Nudie

/ˈnuːdi/ adjective, noun

Definition

Relating to or featuring nudity; a nudie bar or club features nude dancers; can be a noun for such a place or magazine.

Etymology

From 'nude' (from Latin 'nudus' meaning naked) + '-ie' (informal suffix). The term became common in mid-20th century slang, particularly in American English for adult entertainment venues.

Kelly Says

The rise of 'nudie' bars in 1950s America coincided with post-war prosperity and changing laws about what could be shown publicly—language reflected this cultural shift, using cutesy suffixes (-ie) to make socially transgressive things sound casual and ordinary.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Originally a neutral descriptor for artistic nudity, but became gendered through male-gaze contexts (nudie bars, nudie magazines) centering women's bodies as objects of male consumption from the mid-20th century onward.

Inclusive Usage

Use 'artistic nude' or 'nude representation' when discussing art. Specify context for publications or venues rather than relying on gendered diminutive form.

Inclusive Alternatives

["artistic nude","nude photography","unclothed representation"]

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