hussy
hussy Lexical Profile
hussy Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An impudent, brazen, or dianggap-immoral woman (often used as an old-fashioned term of disapproval).
"In the Victorian novel, the gossipy neighbors scandalously referred to the outspoken newcomer as a brazen hussy."
A mischievous, cheeky, or boldly spirited girl (often used playfully or affectionately).
"The grandmother laughed and called her toddler granddaughter a little hussy for stealing the last cookie from the plate."
A small, portable sewing kit or cloth roll containing needles, thread, and pins, historically carried by soldiers and sailors.
"The museum display included a Civil War soldier's leather hussy still holding bone buttons and linen thread."
Word Nuance & Usage
While historically a neutral contraction of 'housewife', 'hussy' underwent semantic pejoration and is now used either as an old-fashioned derogatory term for a brazen woman or playfully for a cheeky girl.
• Rhymes for hussy
Word Origin & Etymology
Originated in the 16th century as a phonetic contraction of Middle English 'huswif' (housewife), gradually shifting from a neutral domestic title to a disapproving term for an improper or impudent woman.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.