DEMIMONDAINE Meaning and
Definition
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A demimondaine is a term referring to a woman who belongs to or frequents the demimonde, which is a social sphere that exists at the margins of conventional society. This term originated in French in the early 19th century, where "demi" means half and "monde" stands for world. It describes the ambiguous and complex social status of these women, who occupy a space between respectability and impropriety.
A demimondaine often earns her livelihood through relationships with wealthy or powerful men, frequently engaging in transactional or semi-permanent arrangements. They are known for their charm, beauty, and sophistication, using these qualities as commodities to maintain their position within this social realm. These women are often associated with luxury, extravagance, and pleasure, as they are known to frequent high-end establishments, such as theaters, gambling houses, and exclusive social gatherings.
The demimonde is characterized by its unconventional behavior, breaking societal norms and moral codes. Consequently, demimondaines were often marginalized and deemed morally questionable by mainstream society. However, they also revolved within a subculture that celebrated their independence and freedom from traditional expectations.
Today, the term demimondaine is used more broadly to describe women outside of the traditional boundaries of respectable society. It can encompass artists, entertainers, models, or any woman who operates on the fringes of social norms. It carries connotations of glamour, mystery, and intrigue, encapsulating the dichotomy between respectability and transgression that has defined the demimonde throughout history.
Common Misspellings for DEMIMONDAINE
- semimondaine
- xemimondaine
- cemimondaine
- femimondaine
- remimondaine
- eemimondaine
- dwmimondaine
- dsmimondaine
- ddmimondaine
- drmimondaine
- d4mimondaine
- d3mimondaine
- denimondaine
- dekimondaine
- dejimondaine
- demumondaine
- demjmondaine
- demkmondaine
- demomondaine
- demimondains
- demimoneine
- Demimondans
Etymology of DEMIMONDAINE
The word "demimondaine" is derived from French and has its origins in the early 19th century. It is a combination of two terms: "demi", meaning "half" or "partial", and "monde", meaning "world". The term was originally used to describe a woman who lived a socially ambiguous and unconventional lifestyle, often associated with a disreputable or morally questionable occupation, such as a courtesan or a mistress. The word "demimondaine" thus refers to someone existing on the fringes of society or occupying a realm that is only partially accepted within conventional social norms.
Similar spelling word for DEMIMONDAINE
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