A ‘little bit of how’s your father’ and ‘slap and tickle’ dying out as Brit teenagers refuse to make use of them
A new study has found that some terms for sex have been consigned to the history books, and if you are still using them you’re officially an old codger.
Young Brits have ditched outdated terms for sex
(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
People who refer to sex as “nookie” or “rumpy pumpy” are officially ancient, according to a study. It found that folk who refer to a session in the bedroom as “making love” or a bit of “slap and tickle” are now considered officially old.
It also said some classic terms for sex have been consigned to the history books, and if you are still using them you’re officially an old codger.
A whopping 76% of Gen Z even said they have never even heard of the phrase “a knee trembler”, while “making love” and “rumpy-pumpy” also leave the younger generation of Brits scratching their heads as to what they even means.
The saucy poll reveals the most common way to describe doing the deed in the sheets among twentysomethings, is a “link” or “sneaky link” with 75% saying they use this term.
This is closely followed by “Netflix and chill” with 65% using this.
The Perspectus Global survey questioned 2,800 Britons of all ages and found two thirds of Gen Z Brits say they openly cringe when hearing their parents talk about sex.
Yet, on the flipside, seven in ten over 50s surveyed feel that terms for sex used to be lighter and more humorous, with 82% saying some of the new Gen Z terms sound harsher and more explicit.
Harriet Scott, founder and CEO of insights agency, Perspectus Global said: “Our research shows just how much language evolves and changes, and over relatively short periods of time.
“Terms for sex or sexual activity, have often relied on euphemisms, slang or metaphor, as to talk directly about the act itself is taboo.
“If we think even further back to Edwardian and Victorian times, we can see common terms such as “a tiff” (a quick sexual encounter), “playing at St George” (a woman being on top” or “having a brush” (a casual, fleeting sexual encounter”) being used.”
OUTDATED TERMS FOR SEX, ACCORDING TO GEN Z
- How’s‑your‑father – 80% *have never used this expression
- A knee‑trembler – 76%
- Making love – 71%
- Slap and tickle – 68%
- Hanky‑panky – 67%
- Rumpy‑pumpy – 61%
- Nookie – 48%
- Screwing – 32%
- Getting your leg over – 30%
- A seeing‑to – 28%
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