Whore, slut, hooker. Derived from the Old East Slavic шлюха (originally meaning a clumsy, untidy woman or someone who wanders aimlessly), connected to the verb шляться (to loiter, wander around). In modern Russian, it is a highly offensive, vulgar term used primarily to insult a woman’s sexual morality, as well as a derogatory label for a sex worker. Metaphorically, it can describe a sellout or someone who compromises their principles for money or gain.
И все пьют за царя,
За святую Русь,
В ласках знатных шлюх
Забывая грусть.
And everyone drinks to the Tsar,
To Holy Rus’,
In the caresses of noble whores
Forgetting their sorrow.
(Сергей Есенин)
Проститутка — это профессия, шлюха — состояние души.
Prostitution is a profession, being a slut is a state of mind.
