What is the difference between a Prostitute and a Courtesan?

Answer 1

I think it's hilarious this question is in the Dining Out category!

Answer 2

A coutesan was traditionally only used by a couple of men - usually known to each other at the same/similar time.

e.g. a kept woman witth the costs split between the men she entertained.

She was often a woman from a good background. She would be well educated in what were seen as the arts, she may well speak several languages, she would be able to perform in a muscal way e.g. singing or playing an instrument.

In many ways she resembled a geisha of the in between world war eras. An intelligent and progressive young woman who was self employed (very rare in those days) and probably had a better lifestyle than most of her comtemporaries

A prostitute is traditionally a woman (or increasingly these days a man) who exchanges sex for money. Any form of variant sex will be charged at an extra rate and whilst friendships do develop between prostitutes and their clients it is rare that it will ever develop into the bond that there often was between a courtesan and her patron(s)

Sadly courtesanship is not so readily availiable these days! ;).......

Answer 3

In history, courtesans used to cater to a 'better' breed of client...better meaning richer, often royalty. Despite their profession, some were seen as 'respectable' people, even intellectuals who had their own financial independence, although some were probably married. In return for what they offered their clients, they were returned with not just money and luxuries, but status.

In general, prostitutes tended to serve those of a lower status and often had many clients, where courtesans tended to serve only a few at a time, sometimes only one.

Nowadays I shouldn't imagine there are many examples of courtesans, for the simple fact that many european countries allow their royalty to marry for love, and that many countries don't even have royalty, or if so (like in England), do not really wield a lot of power.

Nowadays, prostitutes, obviously, do the same job pretty much.

Answer 4

The Courtesan charges more than the ordinary Prostitute.
I don't think there is a real difference other than that. The Courtesan might have high born clients like royalty. The distinction is probably just snobbery.

Answer 5

Courtesans are the female counterpart to the male courtier. Both were known for being able to gain things by seducing people through their emotions. Courtiers, however, were usually found in the royal court trying to gain a position or favor from someone in a high position. In short, a courtesan seduces her target for gain, while a prostitue has sex for money with little or no forethought or strategy.

Answer 6

The breed of client (courtesan) or mark/trick (prostitute)

Answer 7

a prostitute swallows
a courtesan gets someone to swallow for her

Answer 8

The price.

Answer 9

mmm the price lol

Answer 10

They are the same thing; different words for the same thing.