Reclaiming The English Language.

So, my friend (you can check out her blog... here) and I are fans of words. We both write a lot, we both read a lot, it comes with the territory. Because we love words, we occasionally like to talk about words. The most recent of which is: Harlot.
Thanks to dictionary.com:

har·lot

   /ˈhɑrlət/ Show Spelled[hahr-luht] Show IPA

noun

a prostitute; whore.

 

For the sake of context, I will give you the first occurrence of the word "harlot" in our text messaging. I have to first give you a forewarning. These messages are not exactly appropriate for young eyes. If you will:

Avery: Dicks are vital. You must protect them from harlots. They could suck your life out through your dick. Literally.

Emily: What the fuck. I found my true identity. I am a harlot.

A: You suck the vitality of men out through their dicks? And dude, I would be a harlot in a second. You don't even know.

E: Being a harlot would be a good life.

A: Dude, I know. Quick money and I don't have any self respect so sex for a living.

 

First, I know I say "dude" a lot over text. I apologize; it's just a word that I am quite fond of, no matter how much of an eighteen year old surfer boy it makes me sound like.

Now, onto a little explanation. Emily and I are both very sex positive people, who view sex as a positive and vital part of living, regardless of if you're sixteen or sixty. I can't speak for her on this topic, but I am very much pro-prostitution. I believe that with the legalization of it comes regulation and taxing. The women in the sex industry would have access to STD testing and help if a customer ever got out of hand.

So, when I say that I would be a harlot in a second, I am not saying that I want to become a sexually, physically, and emotionally abused drug addict with a pimp. I am saying that I want to be a healthy and sex positive individual who respects everyone's need for it and someone who may or may not monetarily benefit from the desire of sex that we all naturally have. That's what being a harlot means to me.

I want to take back the English language.

Harlot, I think, is an absolutely gorgeous word as apposed to its synonyms. Prostitute and whore both have these terrible connotations and every social change starts with small steps. And so, we take the easiest and arguably most beautiful word and start with that.

This blog is now being run by one half of the HHIC: Head Harlots in Charge.