Pleasure is the feeling of happiness, enjoyment, or satisfaction you get from doing or experiencing something you like. It can be physical, like eating tasty food, or emotional, like spending time with friends.
From Middle English *plesir/plesaure*, from Old French *plesir* “to please,” from Latin *placēre* “to please.” Over time it shifted from meaning “will, desire” to the feeling of enjoyment itself.
When English speakers say “My pleasure” after “Thank you,” they’re literally saying “It was enjoyable for me to help you.” That tiny phrase shows how politeness and the idea of shared enjoyment are connected in English.
Discourse about 'pleasure,' especially sexual pleasure, has historically centered men’s experiences and often stigmatized or ignored women’s and gender minorities’ pleasure. In some cultures, women’s pursuit of pleasure was framed as immoral while men’s was normalized.
When discussing pleasure, avoid assuming whose pleasure matters or is 'normal'; include perspectives and experiences of people of all genders where relevant. Use non-objectifying language, especially about women and marginalized groups.
Acknowledge feminist and queer movements that have asserted women’s and LGBTQ+ people’s rights to pleasure, bodily autonomy, and positive sexuality.
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