Male and female sexual vocabulary in different interpersonal contexts

Abstract

Previous investigators have demonstrated a wide divergence in a number of linguistic units and patterns of non‐verbal communication between men and women. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the vocabulary usage of men and women when discussing sexual concepts in a variety of interpersonal contexts. Two hundred two subjects at a Midwestern university anonymously reported their preference of sexual terminology for male and female genitalia and the act of copulation when discussing these terms with same sex friends, mixed company, parents, and lovers. The results demonstrate that the interpersonal context and the sex of the speaker often determine both the specific word(s) used and the amount of response variation. Females, more than males, have more stringent limitations on their sexual vocabulary repertoire. The differences between males and females are a function of both the interpersonal context and the specific sexual concept under discussion. The possible relationship between vocabulary preferences and sexual attitudes and behavior are discussed.

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