“No matter how much you like a guy or how much he says he loves you, don't let him take over your mind. Think for yourself, and speak up when you know something is wrong.”
—Fran, 14, New Jersey
Vaginas and Penises and Scrotums…Oh, My!
Originally Published: Oct 12, 2007
Revised: Jun 19, 2008
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Before that, none of us had ever mentioned those words, especially in such a large group. Mr. Gore, I imagine to ease some of the embarrassment, started speaking to us in a childish slang. "Can anyone tell me what the reproductive function of the wee-wee is?" he would ask, maintaining a straight face as the rest of the class broke into fits of giggles.
When we're children, we learn the normal, acceptable terms for all of our body parts, but not our reproductive organs, because we’re taught very early that they’re taboo. We blush and cast our eyes downward whenever we mention them, using silly (though, very funny) names and phrases. Why is that? There’s no easy answer, but it’s something to consider.
We had you share your favorite slang for different body parts and sexual acts. (You only hear the phrase “sexual intercourse” in your sex ed class. Sex acts are another taboo topic, so unspeakable we make up all sorts of words and phrases to refer to them.) Click here to read the terms for the reproductive organs and sex acts along with the slang words you told us you use.
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When we're children, we learn the normal, acceptable terms for all of our body parts, but not our reproductive organs, because we’re taught very early that they’re taboo. We blush and cast our eyes downward whenever we mention them, using silly (though, very funny) names and phrases. Why is that? There’s no easy answer, but it’s something to consider.
We had you share your favorite slang for different body parts and sexual acts. (You only hear the phrase “sexual intercourse” in your sex ed class. Sex acts are another taboo topic, so unspeakable we make up all sorts of words and phrases to refer to them.) Click here to read the terms for the reproductive organs and sex acts along with the slang words you told us you use.
Your Comments
Hahaha...why is it funny?
Posted by: link123 on May 11th, 2009 2:03pm
One time, in health, we took a note which was "agina
pectoris", and the class went crazy.I did giggle a bit, I
admit, but why are sexual things tabooed so much?
Vulva
Posted by: allioness on Oct 13th, 2007 5:33pm
Don't forget that people misuse the word "vagina". When most
people say "vagina" they mean "vulva".
The vulva is the
exterior genitalia - not the vagina like most people think.
Taboo? Psh
Posted by: iluvnooyawk on Oct 13th, 2007 11:41am
I work at Planned Parenthood, but before that I couldn't
HEAR someone say the word "nipple". I'm much more... um...
liberal now. I said vagina in History class the other day
(because my teacher kept saying penis, so , hey? Why not?)
and people laughed as if they've never heard the word
before.
There should be no such thing as taboo words.
Good article =)
slang words
Posted by: janfreak on Oct 13th, 2007 9:59am
I personally don't like the words penis and vagina, it
sounds too medically. Also I don't think my girlfriend would
appreciate it when I say, Your vagina suits me. So I better
say, your pussy suits me. And we don't have sexual
intercourse, in the Netherlands we neuken or naaien, the
Dutch words for fuck and screw. The vulgar words for vagina
and penis are kut and lul, as your cunt and dick.
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RE: Hahaha...why is it funny?
Posted by: DanR on May 11th, 2009 2:33pm
That is a great question! Why is it that something as
natural as our bodies are so taboo? In this case, I am
guessing that people laughed because pectoris sounds like
penis??? Because agina pectoris is actually the medical
term for chest pain or discomfort due to coronary heart
disease, and has nothing to do with sexual health at all.