There are many reasons why we should seek to understand the language of sex workers. Just like learning another culture’s language, understanding the terminology of sex work gives us insight into the daily lives of those who both choose and who are forced into prostitution. When we can grasp the terminology, we can begin to understand what a victim is going through, we can better communicate with survivors, and we can acknowledge the atrocities they are subjected to.
The following terms are defined by Linda Smith, the author of Renting Lacy: A Story of America’s Prostituted Children.
John, buyer, trick– the person buying sex (noun), “with a trick”, or person who commits the act of prostitution (verb) “turning a tick”.
Bottom Bitch– a female appointed by the pimp to supervise the others and punish rule violators.
Lot lizard-derogatory term for those who are being prostituted at truck stops.
Renegade-a person prostituting without a pimp.
Bordello, cathouse, whorehouse, house with red doors, brothel– the establishment where sex is sold.
Circuit-a series of cities or states where prostitution are moved to, “West Coast Circuit”-San Diego, Las Vegas, Portland, Seattle or “Minnesota Pipeline” Minnesota – New York.
Track, stroll, blade-an area of town known for prostitution.
Kiddie stroll-area known for prostitutes of younger victims.
Family, folks-term used to describe individuals under control of the same pimp.
Sister wife– the term women and girls under control of the same pimp call each other.
Daddy, pimp, panderer, peddler, mack– the one who controls prostitutes and arranges clients for them.
Madam-older woman who manages a brothel, escort service.
Out of pocket-when a prostitute is working without the “protection” of a pimp, leaving her more vulnerable to threats, harassment, violence. These threats are tactics used to coerce a prostitute into choosing a pimp. Also, a term for someone disobeying pimp rules.
Trick– committing an act of prostitution, “turning a trick”, or the person buying sex.
Understand the lives of sex workers,
The Abolitionist