Cunnilingus

/ˌkʌnɪˈlɪŋɡəs/ noun

Definition

Oral sexual activity involving contact with a woman's genitalia; an explicit clinical or anatomical term.

Etymology

New Latin compound: 'cunnus' (vulva, possibly from Sanskrit 'śoṇi') + 'lingus' (from 'lingere,' meaning 'to lick'), literally 'vulva-licking.'

Kelly Says

This word perfectly demonstrates how Latin (even newly-created Latin) provides clinical neutrality for explicit topics—doctors and sex researchers use it across many languages!

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Latin cunnus (vulva) + lingere (to lick). This Latinate medical term exemplifies male-authored scientific taxonomy of female sexuality, distancing and formalizing pleasure through clinical nomenclature rather than vernacular language.

Inclusive Usage

Use 'oral sex with a vulva-owning partner' for inclusive clarity, or plain language like 'vulva licking'. Reserve Latinate term for specifically clinical/educational contexts where it doesn't reinforce medicalized othering.

Inclusive Alternatives

["oral sex","vulva licking","oral sex with a vulva-owning partner"]

Empowerment Note

This practice was historically named and controlled by male physicians; contemporary usage should center the agency and pleasure of vulva-owners rather than clinical detachment.

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