General
wench
What does wench mean?
A girl or young woman; in the Black Country it is an affectionate, non-derogatory address.
"Alright, wench, how's your mom keeping?"
Origin
Middle English 'wenchel' (child); retained affectionately in Black Country dialect.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'wench' mean in the Midlands?
It's an affectionate, non-derogatory way to address a girl or young woman.
Is 'wench' rude in the Black Country?
No — in Black Country dialect it's a friendly term, unlike its old-fashioned or negative sense elsewhere.
Where does 'wench' come from?
From Middle English 'wenchel', meaning child, retained affectionately in the Black Country.
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