Damsel in Distress

Damsel In Distress

The word "damsel" derives from the French demoiselle, meaning "young lady", and the term "damsel in distress" in turn is a translation of the French demoiselle en détresse. It is an archaic term not used in modern English except for effect or in expressions such as this, which can be traced back to the knight errant of Medieval songs and tales, who regarded the saving of such women as an essential part of his raison d'être.

Read more about Damsel In Distress:  Critical and Theoretical Responses, As A Fetish

Famous quotes containing the word distress:

    “The basis of successful relief in national distress is to mobilize and organize the infinite number of agencies of self help in the community. That has been the American way.”
    —Herbert Hoover (1874–1964)