The word "COURTESAN"

Unique_Carpenter's Avatar
The word courtesan and GFE have both been so watered down and overused. Originally Posted by Ansley
When I see that word, I think it's a lifestyle for the woman. Different from an escort, which implies providing a service. Originally Posted by Zabrina Sarafina
I agree with both gals. Yes, the definition has been distorted by current society, but, under the classic definition, it is a lifestyle. Thus, the context within which the phrase is used will have different meanings dependent upon the persons involved. This then leads to an expectations situation (similar to JC's "status and whims" comment), which is fraught with various issues, which discussion is not needed at this time.
Unique_Carpenter's Avatar
So, if I may ask, do you think there is any place for he term in the modern day world? Originally Posted by LilMynx69
It depends upon the definition. The classic definition, yes. But for the watered down definition suggested by Ansley, the term is no longer valid.

So, in a modern world...what would it take for a lady to be considered a courtesan? Must she also be a muse? Originally Posted by LilMynx69
I would think that the context of this thread would imply that the classic definition should be applied, even in the modern world, and specifically ignoring the dilution of the phrase that has occurred. As for being a muse, there were only nine daughters of Zeus. History lessons aside, although a muse could probably fit within the definition, I would be quite reluctant to exclude others that would also qualify. And, the possibility of a muse-havoc comes to mind.

Is it possible to be a courtesan these days?
Is it possible to be a courtesan and advertise for clients?
If you call yourself a courtesan, does that imply you aren't one?
I honestly am not certain. There a few ladies here that I feel are in fact, courtesans or at least courtesan types. And I have never seen then refer to themselves with that term. In some ways, I sort of find it to be like calling yourself charismatic. It is a term to be used by others.
I guess, in short, there are ladies here I would describe as courtesans, but the ones I see using that term, don't fit my ideal. I don't know them, so I could be wrong, but it seems the word has been overused and that takes away from it's true meaning. Originally Posted by LilMynx69
My opinions:
Yes (classic definition),
No,
Yes,
I would agree that the phrase is overused which has resulted in, as Ansley commented, watered down.
There is a movie called DANGEROUS BEAUTY...
That is what an ESCORT REALLY WAS AND SHOULD BE.
When I use to have girls that worked I made them all watch it.
And men if you watch it you would want to live in that time. PLUS THE WAY SHE EATS A BANANNA in front of all the wives IS AWSOME she has to have no tonsils lol.
IT IS NOT JUST A BITCH FLICK IT IS VERY GOOD. I would love to take a poll on 50 guys that watched it and have them pick a provider now days that is like that main lady in it.
I can not think of one at the moment not one
pyramider's Avatar
That was exactly the first thing that popped into my mind too. The word courtesan and GFE have both been so watered down and overused. Originally Posted by Ansley
Part of the beauty of taint is taint cannot be watered down.
That was exactly the first thing that popped into my mind too. The word courtesan and GFE have both been so watered down and overused. Originally Posted by Ansley
+1 ...especially "GFE" . I have yet to see many courtesan ads. The problem is there are imitators infiltrating the authentic pools, therefore it's difficult to discern from the real deal for some hobbyists.
Thanks for weighing, Kat! Would you ever use the term, yourself? If so, in what instances? Originally Posted by LilMynx69

Hi!
I would use it if I was in a high society where I cater to upper powerful men in general who has many mistresses.

Courtier, Courtesan (european)
Kiseang (Korean)
Gisha, Oiran (Japanese)
Nagarvahu (India)
Yiji (Chinese)

Mia Noi (thai)

Most are accepted in their society and men are shown to be more powerful by how many the mistresses he had. That is the way they showed how he can control the hamonious in his household.

I use it if I'm with a real man who know he had mistress and recongnized it and upkeep his mistresses and be fair without hiding her.

It is well known and accepted in the old world today is rather different it is against the morality and adultery to have many wives rather discretion than opened

I like to be a mistress because, I want to please. I am happy to be a pleaser and a man happy with me. I rather not to be a wife. I understand the wife would have been in pain to find that her husband has an affair but if she keep her man happy. He won't be having another woman wise versa if I have my man I would make sure he won't need another woman.
Ahhhh, LM69. Always thought provoking, and tantalizingly out of reach. I imagine a true courtesan would be someone with whom the client would have a relationship, not just a pay by the hour or session arrangement. I once met a lady who intrigued me, interested me and I would have possibly liked to have as a girlfriend/mistress.

The thing is, as a married man with little time and discretionary income, I was almost afraid of falling for this lady. Plus, she had a bit of seemingly crazy factor about her, in a way in which I was afraid of going into more of a relationship and having it fall out with disastrous consequences for my non-hobby life.

I agree that it is often misused in ads, etc. The fantasy for me of a courtesan is a lady who would walk one into sensual delights, fascinating conversation, lovely afternoons in bed, and enjoyable social companionship.

Unfortunately, this type of relationship is out of reach for me in terms of financial outlay and also risk I am willing to take.

I love the idea that there are ladies like this out in the world, however!
When I see that word, I think it's a lifestyle for the woman. Different from an escort, which implies providing a service. Originally Posted by Zabrina Sarafina
Hi Z!

I agree, that's my thought. But what would qualify a woman as a courtesan at the height of it's meaning would not work today. I'm pretty sure there are some women who are kept, that do nothing but improve themselves and any talents and skills for the sake of attracting wealthy suitors to keep them in the lifestyle in which they've grown accustomed. But as the term is suggested, anyone who has to say they're a courtesan, or even advertises as one, probably isn't one for real.

Today, I see it only as a descriptive term that says that there is a level of courtship involved in her selection process. I don't look at a lady's rates, but what I would assume is there is a level of class and intelligence about the woman. But of course, that's not always the case.
Thanks so much for your input, Tiffani! I had hoped you'd comment. You and Ansley were two of the ladies I alluded to when I said there are some ladies here, that judging from how they present themselves, I feel are modern day courtesans, in the true sense of the word.

But, I'd never expect either of you to put up an ad stating it...not that I don't think it would be wrong, but because it's become a watered down oft misused word.

It's kind of sad in a way.
Kat and Meer...thank you both for you insightful comments!
It's starting to sound like roleplaying to me. For me, if I were to engage in roleplaying, I've always wanted to f*ck Wonder Woman, but I digress.

In terms of what a woman calls herself, my policy is...Whatever makes you comfortable; just let me know what not to call you. In my experience, a comfortable woman always puts on a good show (this is performance art, right?). For those who pick labels for marketing, I can't speak for others, but when I look at ads and reviews, this has never crossed my mind, "Ooh, she's a courtesan. She's at the top of my list," or "Damn, she's a courtesan. I'll find someone else." There are some self-descriptions and self-portrayals that I approach or avoid, but courtesan is not one of them.
Very interesting take on it, Empty. Great points!

Another interesting topic would be self-descriptions guys look for or avoid.
SpiceItUp's Avatar
You mean like women who describe themselves as "Classy, upscale, elegant, and articulate"....But write in garbled english and their pics look like this

Exactly, SpicyPants!
ElisabethWhispers's Avatar
...
But, I'd never expect either of you to put up an ad stating it...not that I don't think it would be wrong, but because it's become a watered down oft misused word.

It's kind of sad in a way. Originally Posted by LilMynx69
You mean like women who describe themselves as "Classy, upscale, elegant, and articulate"....But write in garbled english ... Originally Posted by SpiceItUp
I'm going to pretty much parrot what Ansley wrote because I believe that she might have read what I've written in similar topics in the past, and I completely agree with what she's written.

The word has been so bastardized that it's really lost a lot of its meaning.

When I first started, that was what I was going to refer to myself as. A courtesan. It does fit, at least I thought so.

Then, every ad that I would read would state something along the lines of, "I'm a sophisticated and classy woman looking for the distinguished gentleman. I'm a courtesan ... blah blah blah".

Well, as mentioned by LilMynx, if you ARE a courtesan (or classy), one really doesn't need to write it. Just show it.

And for myself only, you don't have to be that distinguished to visit with me. If you screen and I feel like you're a safe guy to visit with, I don't care if you're rough around the edges. In fact, I might just like that a little bit ... or even more than a bit!

I'd really appreciate it if you could read. Or not drool too much if we're kissing ... grin. And it's nice if a man CAN read and carry on a conversation. But on those rare occasions in which a guy wishes to be just serviced?

Sometimes, that just works.

So the word usage, similar to the word "whore" and other pretty words such as those, is more complicated these days. And it's just lost its meaning.

I've tried, over the years, to come up with clever words to describe myself. I always like "round heeled woman"! Or sporting companion.

Either way, I don't see myself every using the word "courtesan" to describe myself. There is ONLY one person in this whole demimonde that uses the word courtesan to describe herself and I do not cringe while reading it.

But then, she does personify the word completely. And no, I won't mention her name here. She doesn't participate on this board, anyway.

Best,
Elisabeth