Why is prostitution called "calling a chicken"? Origin Exploration and Cultural Analysis
Table of contents
The literal and semantic meaning of "calling a chicken"
Literally, the word "chicken" in "calling a chicken" usually refers to chickens among domestic fowl in Chinese. However, in slang, "chicken" is used to refer to sex workers, especially female sex workers.
In Cantonese, "chicken" is often used to refer to sex workers, especially female sex workers. This word may have originated from an early derogatory or euphemistic term for sex workers, similar to the English "bird" or "chick" used to refer to women, and later acquired a specific meaning.
In the past, brothels in some areas were called "chicken sheds" because sex workers were likened to "chickens." Therefore, going to a brothel to seek services was called "calling a chicken," which meant going to the "chicken shed" to find a "chicken."
The word "叫" (jiào) means to call or summon, so "叫鸡" (jiào jī) together carries the connotation of soliciting sex workers. However, the formation of this word is not simply a literal combination, but is closely related to the evolution of history, culture, and language.
The literal meaning of "叫鸡" is "to call (summon) a chicken," but it is used metaphorically to mean seeking out or summoning sex workers, describing the act of soliciting prostitutes.
Historical origins and word evolution
The exact origin of the term "calling a prostitute" is not documented, but its possible formation can be inferred from historical context. In ancient China, while the sex industry existed for a long time, its names were often euphemistic, such as "brothel," "prostitute," or "cuckold." With the changes in modern society, especially the development of urbanization and commercialization, the sex industry gradually became more open in some areas, and new slang terms emerged to describe this phenomenon.
The use of "chicken" as a euphemism for sex workers is likely deeply connected to Cantonese culture. In Hong Kong and Guangdong, "chicken" has long been used to refer to sex workers, possibly due to the nuances of the local dialect and cultural background. For example, in Cantonese, "chicken" is not only the name of an animal but is also often used to describe something vulgar or frivolous. This usage gradually became popular in Hong Kong in the early 20th century and, with the spread of Cantonese culture, influenced other Chinese-speaking regions.
As for the specific meaning of "calling a chicken," it may be related to the commercialization of sex work in modern urban life. In red-light districts in places like Hong Kong, clients usually contact sex workers through specific methods, such as telephone calls or intermediary arrangements. This act of "calling" is simplified to "calling," and sex workers are called "chickens." Thus, "calling a chicken" has become a concise and vivid expression.
Cultural and social context
The popularity of the term "calling a prostitute" is inseparable from its underlying socio-cultural context. Firstly, the sex industry has long existed in a moral and legal gray area in Chinese society, which often imbues related terms with euphemisms or derogatory connotations. As slang, "calling a prostitute" avoids directly using more explicit terms like "prostitute," while using humor or a flippant tone to downplay the moral controversy surrounding the act. This linguistic strategy reflects, to some extent, society's contradictory attitude towards the sex industry: there is demand, yet an attempt to conceal its sensitivity through language.
Secondly, the popularity of "calling a prostitute" is also closely related to the development of urban culture. In highly commercialized regions such as Hong Kong and Macau, the sex industry gradually formed a relatively mature market in the mid-to-late 20th century. With the popularization of modern communication tools such as telephones and the internet, the ways to summon sex workers became more convenient. The emergence of the term "calling a prostitute" perfectly matched this fast and convenient transaction model, becoming a popular and easy-to-understand expression.
Furthermore, the influence of Cantonese culture cannot be ignored. As one of the cultural centers of the Chinese-speaking world, Hong Kong's language and slang have had a profound impact on other regions. The expression "calling a chicken" has spread from Hong Kong to other Chinese-speaking areas, and is even widely used in some non-Cantonese-speaking regions, demonstrating the powerful vitality of language in cultural exchange.
Metaphorical and symbolic meanings of language
Linguistically, "calling a chicken" is a metaphorical expression. By comparing sex workers to "chickens," it simplifies the language while carrying a derogatory connotation. This metaphor is not isolated but echoes similar phenomena in other languages. For example, the English word "chick" is sometimes used to refer to young women with a flirtatious connotation; French has similar slang using animals to metaphorically represent sex workers. This cross-cultural linguistic phenomenon suggests that when describing sensitive topics, humans often tend to use metaphors or indirect methods to avoid directly touching on moral or social taboos.
However, the term "prostitute" has also sparked controversy. Some argue that this term is linguistically derogatory towards sex workers, reinforcing the stigma surrounding this group. In recent years, with the rise of gender equality and human rights awareness, some social movements have begun to call for the use of more neutral or respectful terms to describe sex workers, such as "sex worker" instead of "prostitute" or "chicken." This shift reflects the interplay between language and social values.
Chicken Concluding Remarks
"Calling a prostitute," as a slang term, seems simple on the surface, but it actually contains rich historical, cultural, and linguistic connotations. Its origin may be closely related to Cantonese culture, urbanization, and the commercialization of the sex industry, while its popularity reflects the complex attitude of Chinese society towards sexual topics. From a linguistic perspective, "calling a prostitute" is a typical metaphorical expression, simplifying the description of a sensitive topic through animal imagery, while also carrying a certain derogatory connotation.
With societal progress and changing attitudes, the future of terms like "calling a prostitute" may face challenges. Language, as a carrier of culture, not only reflects social realities but also influences people's values. While exploring the term "calling a prostitute," we should also reflect on the social structures and power relations behind the language, viewing related phenomena with a more inclusive and respectful attitude. Ultimately, understanding the origin and meaning of "calling a prostitute" is not only an exploration of language but also a profound reflection on culture and history.
Further reading:
