demimonde
Fringe social sphere
The demimonde is a class of women on the fringes of respectable society—historically, kept mistresses and courtesans supported by wealthy lovers.
The term extends to any group operating at society's margins: the criminal demimonde, the demimonde of underground art scenes.
The word carries connotations of glamour mixed with moral ambiguity: She moved easily through the demimonde of 1920s Paris.
Paid aristocratic companion
- mistressIllicit female lover
- kept womanSupported female companion
- concubineSecondary female partner
- paramourLover in secret affair
escort · geisha · odalisque · grisette · doxy · inamorata · coquette · seductress
Pursuit of gratification
- debaucheryExtreme indulgence in vices
- excessSurplus beyond need
- sensualityPursuit of physical pleasure
- opulenceShowy, abundant prosperity
indulgence · dissipation · profligacy · pleasure-seeking · voluptuousness · licentiousness · sybaritism · extravagance
Outermost edge or margin
- underworldRealm of the departed
- shadowLight blocked by object
- demarcationFormal boundary setting
- respectabilityMoral and social worthiness
ostracism · stigma · exclusion · outcast · pariah · liminal · threshold · boundary
Grooming establishment or gathering
- boudoirWoman's private chamber
- parlorFormal room for visitors
- soiréeFormal nighttime social gathering
- cabaretLive entertainment venue
bordello · scandal · intrigue · liaison · affair · rendezvous · assignation · dalliance
Maker of creative works
- actressFemale stage performer
- dancerOne who moves rhythmically
- chanteuseFemale nightclub singer
- showgirlTheatrical revue dancer
cancan · chorus girl · ingénue · muse · model · atelier · Montmartre · café society
courtesan
Paid aristocratic companion
- mistressIllicit female lover
- kept womanSupported female companion
- concubineSecondary female partner
paramour · escort · geisha · odalisque · grisette · doxy · inamorata · coquette · seductress · fallen woman
hedonism
Pursuit of gratification
- debaucheryExtreme indulgence in vices
- excessSurplus beyond need
- sensualityPursuit of physical pleasure
opulence · indulgence · dissipation · profligacy · pleasure-seeking · voluptuousness · licentiousness · sybaritism · extravagance · vice
fringe
Outermost edge or margin
- underworldRealm of the departed
- shadowLight blocked by object
- demarcationFormal boundary setting
respectability · ostracism · stigma · exclusion · outcast · pariah · liminal · threshold · boundary · twilight
salon
Grooming establishment or gathering
cabaret · bordello · scandal · intrigue · liaison · affair · rendezvous · assignation · dalliance · tryst
artist
Maker of creative works
showgirl · cancan · chorus girl · ingénue · muse · model · atelier · Montmartre · café society · nightlife
- Fictional CourtesansFantine, Camille, Nancy, courtesans, fallen women
- eliteelite, elites, aristocrats, nobility, best
- milieuenvironment, setting, atmosphere, scene, context
demimondepolite society
Respectable social elite
high society · beau monde · the elite · bourgeoisie · society