Words for Erotic Fiction Writers vol. 1
A guide to better utilize the English language for intimate moments in writing.
Note: I follow four simple rules from Elizabeth Benedict’s The Joy of Writing Sex
1. “A good sex scene is not always about good
sex but it is always an example of good
writing.”
2. “A good sex scene should always connect to the larger
concerns of the work.”
3. “The needs, impulses, and histories of your character should
drive the sex scene.”
4. “The relationship your characters have to each other –
whether they are adulterers or strangers on a train – is critical to
what happens in a sex scene.”
Also, I am using this as an explanation for curious writers on my thoughts on erotica, rather than a direct lesson about sex in fictional writing. Take it as a guide or take it as opinion. c:
Part one - intimate terms for female specific anatomy
Let’s begin with the more commonly mentioned parts of the human anatomy in relation to erotica and smut. Many of the common terms used are ones easily identified with as being smutty, but to shield your writing from becoming an awkward juxtapose of filth, spicing up the details helps alleviate the feeling of paperback trash writing.
Let’s begin with the vagina:
Vagina also can be referred to as the pussy, which is a slang word. Other common slang terms are cunt, gash, muff, vag, box, twat, and snatch.
These can be seen as offensive to your audience, but depending on your motives, can make sense in context.
Similar diction levels would refer to the vagina as hole, canal, opening, vulva, center, core, orifice, sex, slit, and womanhood.
Higher diction levels would refer to the vagina as a cavity, concavity, perforation, burrow, aperture, and femininity.
Flowery, more feminine terms include flower, blossom, lady bits, muffin, kitty, slot, and sheath. Some may find some these as offensive as the words mentioned under slang, as they can be seen
as sexist.
Due to their relation to the vagina spatially, I’ll be brief on terms for the clitoris and labia.
Clitoris can also be referred to as the clit. This is the most common term used.
Other words I find to be acceptable include pearl, organ, jewel, bud, bean (not one I use), nub, and button (which I also don’t use personally, but find no real issue with).
Labia can also be referred to as lips, or petals. I see no real issue with these terms.
Other words I find to be acceptable include folds, crease, cleft, or sometimes, slit.
Part two - intimate terms for male specific anatomy
In the same fashion I mentioned female specific anatomical writing terms, I’ll cover their male counterparts.
Let’s begin with the penis:
Penis can also be referred to as the dick, which is a slang word. Other common slang terms are cock, johnson, snake, stick, staff, dong, knob, bat, pole, and crank.
These can be seen as offensive to your audience, but depending on your motives, can make sense in context.
Similar diction levels would refer to the penis as shaft, length, member, prick, package, manhood, hard-on, and hammer.
Higher diction levels would refer to the penis as a beam, erection, virility, organ, and phallus.
Rougher, more masculine terms include sword, scepter, thickness, girth, serpent, piece, and column. Some may find some these as offensive as the words mentioned under slang, as they can be seen as sexist.
Due to their relation to the penis spatially, I will be brief on the terms for testicles/scrotum and the glans (head of the penis).
Testicles can also be refered to as the sac. This is the most common term used.
Other words I find acceptable are scrotum, balls, and jewels. Referencing to them with ‘cupping’ or cradling, something along those lines is a better bet than trying to use other phrasing.
Glans can also be refered to as the head. This is the most common term used.
Other words I find acceptable are crown, tip, and helmet. Some people also use the term bulb, but I typically don’t.
Part three - intimate terms for both sexes
This section covers body parts both sexes possess such as nipples, g-spots, butts, and anuses. I want to keep these brief as I’ve found, despite some writer’s preferences, my own tend to keep these areas peripheral to the main act.
While I choose not to put great depth in my writing in regards to these body parts, that doesn’t mean you can’t.
Nipple: commonly known as a point.
The good: Peak, bud, nub - All of these work just fine. When they harden, try phrasing it like they 'drew tight’ or 'stiffened under his/her touch’.
The okay: Nips, in a cutesy sort of way? Not all the time. Some people like pebbles? I don’t.
Breast: commonly known as tits.
The good: Breast is generally the best term here. Otherwise, being vague works best. 'He cupped the weight of her breast in his palm’, or 'She kneaded the flesh with hungry digits’.
The okay: Tits can be alright, I guess. Mounds isn’t awful. Bosom is old timey, but fits. I still think sticking to breasts is a better choice.
G-spot: commonly known as the sweet spot.
The good: G-spot, hot spot, sweet spot.
The okay: weak spot - it implies the participant isn’t interested, but maybe that’s the goal?
Anus: commonly known as the back entrance.
The good: Reference it as an opening or the specific feeling attached to it. Ring, tightness, rear, backside, behind, hole. Power term: Tight entrance.
The okay: Posterior, or bottom. One sounds stuffy, one sounds not very sexy. Try to avoid making mention of heat/warmth in relation to the anus. It comes off gross.
Buttocks: commonly known as the ass, or butt.
The good: Backside, cheeks, ass.
The okay: Butt, rear, cushion.
Fluids: commonly known as cum. Fluid(s) is solid, honestly.
The good:
Men: reference to the act, like spasms. Cum.
Women: Wetness, slickness, juice.
The okay:
Men: Semen, precum, his release. (Definitely think referring to the act of coming is better for a male when it’s mentioned as a release.) Climax, orgasm, limit.
Women: Cream, nectar. Climax, orgasm, limit, etc. Same as with men.
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