But the actual words used are not as important as is viewing commercial sex realistically.

This includes providers as well as clients.  It is best to see things realistically.

I have liked "Lady of Liesure" from the 40's I believe.  There is also "Soiled Dove" which was used in the South at one point.

I have no problem with whore: The English word whore derives from the Old English word hōra, from the Indo-European root kā meaning "desire".

I also don't mind the term slut, as I feel those terms need to be reclaimed.  However this is more appropriate during hot sex or kidding around then as a serious was to address a person. In ancient Greece we were Pornai and the Hetairai.   In Europe from the 19the century on Demimondaine was commonly used.

-- Modified on 3/16/2011 11:20:36 AM

Everyone knows what you're talking about when you use the term "escort" yet it carries a purely subjective sophistication that I prefer.  I regard it as a slightly more modern form of the term "courtesan." (which sounds insincerely archaic to me... like when Americans deliberately use British pronunciation to make themselves sound smart)

I also like "professional," which I use in circumstances where I wish for the listener/reader to make the additional mental connection on their own (i.e., less  specific than "escort").  Since the physiological origin of humor is a quirk that occurs when the human brain reconciles a subconscious pattern with an unpredicted/unexpected reality, I find that the term "professional" (or "pro") is handy in dry, humorous contexts because it breaks context patterns and forces that mental rewind.

There is an additional element of humor to "professional," because the term itself originates from the traditional "professions" (doctor, lawyer, and clergy) which were called such because they forsook wages out of an altruistic desire to serve their fellow man -- in essence, selflessly "professing" their lives to the greater good of their community.  This, of course, has been twisted in modern times, where lawyers, in particular, are often highly compensated and often regarded as selfish.  But the original meaning loosely and humorously applies to escorts -- hence the now ubiquitous quip about "the oldest profession."

As for hobbyists, I am partial to "client," though I haven't given it much thought.

with those who are tantrikas, as that term is often used to describe themselves.

I've given up the search for the perfect name for providers and hobbyists.  It's often discussed, but nothing has come of it so far.

Because if you only meet someone once, it is a very different type of experience then if you, say, had regular appointments with someone. This might affect which label is used...

I, personally, do not really have a preference. They are all certainly different euphemisms for the same type of arrangement. I liked your "purveyors of pleasure" though- it kind of has a nice ring

I like Goddess thhats great n u can be my *trick* lol

ok seriously I think the term used shows a sign of the state of mind involved in the matter.

I jthink of myself as a Companion and I have clients and some are dear friends. The term client I think for me is what the white envelope is for youj, it is a strong reminder of the line we have between us. Reminds me all along this is a job. Sometimes I have to slap myself back to realijty with some of my *clients*friends I have been seeing many for 6 plus yrs. We have shared more than a bed and a romp. Some I see weekly or bi weekly after 6 plujs yrs of a weekly visit or two i am bound to feel attachhed. If we go a week with out seeing each other I miss him, so *clients* reminds me that the line no matter how invisible it is Still there and can not be crossed.

Verbosity might demand something like, "The human embodiment of the Celebration of Life" - my view is - they are Ladies! As far as what we should be called, put a beautiful ass in my hands and I don't care if you call me Dick Nixon - I'll be happy!

A "provider" may be thought of as a "temporary girlfriend", but why put a label on it? If I've got a date with someone I use their name; makes it more like a real GFE than just a "short term encounter". As usual, YMMV.

I have no preference what I call providers except I don't like derogatory terms like: hooker, whore, payed bitch, slut, and the like. I also don't like to refer to them as goddess or lovers as the first is over the top and the second is reserved for my wife. She is my only lover. Providers are just people I pay for companionship and sex or may in some cases even be friends as well but never real lovers to me.

I basically try to refer to the ladies by the terms they refer to themselves. The most popular term seems to be "provider" in this game so that is what I usually refer to them as h.ere

As for what I prefer to be called as a hobbyist, anything besides a trick, mark, or lover. John, warmonger, client, friend, and the like all are fine by me. I just don't like trick or mark because it shows a lack of respect and a basic level of respect is important to me from the people I pay. I don't like lover for the same reasons I will not call an escort that. I am only one persons lover, my wife. I may have sex with others but I do not make love to them, there is a difference.

When I joined TER last year after 15 years away from the "hobby," I was amazed at all the new terminology.  I even posted that I thought "hobby" and "hobbyist," were incredibly weak words and that provider was little better.  I got flamed for my temerity and have ended up using the terms.  But I appreciate an effort to find something better and wish you luck.  I don't mind being called a "john" or a "trick" and even think the word "whore" or "hooker" is hot.  Then again, I think "cunt" is pretty hot, too.  There's also "companion," which is OK and "courtesan" is even better.  I'll have to think about it some more because I've got to go fuck a whore now...

I recently accompanied a gentleman for two months on a trip, which was a bittersweet "gig" for me.  With that said, I considered my role and explained to my friends and family that I was a companion.  There's more to the story, and I won't bore you with more details, but "companion" fit the bill.  It does sound a little bit like one of those Golden Retriever dogs used to be a helper for disabled people, but....

Travel companion, sexual companion, conversational companion, dinner companion, shower companion, whatever the occasion, I guess that's what we are.  

I'm not sure I like it, though....

And, I'll even answer to "Hey you," though being a customer, I've never been called that.

She once referred to me as a client when another provider was knocking at the door.

Other than that, we've never referred to each other as hobbyist or provider.

I've been called friend, lover, boyfriend, sweetie, babe, baby, daddy and even whore. lol.

words words words....

In the end IMO it's whatever makes you feel better..... in the end the guy is still paying for play and the lady is being paid to lay or bend over....whatever lol.