ramera
“ramera” means “prostitute” in Spanish (pejorative or literary).
prostitute
Also: harlot
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En la literatura del Siglo de Oro, es común encontrar la palabra ramera.
B2In Golden Age literature, it is common to find the word 'ramera'.
Es una palabra muy ofensiva en el mundo moderno.
A2It is a very offensive word in the modern world.
El origen de ramera tiene que ver con las ramas que ponían en las puertas.
C1The origin of 'ramera' has to do with the branches they used to put on doors.
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Quick Quiz: ramera
Question 1 of 3
What is the historical origin of the word 'ramera'?
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👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the word 'ramo' (branch). Historically, in Spain, women in this profession would place a green branch over their door to advertise their business.
First recorded: 13th century
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'ramera' the same as 'prostituta'?
Yes, they refer to the same thing, but 'ramera' is much older, more literary, and generally considered more offensive as a direct insult.
Should I use this word in Spain or Latin America?
No. It is best to avoid using this word in daily life anywhere as it is a harsh insult.
Why is it in the dictionary if it's offensive?
It is important for students to understand it so they can recognize it when reading classic Spanish literature like 'Don Quijote' or 'La Celestina'.