It applies to men too

“Jezebel“

A “Jezebel” is a derogatory term for a wicked, shameless, or sexually promiscuous woman. The word comes from the biblical Queen Jezebel, but is also used in religious and historical contexts to describe deceitful individuals or to reinforce harmful stereotypes. 

The term spans several different contexts:

1. The Biblical Origin

In the Hebrew Bible (1 and 2 Kings), Jezebel was a Phoenician princess who married King Ahab of Israel. She is famously condemned for introducing the worship of the pagan god Baal to Israel and for using deceit and murder to get what she wanted (such as when she orchestrated the execution of Naboth to steal his vineyard).

2. Modern Slang and Everyday Usage

When someone calls a person a “Jezebel” today, they generally mean a temptress, a schemer, or a disreputable woman. It is often used as a synonym for words like “siren,” “minx,” or “hussy”.

3. The “Jezebel Spirit”

In some Christian and theological circles, people refer to a “Jezebel spirit”. This concept is tied to the Book of Revelation (2:20) and is used to describe a manipulative, controlling, or deceitful person (often associated with teaching false doctrines). 

Robin Revis Pyke, Ph.D. +2

4. Historical Stereotype

In American history, the “Jezebel” was a racist stereotype created during the era of slavery. White enslavers used the Jezebel caricature to portray Black women as hyper-sexualized and devoid of morals, which was falsely used to justify the physical and sexual abuse of enslaved women. 

Jim Crow Museum

The name itself likely has Phoenician roots, but its exact meaning is debated—some scholars translate it as “Baal exalts” or “without cohabitation”.