The spelling of the phrase "sporting lady" may seem straightforward, but it can be tricky for non-native English speakers. The first word, "sporting," is spelled with the "or" sound, not "er," as in "short." The second word, "lady," is pronounced with the "ay" sound, as in "may," not "ah," as in "mad." The IPA phonetic transcription for "sporting lady" is /ˈspɔːtɪŋ ˈleɪdi/. Remembering the correct pronunciation and spelling of this phrase can help communicate more effectively in English-speaking settings.
The term "sporting lady" refers to a woman who engages in extramarital affairs or acts as a mistress. The etymology of the word can be traced back to the 18th century English slang. The term "sporting" was used to describe someone involved in recreational activities or entertainment, often associated with leisurely pursuits such as hunting, horse-riding, and gambling. Additionally, "sporting" also referred to those who indulged in sexual promiscuity or illicit relationships.
"Lady" in this context typically referred to a woman of a certain social status or someone who was refined and sophisticated. Therefore, a "sporting lady" was essentially a refined woman, often from a higher social class, who engaged in sexual relationships or affairs outside of marriage. The term was commonly used in euphemistic or coded language to allude to these activities without explicitly mentioning them.