demimonde

American  

[dem-ee-mond, duh-mee-mawnd] / ˈdɛm iˌmɒnd, də miˈmɔ̃d /

noun

1. (especially during the last half of the 19th century) a class of women who have lost their standing in respectable society because of indiscreet behavior or sexual promiscuity.

2. a demimondaine.

3. prostitutes or courtesans in general.

4. a group whose activities are ethically or legally questionable.

   a demimonde of investigative journalists writing for the sensationalist tabloids.

5. a group characterized by lack of success or status.

   the literary demimonde.

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demimonde British  

/ ˌdɛmɪˈmɒnd, dəmimɔ̃d /

noun

1. (esp in the 19th century) those women considered to be outside respectable society, esp on account of sexual promiscuity

2. any social group considered to be not wholly respectable

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Etymology

Origin of demimonde

1850–55; < French, equivalent to demi- demi- + monde world (< Latin mundus )

Example Sentences

Mr. Frankel is most convincing when he avoids bold statements, however, and instead immerses himself in the skulduggery of Kansas City politics or the treacherous demimonde of Hollywood.

From The Wall Street Journal

She befriended the New York downtown demimonde, including Warhol.

From Los Angeles Times

Even in her recent roles on “Pose” and “American Horror Story: NYC” — both set in the 1980s New York demimonde she inhabited — she brought a righteous earthiness, with some joie de vivre.

From New York Times

French bulldogs have a colorful, centuries-long history involving English lacemakers, the Parisian demimonde and Gilded Age American tourists who brought the dogs home.

From Seattle Times

In the first act, Alfredo warns Violetta, “The way you’re living will kill you,” which makes no sense if, as here, the opening scene has all the demimonde danger of a Hamptons garden party.

From New York Times