Learning the Lingo

Awhile back, some of us with End Slavery TN got a lesson in terminology from a survivor of sex trafficking.  We learned a lot more than words in the process; we learned a lot about the world of a victim. Read it, and weep. Then, for heaven’s sake, DO something to help.

• Bottom, or Bottom Bitch: A person appointed by the pimp/trafficker to recruit potential victims, report violation of rules, and often to help punish.
• Branded: A tattoo on a victim indicating ownership by a trafficker/pimp.
• Daddy: A term a male trafficker /pimp requires his victims to call him.
• Family or Folks: A group of victims under the control of a trafficker/pimp. The term is an attempt to recreate the family environment.
• Gorilla Pimp: A violent trafficker/pimp
• Lot Lizard: Derogatory term for prostituted women and children at truck stops.
• Pimp Circle: Describes a situation where pimps circle around a victim to intimidate and discipline them, using verbal and physical threats/action, i.e.beating with wire coat hangers, defecating and urinating on victims
• Quota: The amount of money a victim must give to their trafficker/pimp each night. If a quota is not met, the victim may be made to work until it is, or may be beaten or otherwise disciplined.
• Seasoning: The process of breaking a victim’s spirit and gaining control over her, using rapes, beatings, manipulation and intimidation. There is actually a manual for pimps on how to season victims.
• Stable: A group of victims under the control of a pimp.
• Trade Up/Trade Down: The act of buying or selling a person for a pimp’s stable.
• Turn Out: To be forced into prostitution; also a person newly involved
• "Wifey" or Wife-in-law: A term prostituted women and children are required to call the other females in the “stable.”
• Kiddie Track or Runaway Track - Just what it sounds like it means.