Maid

Since the 17th century, a lady in the service of a high-ranking, usually aristocratic lord or lady-in-waiting has been referred to as a chambermaid.

She did not have to be aristocratic, but simply of a higher rank than the lady of the house. For example, she helped the lady of the house to dress.

This was more about the difference in status than the actual employment relationship. Normally, however, becoming a maid was seen as a social advancement. At aristocratic courts, where the term ‘fille de chambre’ (chambermaid) was used, she was subordinate to the ‘femme de chambre’ (chambermaid) and was higher in rank and function than the ‘chambrière’ (chambermaid). These hierarchies were often similarly adopted in bourgeois households. The valet de chambre was the male counterpart, so to speak.

There are also many TV maids in the sex and BDSM sector, who are often feminised.

The term ‘maid’ actually comes from the 17th and 18th centuries. Back then, a maid was a female servant who served a lady of a significantly higher rank. These were usually aristocrats. Then as now, maids were of a higher status than slaves and serfs.

In BDSM there is the role of the maid, i.e. a voluntary servant of a dominant mistress. The maid does not necessarily have to be a woman. Men, TVs, TSs or DWTs can also be trained as maids. Men are trained in such a way that they are feminised. Both male and female maids are usually put into high heels and learn to walk correctly and flawlessly in them. Behaviour when the boss enters the room is also important. Here, the maid must lower her gaze and ensure that the mistress is addressed correctly by title and name. As far as clothing is concerned, preferences and inclinations vary. French maid costumes are the most common. They are available in different materials depending on taste. French maid costumes are often made of black vinyl or fabric. A special form is the rubber maid, which is made of latex or rubber. Sometimes the maids are also put in chains, which do not hinder their work but do restrict their freedom of movement somewhat. A chain can be used, for example, to prohibit the maid from leaving a certain room.