualities of the two lists of names collected by Parent-Duchâtelet. The prostitutes of the “classe inférieure” choose for themselves much less elegant names. A few examples: Parfaite (Perfect), Boulotte (Fatty), Crucifix, Belle-Cuisse (Beautiful Thigh), Belle-Jambe (Beautiful Leg), Le Boeuf (The Beef), Faux-Cul (Fake Bum), Fusil (Gun). Or, they had names like Provençale (From Provence), L’Espagnole (The Spanish Girl), La Blonde (The Blonde), and Brunette, so that clients coming in with particular tastes would be able to find what they wanted just by hearing a name. These names were much more indicative of what each woman would bring to the relation, or why she was desirable, like a product’s name in a catalog. In contrast, the prostitutes from the higher class, the “classe élevée,” take flowery, beautiful names from literature or history, inspired by beautiful women of classic antiquity. Lorettes and courtesans didn’t have as much need for the same type of labels as the average "fille publique"; they kept reliable customers who wanted a classier experience and who were paying for more than just a “Beautiful Leg.” 

For more information on the different and specific classes of prostitutes in 19th century France, please see this page.

(1) Alexandre Parent Duchâtelet, De la prostitution dans la ville de Paris, (Paris: J.-B. Baillière, 1836), 131-132. Translated by ?.