How decent is it to call a woman "mamzel"? How did this word appear in Russian and what does it mean? Who are these “mamzels” and is it worth using this word in everyday life?
Initial value
After the defeat of Napoleon’s troops, a wave of French emigrants rushed to Russia. These were people of different classes, traveling with the aim of making money, hiring for work with noble people. Among those who wanted to get rich, there were many women. They were hired by governesses, cooks, and milliners. In those days, it was commonplace to have the French serve. How to relate to such people, no one has yet understood. It seems that they are not servants, but also not gentlemen. Well-educated and well-dressed women demanded that they be contacted by Mademoiselle.
For ordinary Russian citizens, such a word was a novelty, and not everyone could pronounce it, especially if it concerned peasants. Gradually, he was reduced to “mamseli”. This markedly facilitated his pronunciation and soon became a part of everyday life. Thus, the word had a pretty decent status and was used everywhere. However, after a while its meaning changed a little.
Another variant
Years passed, and the visiting French women changed the status of domestic helpers to kept women. To call such women engraftments was too shameful, and then the word “mamsel” was firmly entrenched in such young ladies. Later, they began to speak of girls belonging to the theatrical bohemia who did not have a good reputation. At the end of the 19th century, everyone knew what mamzel is and what services it provides. Writers in their works ironically called this word actresses and circus artists.
In our time, it is customary to refer to girls whose image does not correspond to their inner content. This may be a girl discharged in expensive clothes and jewelry, but at the same time not able to think logically and coherently express her opinion.