"I think it was an Irish expression."
I think it was too - a regular saying during my childhood
The term 'whore' is common in Ireland today as one of grudging admiration; such as referring to politicians during the Celtic Tiger years who practiced 'cute whoreism' - Taoiseach, Charles Haughey was proud long-running holder of the title - "A cute whore, that one".
More of a term of abuse, now that the Tiger has lost its teeth.
Jim Carroll