'strumpet' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'strumpet', where the ultimate origin is uncertain but possibly influenced by Old French forms such as 'estrumpe' or similar vernacular words referring to a loose woman.

'strumpet' appears in Middle English (from c. 13th century) as 'strumpet' or variant spellings and continued into Early Modern English with essentially the same form, eventually remaining in modern English largely with archaic or literary/insulting usage.

Initially it meant 'prostitute' and that core meaning has remained, though over time its use broadened to a general insulting term for a woman judged morally loose rather than strictly a transactional sex-worker.