demimonde
definition
a group of people considered to be on the fringes of respectable society or engaged in immoral or disreputable activities
example
The novel beautifully captures the lives of women in the demimonde of Paris, showcasing their struggles and aspirations outside conventional society.
synonyms
underworldbohemiafringe
word origin — French word 'demimonde', meaning 'half world', which originally referred to a class of society that lives on the fringes of respectability.