bawdyhouse: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Historical, Literary
Quick answer
What does “bawdyhouse” mean?
A house where prostitutes work.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A house where prostitutes work; a brothel.
Historically, a building or establishment specifically used for commercial sexual activity. The term often carries connotations of the associated rowdy, lewd, or vulgar atmosphere.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is equally archaic in both varieties.
Connotations
Both carry strong historical/literary connotations. May evoke images of Elizabethan England or 18th-century urban settings.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary speech in both regions, found primarily in historical texts, drama, or academic writing.
Grammar
How to Use “bawdyhouse” in a Sentence
The police raided [the bawdyhouse].He was known to visit [a bawdyhouse].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, sociological, or literary studies discussing prostitution or urban history.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bawdyhouse”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bawdyhouse”
- Misspelling as 'bodyhouse'.
- Using it in modern, casual contexts where it sounds unnatural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not considered polite, but its archaic nature softens its impact. It is a direct, descriptive term best used in formal or historical contexts.
Only if you are aiming for a specific historical, literary, or deliberately archaic tone. In contemporary contexts, it will sound odd and outdated.
There is no difference in core meaning. 'Bawdyhouse' is simply an older, more specific term that emphasises the 'bawdy' (lewd, indecent) nature of the establishment, while 'brothel' is the more common modern term.
It is equally rare in both. Given its historical roots, it might appear slightly more often in British historical texts, but the difference is negligible.
A house where prostitutes work.
Bawdyhouse is usually formal, historical, literary in register.
Bawdyhouse: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɔːdihaʊs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɑːdihaʊs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this word.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'BOWDY' (boisterous, rowdy) HOUSE where loud, indecent parties happen.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMMORALITY IS A PHYSICAL SPACE (a house dedicated to vice).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'bawdyhouse' be MOST appropriately used today?