Is it always considered to be demeaning even when used with no derogative intent?
My understanding is that a hooker is someone you pay to have sex with. An escort is someone who receives a donation for time spent, and anything that happens beyond that is a decision between two consenting adults.
There are so many other words that better describe what we do:
Professional lover or paid companion are two of my favorites.
Probably depends on who you ask. Im sure you will get 150 different answers. I'd have to say its a bit like people who belong to a certian group using the term amongst themselves in an endearing way. Although I dont use the term myself. If my friends and i were talking i wouldnt take offense. However if I were talking to a man and he used the term it might not fall on the ear in quite the same way. Its all semantics. hooker and escort mean the same thing but it depends on the intent of the user. As well as context. However you probably cant go wrong with escort provider or companion. Might be safer to stick with that. Now get ready for 149 different view points.
I'm sure that this, like everything else, is a matter of opinion and feeling. I actually was talking to a well reviewed and respected provider who has a lot of history on the boards, and she loves the word. She said if it is not said in a demeaning manner by the guy, she's cool with it. I admit I was surprised.
I've gotten to the point where I don't even think escort... These are more like friends that I provide a mechanism for them to spend time with me!.... or something like that! and some more than others.
Before anyone gets carried away, yea, I am very aware of the question that if there was no cash on hand, would they still be my friends? And for that, I have no answer.
Hooker, Whore, Prostitute, Paid Companion, Call Girl, Woman of Questionable Virtue........words nothing more.
In the reality of the situation thats all we are/were correct? If you get paid for those services rendered you are in fact a hooker. So whats the big deal.
Back in the days of Brooke B., Kim of Vegas, kandi of kentucky, Marcela and Baby D. in various chat rooms that was how we said hello "Hooooooookkkkaaaaaaa" and then watch the fall out in the room.
Why anyone give a rats ass what anyone on a message board thinks is beyond me. These boards are supposed to be informative and fun. If someone says your fat and your a size 2, maybe you might get offended, or that you have a penis when you are obviously all woman, not that would offend me. But calling a woman something that was in fact historical in reference is just not a big deal. And trust me I have been called many colorful names on this board...........now you can just call me retired. *kiss*
Even though I sometimes use the word "hooker" in a general sense, I never use it personally. That word, and others like it that were mentioned are value-laden pejoratives, and should be considered offensive if used directly. The problem with value-laden words like these is that they condition people to the prejudices that result in lousy legislation, harassment by LE, and other plagues confronting the hobby.
-- Modified on 8/16/2007 2:30:12 PM
they are all ladies in my eyes
"Lady" is the most respectful term, IMHO. That's the term I usually use. Sometimes use "provider."
Its about as offinsive as you being called a john lol. hookers in my opinion are the ladies who walk the streets and johns are the el cheapos looking for a bj in the parking lot...just my opinion
It's funny, I never thought about it. But, my definition of a Hooker/Whore is someone who walks the streets.
But seeing that we are internet based, why not "Internet Sales Ladies" ? lol 
You can sell me any time Ms. H!
Re: Is the word "Hooker" offensive to escorts?
Posted by Strawberry_milf , 8/16/2007 2:37:38 PM [See my TER reviews]
Its about as offinsive as you being called a john lol. hookers in my opinion are the ladies who walk the streets and johns are the el cheapos looking for a bj in the parking lot...just my opinion
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I second exactly what StrawberryMilf says . I personally do not like that word and I do not refer to my friends as "johns" .
is being called a "looser...can't get a date to save my life/wife cheater" offensive to hobiest?
as I am secure with the person I am, but I'm sure that I am the exception to other ladies, as I have been in the business longer than most ladies.
It is what it is, whether you are a provider or a crack Ho, when it comes down to it we are all doing the same thing, but for different reasons.
WWK
I'm only a hooker when I go fishing :o )
but I* seem to be fishing a lot latley especially end of the summer blues
Actually, only in mountain climbing would I be a hooker. I'd like to think of myself as the Energizer Bunny. Squeeze my ears and watch me flip. 
Hugs,
Ciara
My dear, I would be delighted to squeeze your ears, or any other body part that is nearby 
can I join in on the Fun?
Haha the more the merrier!!! I'll bring the whipped cream :o )~~
I can hook up the cherries to put on top the whipped cream
You and Ciara together would probably give me a heart attack. LOL But I can't think of a better way to go! The thought alone is enough to make me sliiiiide right out of my seat!
*runs off to check airline prices to Pheonix*
who hangs out on the street w/ bad hair, bad clothes, and an alleged drug problem. At least, that is what pops into my mind.
So if I'm very good at putting the worm on the hook, would I be a master-bator.
Thank You
2007=27
-- Modified on 8/16/2007 9:57:14 PM
-- Modified on 8/16/2007 10:12:08 PM
I love how the gay community stole the word "queer" and made it their own so that no one could torture them with it again.
It shows a lot of genius to do that.
When I was ten years old forty-five years ago, I went to a speech given by the great African-American (then "negro") comedian/civil rights worker, Dick Gregory.
He had just written a book about his work in civil rights titled "Nigger".
The mostly white audience in Worcester, Mass. squirmed mightily in their seats as he announced the title. He told people: "Don't tell me you haven't heard that word before."
As an idealistic youth I thought that day would be the start of the end for hateful speech, but, plus ca change...
If I remember correctly his dedication was to his mother and he said something like "Mom, now when you hear that word you know they're talking about my book."
B
I find an intelligent and confident woman to be SO sexy!!!
I love it when a woman is secure, and doesn't need to be babied and have everything all politically correct.... when we can be more adult about things, it's SO much more exciting and fun.
Props to you for that message.
You go girl.
Worcester native General Hooker was a Union Civil War general for whom the term "hooker" is (with some doubters) named for his practice of providing women sex workers for his troops.
The etymology is therefore quite respectable as opposed to the imagery of someone "hooking" a customer by devious methods and in underhanded ways; as a streetwalker is perhaps apt to do.
Just for the record.
Fightin' Joe Hooker did not have a good day at Chancellorsville...his troops may have been too distracted by the entertainment.
Was there really an "Admiral Cumguzzlingslut", or is that just a rumor?
...it does sound kinda silly. i mean just look at it, "hooker"...it just sounds cheesy to me. i can't hear or speak the word without giggling lol.
so unless a guy wants to be laughed at uncontrollably for about 10 mins, i'd recommend he not call me "hooker." i prefer whore....sounds more serious, and naughtier.