quean

The actor, cannily aware of the trap set by this modern dress version, resists translating the mannerisms into those of just another gay 'quean' .

It included the insults jade, 'quean' , baggage, harlot, drab, filth, flirt, gill, trull, dirtyheels, draggletail, flap, naughty-pack, slut, squirt and strumpet.

Catherine is ‘greatest of all sovereigns and whores’ and also a ‘modern Amazon and Queen of 'queans' ’.

Gone too are the painted 'queans' and the respectable gentlemen in evening dress who pursued trade - for sex, for violence, for love, for money, for something to tell their mates about.