Kommertslikke

Kommertslikke is a pejorative slang term used in Norwegian- and Danish-speaking contexts to refer to a person who provides sexual services in exchange for money, typically a woman. The term is not neutral and is widely considered insulting or stigmatizing in most settings.

Etymology: The word combines kommersiell (commercial) with slikke (to lick), a metaphorical reference to sexual services. The compound emphasizes the transactional nature of prostitution rather than the person.

Usage and social context: The term appears in tabloid articles, online discussions, and some social circles as a crude descriptor. It is rarely used by sex workers themselves and is generally avoided in respectful or formal discourse. It carries moral judgments about sex work and its participants.

Legal and policy context: As a linguistic label, it does not define legal status. Laws concerning sex work vary by country; many jurisdictions regulate or criminalize aspects of exchanging sex, while others pursue harm-reduction and decriminalization approaches. Discussions around the term often intersect with debates on exploitation, consent, and safety.

See also: Related topics include sex work, prostitution, and stigma.