World's Oldest Profession

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The phrase "the world's oldest profession" gained prominence in the late 19th century, specifically associated with the practice of prostitution. While it's a widely used expression, its origin can be traced back to Rudyard Kipling's 1888 short story, "On the City Wall," according to Wikipedia. In the story, Kipling describes a character, Lalun, as a "member of the most ancient profession in the world." This phrase, while potentially referencing prostitution, was not explicitly used in that way in the original context.
The phrase quickly gained traction and became widely used in the early 20th century, especially in discussions about prostitution, particularly in the United States. It was often used to justify or downplay the practice, suggesting it was a natural and unavoidable part of human existence. The phrase has persisted, even though it's been debated whether prostitution is truly the oldest profession. Some argue that professions like agriculture, hunting, or herding likely existed before prostitution.
In essence, the phrase "the world's oldest profession" is a cultural shorthand for prostitution, rooted in Kipling's story but popularized through its use in debates about the practice.

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