working girl

noun

1. Older Use: Often Offensive. a woman who works.
2. Slang. a prostitute.

working girl

noun

1. a girl or woman who works, esp one who supports herself
2. informal.
   a prostitute

Sensitive Note

The meaning “woman who works” has declined in use because of possible confusion with the other meaning, “prostitute.” And the use of girl to refer to an adult woman is often perceived as insulting and demeaning. girl.

Word History and Origins

Origin of working girl¹

First recorded in 1860–65 working girl fordef 1; 1965–70 working girl fordef 2

Example Sentences

These were women who had come to the city in the 1980s, as part of “the working girl.”

From The Daily Beast

Ilsa, She-Wolf of the S.S. Sigourney Weaver in Working Girl.

From The Daily Beast

Dot claimed that one of those filthy tabloids had offered her that much for them—and what was a poor working-girl to do?

From Project Gutenberg

The highest form of club life developed among working girls represents, to the working girl, her college.

From Project Gutenberg

As one recalls this club, it presents one of the best evidences of the barrenness of the working-girl's life in New York.

From Project Gutenberg

By an unfortunate circumstance, the working girl living at that number was away from the factory two days at this time.

From Project Gutenberg

The working girl has suffered quite as much at the hands of yellow journalism as the woman of wealth and social position.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• prostitute