The word ‘demimondaine’ refers to a woman who is part of a social class that is considered to be lower than respectable society, often associated with a lifestyle that includes being a courtesan or having relationships with wealthy men. The term is derived from the French word ‘demi’, meaning ‘half’, and ‘monde’, meaning ‘world’, suggesting a woman who exists in a social sphere that is somewhat removed from the traditional or ‘respectable’ world. It can also imply a certain allure or charm despite the social stigma associated with her status.
