In the 1950s, what term was permanently associated with a house of prostitution?

The term "massage parlor" became permanently associated with a house of prostitution in the 1950s due to the negative connotations that developed around it during that time. Many such establishments began to operate under the guise of offering legitimate massage services while, in fact, engaging in illicit activities. This association was further solidified in popular culture and media, which depicted massage parlors as locations where sexual services were offered under the pretext of massage therapy.

In contrast, terms like "massage clinic" and "massage studio" tend to evoke a more professional and legitimate image, suggesting a focus on wellness and therapeutic practices. Similarly, "massage therapy center" implies an institution dedicated to the overall health benefits of massage therapy, steering clear of any associations with illegal activities. Thus, the term "massage parlor" became firmly entrenched in the social lexicon of that era to describe establishments that were neither safe nor appropriate, leading to the lasting stigma surrounding it.