Using proper anatomical terms over sex slang

[ArceusAlpha493]

Hello I am a writer too but anyways, in all my stories, their are sex scenes. When I write them, I always try to be professional and use proper anatomical terms including, penis, prepuce, semen in the male, rectum, vulva, vagina/birth canal, clitoris, uterus or womb, cervix which is open during coitis and closes at the begining of pregnacy and opens at partuition, ovaries, and other anatomical terms. I have to ask, do you all use these terms instead of the slang. Would you read a story which has these proper terminology in the sex scenes. I have noticed an overuse use of sex slang but now where are times that you would use either one? What if the reader does not understand some of the terminology.

[Danyealle]

Actually, that 'slang' as you call it is what publishers want. They WANT cock, balls, pussy, etc instead of more mainstream terms. They want heat and heat tends to not come from proper anatomical terms. The whole point of reading some of this is it's 'naughty'. And the naughty parts come from the word usage. Last three go 'rounds with the pro edit i had to change terminology to something more heat driven from the mundane to amp up the heat level. So, it appears, what people want is the naughty, not proper terms.

[WillowDarkling]

For my part, I like the "slang terms" better, because they are more naughty, like Danyealle said.

The "proper" terminology is too clinical and almost medical for my taste, and is therefore very off putting. I want to read naughty and heat, not a visit to the doctor's office if you know what I mean. That is why I use the "slang terms" in my stories.

[ArceusAlpha493]

I understand your opinion but I just prefer using technical terms although I try to use non vulgar terms like flower, malehood, or seed but thats about it. But you must remember that not everyone reads it to be naughty. I read and write sex scenes with artistic and professional sense like authors who write romantic and erotic literature would use. Now is there a point that sex slang can be overused? Is there a way to do sex scenes well without having to use vulgar terms and still use anatomical terms. Also, when I do nursing scenes I always use breasts and nipples instead of the slang terms

[Danyealle]

I understand your opinion but I just prefer using technical terms although I try to use non vulgar terms like flower, malehood, or seed but thats about it. But you must remember that not everyone reads it to be naughty. I read and write sex scenes with artistic and professional sense like authors who write romantic and erotic literature would use.

Actually, I'm published as erotic romance author and those terms you just used? I had to change them. They bluntly told me to change them. They don't want the flowery language in romance/erotica, they want the naughty and heat generated from it. It sets a tone in something that they want and appeals to a different kind of nature. That's the standard preference to the masses, not the anatomical of anything unless it's a description in a non-erotic part of the story for something. Are they overused? Depends on the term and the context. That just comes from you being able to use a name or description is all.

Edited June 8, 2012 by Danyealle

[BronxWench]

Having grown up reading authors who played with language to achieve incredibly powerful and evocative prose, I'm loathe to limit myself at all. If I'm going to write a Regency bedroom hopping farce, I might use "quim." If I'm writing something set in the 1970's, when we all strove to shock, I'd use "cunt." If I'm writing a scholarly piece on the experiences during a vaginal birth after caesaerian, I'll go with vagina and cervix. It's all mood and the music of the words.

[foeofthelance]

I believe the phrase in question is "Ikea Erotica". Reliance entirely on the anatomic terms can quickly turn a sex scene into "How To" manual, which bores the reader.

It should be noted there is a major difference between avoiding vulgar terms and relying entirely on technical terms. You can use phrases such as flowered, manhood, member, sex, etc., without having to sound like you're reading out of a medical dictionary on the reproductive organs. But at the same time, you might want to throw in the occasional cock or pussy. Sex is not a clean act. (Well, unless you have a few particular fetishes, I suppose. To each their own.) At worst its a bestial expression of lust, while at its best its an energetic and exhilarating declaration of love. Trying to hide that just seems...wrong.

[Lisbet_Adair]

I think it depends on the piece, as Bronxwench says above. I dislike it when I'm reading high fantasy pieces that consistently use ye olde language and then "pussy" is thrown into the sex scene: it's just not appropriate for the time. I'm not a huge fan of euphamisms like "her mossy wetness" but that's what some people want to read...

[ApolloImperium]

It can be very jarring if I'm reading a very erotic scene and all of a sudden I'm jolted to reality by reading, "Her tongue flicked his frenulum as he played with the wet folds of her labia." I'm immediately transported back to middle school and sex education

[KoKoa_B]

This just reminds me of how I was inspired a few days ago to post whatever story I want to, regardless of the ratings and/or reviews it will get: write your sex scenes however you want to write them! As authors , we all have different styles (at least, we hope we do) of writing. Many of us have been writing for a long time and so we know what we like to put in our stories. Being raised in the area I was in, I've always been used to slang, period so it does reflect in my stories (thus the reason I tend to write in the 1st person a lot, something that I've just started to steer away from). To me, it depends on not only the type of story I'm reading but also the ethnic background of the writer. I've seen and read a lot of African American (I prefer to say black but that's just me...) erotica that uses "dick", "pussy" and have no problem with it; it actually flows right along with the story (as well as what and how I'M used to speaking). I'm also used to seeing "cock", "balls", "cunt", "juices", etc. Which terminology I'm used to seeing is depending on the time era that the story is from as well, like Bronx said.

Okay; rambling (again... *sigh*)! Anyway: if you feel more comfortable writing your sex scenes using techincal terms, then go for it! But, like Dany pointed out: the majority of erotica is made to be naughty and slang words gives it that naughty/shock value. As far as an answer to your question: would I read a story that had sex scenes with the right, technical terminology? Unless I'm trying to educate myself, no. I like to read stories that I can really get into, that I can mentally see what the author is describing. "He rammed all nine inches of his cock in her pussy"~ I can physically see that. "His penis entered her vagina"~ I could see that but it's more like I'm reading from a sex ed magazine or something!

[Lisbet_Adair]

William Gibson had "labia" in the middle of the Neuromancer sex scene. Still hot!

[botticelliangel]

I think it depends on the mood of the scene. I will use vulgar terms if I feel that the scene benefits from it. I use "pretty" terms if I want the scene to come across as romantic. Some technical terms might be easier to use than others.

It's very difficult for me to read a sex scene when the language feels disconnected from the mood.

Also I don't think that the question of using technical terms when writing about sex has any relevance to whether or not you should use technical terms for breastfeeding. Yes breasts serve reproductive purposes... but... I don't know. I guess I just have a hard time with the idea of lumping sexual slang used in erotica with a process that deals with providing nourishment to infants.

[dena.gray]

As a reader, I hate being jarred out of a particularly hot scene by tekky terms. However, I understand the want of using them in some instances. "For the Potion Master's Amusement" by Snape_Submiss uses slightly technical terms (pubis, penis, labia, etc.) and comes off as extremely hot, BUT! it fits within the context of the style. It's fetish, and fetish requires one to know exactly where and what is going on, with crazy amounts of control. So, that was appropriate in a modern piece.

Regardless of that argument, if I'm reading fluffy, and I see words like "uterus" or "prepuce", I've lost the rhythm--and I'm all about rhythm and cadence in stories. Just to throw in a devil's advocate, I tend to loosen up the yoke on words like "labia" and "perineum".

As a writer? All those arguments become applied and become an ouroboros of struggle. *shrugs*

Edited June 20, 2012 by dena.gray

[Windrider Shiva]

As many people said before, I think it depends of the context. For some stories it will work, for others, not as much. If I want something really naughty, borderline pornographic, I go for the heavy slang. If not, I'll tend to stick with what's suited for the characters implied and for the timeline/universe as well. Or use moderate slang.

What you want to avoid is completely throw the mood off. Has to fit the mood. The reader gets lost in the moment - and so do your characters - and a break in the flow will do that. It's annoying as a reader, and as an author I have to pay extra attention.

So if the technical terms are suited to your story and won't impact your flow, I say go ahead!

Edited June 20, 2012 by ChibiShiva

[McGonagallsBola]

Actually, 'penis' and 'vagina' and all those are not my cup of tea. They make it all clinical, and that's the last I would like to be thinking about when I'm reading adult ff. Some writers use it, and still manage to have good stories - but they are just so great that they can get away with it. The rest of the scene is so intriguing in every other way that no one will open their mouths about it. I like the more informal terms, as long as they aren't too ridiculous. 'pearly gate', 'juicy rod'...? No, just no.

[Calanthee]

If it sound like an autopsy... it too clinical and not sexy, still some slang word are vulgar or sexist, I rather use a discription of what the body part does or how it reacts, in place of slang or anatomical terms, to me it's whatever makes the story flow and evokes the right sexy mood.

Angry Cursing is another story, it calls for different guide lines, it need to shock!

I positively hate the word cunt it is totally sexist,...I wont use it for any reason what- so- ever, not even as a curse...and pussy is silly I can't take it seriously. I'd rather use wet folds, or moist petals. For Female insults I'd rather use slut or horny bitch.

As for men I perfer Cock, shaft, manhood over dick, but will use dick in cursing, even though it could have two different meanings in that context.

For what it's worth my 2 cents

It would be nice it they would come up with more cleverily discriptive words for sexual functions!

Even thought it probably considered anatomical or clincal...I'm sort of like the word ejaculate, it has its own funky class.LOL

Cal

[KeiMaxwell]

Interesting topic. I've been pondering this before, but reading all the other's answers, I have to agree that it depends on the context, setting, time, character etc. When I am writing myself, I tend to use the flowery terms, I guess. I don't have any problem with reading the vulgar terms, if it fits the story, and sometimes the more clinical terms can fit as well, as was said before. But I myself tend to avoid both. I am just sure of one thing: "birth channel" will never ever sound erotic for me. Uh. Overdone euphemism can be a major turn off as well, though. It's all in the balance. :3

[Ryder]

When it comes to a erotic fiction, it seems pointless to me why anyone would bother unless using slang and naughty words. That's what make it hot a lot of the time. It's SEX, not some lovey-dovey flowery poem to recite to grandma. Clinical (or even just plain weird) terms just kill the mood. Even other stuff like, Sex to refer to a sexual organ, flower, etc are a massive mood killer for me. And not to forget the many other ridiculous euphemisms that are used way too much it seems, and are more disturbing than sexy.

I don't read or write female stuff so I only have to deal with words for male anatomy. When I write I always just use Cock, Dick, Erection, Member, Shaft, Balls, Cum, Seed (sometimes if it fits at the time), and nothing else really. That's also what I expect to see when reading M/M fiction. They're clear terms, not something that sound like you need to look up medical books or solve a riddle to understand, and they don't sound like they're trying to trick people into thinking they aren't 'dirty' or even remotely related to sex. It's raw and to-the-point, and quite frankly, that's what is hot.

If I wanted to say someone's having sex, I'd say they're "fucking" not "having intercourse". For me slang will always win out against proper anatomical terms and also silly 'flowery' euphemisms.

[Aysha c.c.]

Not to brag at all but I just got a great review praising my use of proper anatomical terms in my Ben 10 story. Like most others I think that it depends on the story and your personal preference. You write what feels right to you.

Anyone who has read my stories knows that I favor the words dick and twat but I don't limit myself to them. I hate the words cunt and cock: I find the word cunt offensive and every time I hear the word cock I get a mental image of a rooster and that totally ruins the mood if you know what I mean. Then there are all the bad porn flicks I've seen with dialog like "suck my cock bitch." which just turns my stomach. So I avoid using those words, not to say that I won't or haven't if I think they are called for I just prefer not to.

So for the most part stick with what you like but be open minded.

Edited July 28, 2012 by Aysha c.c.

[GuardianSoulBlade]

I'vve never written a lemon before, I wrote one, just for my Ben 10: Ultimate Alien story, I used a lot of the normal terms, because that slang is everywhere, and I did research too, so I mention stuff writer's don't think of. Not that what I wrote is going to make people drool or anything but I did it to be a little different.

Edited September 21, 2012 by GuardianSoulBlade

[Kakashifan727]

Same with the new guy (hello). I think I'm doing a good job, I kean nothing seems anatomically awkward or "wrong" as in placement or actions. It just boils down to how much research you do, and if you learn what is...doable and not doable with sex and those body parts.

[DirtyHaven]

I went for a "tasteful" approach in my first fanfic, using words like "breast" and "labia" because I thought they'd fit the story. I also tried using vocabulary like "sanctum" for vagina. However, I like the dirty slang and feel I'm better at writing that than using the figurative terms, mainly out of fear of sounding corny. I've got an idea for my next story already and I was thinking of making it as dirty as I can, so I could live up to my pen name

[SillySilenia]

(Sorry for the revival of a topic that seems not to have been in use for a few months)

For me, it all depends on the context, though I usually try to avoid the flowery purple prose because I can't stand it myself.

If the character is very formal, or in a job where they often have to refer to those parts of the anatomy with the proper, official language (say, gynecologist, sex ed. teacher, etc.), then I could see them using penis, testicles, vagina, labia and similar words because they may well think of it as such.

Now, if the characters were for example a rockstar and one of his fans, I highly doubt they would call it - or think of it - as "I slid my penis into her vagina after stimulating her clitoris with my thumb and index finger."

I sometimes use the more "hardcore" terminology - dick, cock, balls, cunt (despite being female, I have no issues using that word, but that may be because the equivalent of it in my own language is used for just about anything. Including complaining about the weather, the state of the roads, traffic jams, advertisement on tv interrupting the program you're watching, trains being late, etc.), pussy, tits, cum.

At other times, I don't specifically refer to it ("He slid into her" can be pretty clear on its own, especially if the context has already established what is going on) or use more "soft" words (his "member", for example, and "seed"), but unless I really want to establish that a character of mine is overly-romantic and has read too many purple-prose books, I probably won't say that "his throbbing magic rod entered her warm, wet cave".

To me, that just sounds silly, and not in a good way either.

[bryosgirl]

I generally prefer terminology that suits the setting. Flowery terms like "his passion" or "her core" when it comes to scenes that are more fantasy/medieval/soft romance, clinical terms like penis and vagina when it comes medical or science-y settings, and flat out raunchy slang (cock, cunt, etc) when it comes to "wham bam thank you ma'am" themes. As a reader and writer, how suitable the language is in the setting is key for me.

[magusfang]

I understand your opinion but I just prefer using technical terms although I try to use non vulgar terms like flower, malehood, or seed but thats about it. But you must remember that not everyone reads it to be naughty. I read and write sex scenes with artistic and professional sense like authors who write romantic and erotic literature would use. Now is there a point that sex slang can be overused? Is there a way to do sex scenes well without having to use vulgar terms and still use anatomical terms. Also, when I do nursing scenes I always use breasts and nipples instead of the slang terms

Allude to what is happening, I use very few slang terms but I don't use very many clinical terms either because than your story starts to sound like an autopsy report. Just write around the terms and let the reader fill in the rest: so instead of "He pushed his hard cock into wet hot cunt..." try "he entered her weeping opening, pushing himself as far into her warmth as he could..."