Definition of the word fancy woman

The phrase "fancy woman" originated in the 19th century and referred to a woman who was considered attractive and fashionable by society's standards. The term was especially popular among working-class men who could not afford to marry these women due to their social status or financial constraints. The origins of the term "fancy woman" can be traced back to the Victorian era when societal norms and expectations placed a strong emphasis on appearance, manners, and conduct. Women who embodied these ideals were deemed "fancy" or "genteel," which adhered to the upper-class standards of beauty, behavior, and etiquette. For men of lower social classes, marriage to a "fancy" woman was often out of reach, as they could not provide the necessary financial and social resources required for such a union. As a result, these men would maintain a relationship with a "fancy woman" outside of marriage, leading to social ostracization and criticism. In essence, a "fancy woman" represented the idealized version of femininity and was a symbol of social and economic mobility for some men. However, this romantic association also had negative connotations, reflecting the historical realities of class inequality and gender roles during this time.