Red-light district
Meaning
A red-light district is an area within a city, often characterized by a high concentration of sex-oriented businesses like brothels, strip clubs, and adult shops.
Origin
In the burgeoning American West of the late 19th century, railroad workers often frequented brothels after long journeys. These men carried distinctive red signal lanterns, used to communicate 'stop' or 'danger' on the tracks. When they entered an establishment, they would often hang their red lanterns outside, a clear signal to fellow workers—and perhaps even to local law enforcement—that they were occupied within. This common practice of displaying the bright red light outside a house of ill repute soon transformed the phrase into a notorious shorthand. The vibrant glow of these lanterns became an unmistakable beacon, marking the specific urban areas where prostitution thrived, thus birthing the 'red-light district'.
Examples
- The tour guide warned us not to wander into the city's red-light district after dark.
- Efforts were made to revitalize the urban core, which included gentrifying the old red-light district.