tapiner

Senses

1. 1.

   to work as a prostitute

   to engage in prostitution, typically as a street worker

2. 2.

   to hang around idly

   to loiter or waste time without purpose

Examples

• "Elle a dû tapiner pour survivre."

  She had to prostitute herself to survive.

• "Au lieu de travailler, il passe son temps à tapiner aux coins des rues."

  Instead of working, he spends his time loitering on street corners.

Usage

Tapiner is an informal or colloquial verb, often with a pejorative tone. The primary meaning relates to street prostitution. The secondary sense (idling) is less common but derives from the association with loitering. This is not a word used in formal or polite speech.