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masseuse

/məˈsus/
/məˈsus/
IPA guide

Other forms: masseuses

The woman with the hands of gold that gets the knots out of your aching back is called a "massage therapist," but for a long time the word masseuse was acceptable.

Many women who do massage professionally do not like the term masseuse but it is literally defined as a "female massager." The term has swinging sexy undertones, perhaps conjuring up images of flirty athletic women. While you may be lucky enough to get a massage therapist like this on your next spa visit, don't call her a masseuse. If it's a cute man, don't call him a masseur, either.

Definitions of masseuse
  1. noun
    a female massager
    see moresee less
    type of:
    massager
    someone who rubs or kneads parts of the body to stimulate circulation and promote relaxation
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