Slang and Colloquialisms
B
Bawdy
Bawdy refers to content, humor, or behavior that is humorously indecent, risqué, or mildly sexual in nature. It often involves playful or comedic references to sexual topics, body parts, or innuendos. Bawdy material is typically more suggestive and cheeky rather than explicitly pornographic or offensive.
Blue Balls
Blue balls is a colloquial term referring to testicular discomfort or aching sensation that some people with testicles may experience after prolonged sexual arousal without orgasm. While not medically dangerous, it can cause temporary discomfort in the testicles and lower abdominal area.
Bonk
"Bonk" is a colloquial and somewhat humorous term used to refer to sexual intercourse. It's a euphemistic expression that's less explicit than other slang terms for sex, often employed in casual conversation or when discussing sex in a lighthearted manner. The term is particularly common in British English but has spread to other English-speaking countries as well.
Booty Call
A booty call is a slang term for a communication (usually a phone call or text message) made to a sexual partner with the primary intention of initiating immediate sexual activity. It typically occurs outside of a committed romantic relationship and is often spontaneous or made late at night.
Bumping Uglies
"Bumping uglies" is a colloquial and humorous euphemism for sexual intercourse. This slang term is derived from the idea of two people's genitals (sometimes jokingly referred to as "uglies") coming into contact or "bumping" during sexual activity. It's a playful and informal way to refer to sex without using more explicit or clinical terminology.
C
Carnal Knowledge
Carnal knowledge is a legal and historical term referring to sexual intercourse, particularly the act of a man penetrating a woman's vagina with his penis. The term is often used in legal contexts, especially in older laws and court cases related to sexual offenses. While somewhat outdated, it remains in use in some jurisdictions and legal documents.
Cuck
A cuck, short for cuckold, is a man whose partner is sexually unfaithful, often with his knowledge or consent. In modern usage, particularly online, it's sometimes used as an insult to imply weakness or submissiveness in a man.
Cuckquean
A cuckquean is a woman who derives sexual arousal or pleasure from knowing that her male partner is having sex with other women, often watching or hearing about these encounters. This is considered the female equivalent of a cuckold, though it's generally less common in both practice and popular culture.
Cucumber Dildo
A cucumber dildo refers to the practice of using a cucumber as a makeshift sex toy for penetration. While some people may experiment with this due to curiosity or lack of access to commercial sex toys, it's important to note that vegetables are not designed for sexual use and can pose health risks.
Cuffing Season
Cuffing season refers to a phenomenon where single people seek out short-term, committed relationships during the colder months of the year, typically from autumn to winter. The term "cuffing" is derived from the idea of being "handcuffed" or tied down to one partner for this period. This trend is often attributed to a desire for companionship and physical warmth during the colder, darker months.
G
Gangbang
A gangbang is a sexual activity involving multiple participants, typically where several people (usually men) engage in sexual acts with one central person (often a woman, but not always). The term originated in pornography but is now used more broadly to describe this type of group sexual encounter. It's important to note that all participants must consent to be involved.
Glory-hole
A glory hole is a hole cut into a wall or partition, typically in a public restroom or adult establishment, that allows for anonymous sexual encounters between people on either side of the barrier. While historically associated with gay male culture, glory holes have been adopted by people of various sexual orientations and have become a recognized element in both real-world sexual practices and pornographic content.
N
Netflix and Chill
"Netflix and chill" is a modern slang term and euphemism for casual sexual activity. Originally, the phrase literally meant watching Netflix and relaxing, but it has evolved to imply an invitation for sexual encounters, often under the pretense of watching movies or TV shows together. This term gained popularity in the mid-2010s, particularly among young adults and in online dating culture.
Nookie
"Nookie" is a colloquial term for sexual intercourse or sexual activity in general. It's often used in a casual or playful context, typically referring to consensual sexual encounters. The term is considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday speech rather than in medical or professional settings.
P
Plow
"Plow" is a colloquial term used to describe vigorous sexual intercourse, typically referring to penetrative sex. The term is derived from the agricultural tool used to turn over soil, implying a forceful and repetitive motion. In sexual contexts, "plowing" often suggests deep, powerful thrusting during penetration.
Porking
"Porking" is a colloquial and somewhat crude term for sexual intercourse, particularly referring to penetrative sex. It's an informal slang word that is typically used in casual or humorous contexts rather than in formal or medical discussions about sex.
R
Ribaldry
Ribaldry refers to humorous or entertaining content that is characterized by its crude, offensive, or mildly indecent nature, often with sexual overtones. It encompasses a wide range of expressions, from witty sexual innuendos to more explicit jokes or stories. Ribaldry is typically meant to provoke laughter or amusement through its risqué or taboo subject matter.
Rumpy-pumpy
"Rumpy-pumpy" is a playful, informal British slang term for sexual intercourse. It's a lighthearted euphemism that's often used humorously or to avoid more explicit language when referring to sexual activity. The term is generally considered mild and inoffensive, though it may be seen as somewhat dated or quaint by younger generations.
S
Scissoring
Scissoring is a sexual practice typically associated with lesbian or female same-sex encounters, where two partners interlock their legs and rub their genitals together for mutual stimulation. This activity can involve various positions and movements, with the goal of achieving sexual pleasure through genital-to-genital contact.
Screw
"Screw" is a colloquial and somewhat vulgar term for sexual intercourse. It's often used as a euphemism for "fuck" in casual conversation or when a less explicit term is preferred. The term likely originated from the twisting motion associated with both screwing in a screw and the physical act of sex.
Sexual Congress
Sexual congress is a euphemistic term for sexual intercourse or other intimate sexual activities between consenting partners. It's often used as a more formal or polite way to refer to sexual acts, particularly in literary or academic contexts. The term "congress" in this usage implies a coming together or meeting of individuals, in this case, for sexual purposes.
Shag
"Shag" is a colloquial term primarily used in British English to refer to sexual intercourse. It's a casual and sometimes humorous way to describe the act of having sex. The term gained widespread popularity in the 1960s and has since become a staple of British slang, often used in informal conversations and popular media.
Smash
"Smash" is a colloquial term used primarily by younger adults to refer to casual sexual intercourse. It's a more aggressive or intense-sounding alternative to phrases like "hook up" or "have sex." The term implies a casual, often one-time sexual encounter without the expectation of a romantic relationship or emotional attachment.
Snowballing
Snowballing is a sexual practice that involves passing semen from one person's mouth to another's after oral sex. Typically, it occurs when one partner performs oral sex on a person with a penis, receives ejaculate in their mouth, and then kisses their partner, transferring some or all of the semen in the process. The term "snowballing" is derived from the way the amount of fluid can increase as it's passed back and forth, similar to a snowball growing as it rolls.
Snu-snu
"Snu-snu" is a humorous slang term for sexual intercourse, particularly when it's vigorous or potentially exhausting. The term originated from the animated television series "Futurama" and has since entered popular culture as a playful euphemism for sex.
Spitroasting
Spitroasting refers to a sexual act involving three people, where one person (in the middle) performs oral sex on one partner while simultaneously being penetrated from behind by another partner. This term is derived from the visual similarity to the way meat is roasted on a spit.
Squirting
Squirting refers to the expulsion of fluid from the urethra during sexual arousal or orgasm in some women. While often confused with female ejaculation, squirting typically involves a larger volume of clear, diluted urine, whereas female ejaculation produces a smaller amount of milky fluid from the Skene's glands.
Streaking
Streaking is the act of running naked in a public place, typically as a prank, statement, or form of thrill-seeking. It involves an individual or group quickly dashing through a populated area while completely nude, often to shock, amuse, or provoke a reaction from onlookers. Streaking gained popularity as a social phenomenon in the 1970s, particularly on college campuses and at sporting events.
Strumpet
"Strumpet" is an archaic and derogatory term historically used to describe a woman perceived as promiscuous or engaged in prostitution. It originated in the 15th century and was commonly used until the early 20th century. The term is now considered outdated and offensive, and its use is generally discouraged in modern contexts.
Suck-face
"Suck-face" is a colloquial term used to describe intense, passionate kissing or making out. It typically refers to prolonged kissing sessions that involve open mouths and tongue action. The term is often used in a playful or slightly crude manner to describe public displays of affection or enthusiastic kissing.
T
Teabagging
Teabagging is a slang term for a sexual act in which a person lowers their testicles into the mouth of a partner or onto their face, typically in a repeated up and down motion. The term is derived from the act's resemblance to dipping a tea bag into a cup of hot water. While often associated with oral sex, teabagging itself is not necessarily a form of stimulation for the receiver but can be arousing for the giver.
Top-Bottom
"Top-bottom" refers to the roles taken by partners during sexual activity, particularly in same-sex relationships, though it can apply to any sexual pairing. A "top" is typically the partner who penetrates or takes a more dominant role, while a "bottom" is the partner who receives penetration or takes a more submissive role. These terms are most commonly used in gay male culture but have expanded to other LGBTQ+ communities and some heterosexual contexts.
Tribadism
Tribadism, also known as tribbing, is a sexual practice primarily associated with lesbian and bisexual women. It involves genital-to-genital contact, typically with one partner rubbing their vulva against their partner's vulva, thigh, or other body parts for sexual stimulation. The term comes from the Greek word "tribein," meaning "to rub."
Trollop
A trollop is a derogatory term historically used to describe a woman perceived as sexually promiscuous or a sex worker. The word originated in the 17th century and has largely fallen out of common usage in modern times. It's important to note that this term is considered offensive and should not be used to describe any person.