Nicola here with a X rated blog post about the use of euphemism in romance and other novels. Read no further if you are of a delicate disposition! The topic first arose in my mind because my dh returned from a visit to the tailor feeling a little perplexed. He had been asked "which way he dressed." This wasn't a phrase either of us had come across before so I looked it up and discovered it was a euphemism, designed to save both the tailor and the client embarrassment during a trouser fitting.
This got me thinking – and chatting to the other Wenches about euphemisms in books. Ah, I remember those days if the 1970s when I was in my early teens and had discovered the works of Barbara Cartland. Not only did her heroines have plenty of ellipses in their breathless speech, there were also lots of … in the vague description of the act of love itself. Sometimes it was so vague that I totally missed what was going on. In other cases I believed that making love literally involved floating up to heaven on a pink cloud.
Dame Barbara thought it vulgar to write about sex in lurid terms and many of her 
contemporaries wrote romances that closed the bedroom door. I still have a number of those traditional Regencies on my keeper shelf. For Dame Barbara it was all about the romance. "If you read newspapers today,” she said, “you see things that our mothers and grandmothers would have been shocked and ashamed to read. It is sex, sex, sex all the time, and it is not what we want."
I think of the time after Dame Barbara and before today’s explicit romances as “the age of the euphemism.” A euphemism is defined as: “A mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing.” Of course you can turn to a euphemism for just about any awkward situation in life -posh hotels still have "ladies' powder rooms." As far as writing romance is concerned, I wouldn’t call love scenes either unpleasant or embarrassing – or at least they shouldn’t be – but I do understand that in the past authors were searching around for language that was descriptive whilst not being offensive to some people. At some stages the euphemisms became so flowery and highly coloured that these days it’s difficult to look back on them without laughing. I’ve read about precious jewels – even crown jewels – manroots (there are some in the picture), aching buds and even a slow worm curling up in the palm of the hand.
This is not a new phenomenon. Here are some historical euphemisms for the male member. 
“Gentleman usher” dates from 1719 and the guy in the picture is ot only a gentleman usher but The Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod. “Ambassador” was first used in print (as it were) in 1927 and “Master John Goodfellow” dates from the puritanical days of 1656. Confusingly “ladyware” also refers to the male rather than the female anatomy and dates from the 16th century. The phrase “lady garden” was supposedly invented by Heat Magazine a few years ago but is a variation of some good old-fashioned phrases such as “Cupid’s Warehouse” and “Venus’s cradle” first used in the 15th century.
The British magazine, The Literary Review, is well known for its Bad Sex in Fiction Award, given annually to the author who in the judges’ opinion produces the worst description of a sex scene in a literary novel. I won’t inflict too many of these terrible descriptions on you as this is an area in which many literary authors seem to flail badly, but here are a few examples of their purple prose.
“A near impenetrable forest adorned with the most tousled, tangled patch in which to forage.”
“Her breasts thrust their way through her hair like living creatures.”
“My beast was released from its cage and sprang out wildly.”
These days a lot of romance books can be very explicit and lot of readers like them that way. There’s an art to writing sex and I think that the best romance authors are way better than their literary colleagues at making it meaningful. Context is all when writing a love scene, as is emotion and dialogue as well as sensation and description. It took me a long time to get over reading the sex scene in a certain Booker prize-winning novel where the tender moment was interrupted by a dog savaging a penguin.
That’s about all I can cope with and I need to resort to a reviving cup of tea. If you are still with me at the end of this “deluge of deliciousness” what are your thoughts? ? Do you have a passion for purple prose and a favourite euphemism of your own, or do you think that the euphemism has had its day as far as romance novels are concerned?
Is it just me, or are we getting lazy with our euphemisms these days? They’re all short and snappy now, whereas they used to have first, middle and surnames. Not that I’m complaining about that…
I said in another discussion that my biggest problem is when an author uses a thesaurus’ worth of them in one scene. I just finished a book like that. About six different words for that hero’s “sword”!
Some preferences are cultural and geographical. PLEASE never, EVER use “fanny” for arse! The original 19th century meaning is still the one used outside America, and is much ruder than authors usually intend…
Not a rude word, but I recently saw some people making fun of the word “nightie”, and I was left thinking: but that’s the only word we use for it here!
Is it just me, or are we getting lazy with our euphemisms these days? They’re all short and snappy now, whereas they used to have first, middle and surnames. Not that I’m complaining about that…
I said in another discussion that my biggest problem is when an author uses a thesaurus’ worth of them in one scene. I just finished a book like that. About six different words for that hero’s “sword”!
Some preferences are cultural and geographical. PLEASE never, EVER use “fanny” for arse! The original 19th century meaning is still the one used outside America, and is much ruder than authors usually intend…
Not a rude word, but I recently saw some people making fun of the word “nightie”, and I was left thinking: but that’s the only word we use for it here!
Is it just me, or are we getting lazy with our euphemisms these days? They’re all short and snappy now, whereas they used to have first, middle and surnames. Not that I’m complaining about that…
I said in another discussion that my biggest problem is when an author uses a thesaurus’ worth of them in one scene. I just finished a book like that. About six different words for that hero’s “sword”!
Some preferences are cultural and geographical. PLEASE never, EVER use “fanny” for arse! The original 19th century meaning is still the one used outside America, and is much ruder than authors usually intend…
Not a rude word, but I recently saw some people making fun of the word “nightie”, and I was left thinking: but that’s the only word we use for it here!
Is it just me, or are we getting lazy with our euphemisms these days? They’re all short and snappy now, whereas they used to have first, middle and surnames. Not that I’m complaining about that…
I said in another discussion that my biggest problem is when an author uses a thesaurus’ worth of them in one scene. I just finished a book like that. About six different words for that hero’s “sword”!
Some preferences are cultural and geographical. PLEASE never, EVER use “fanny” for arse! The original 19th century meaning is still the one used outside America, and is much ruder than authors usually intend…
Not a rude word, but I recently saw some people making fun of the word “nightie”, and I was left thinking: but that’s the only word we use for it here!
Is it just me, or are we getting lazy with our euphemisms these days? They’re all short and snappy now, whereas they used to have first, middle and surnames. Not that I’m complaining about that…
I said in another discussion that my biggest problem is when an author uses a thesaurus’ worth of them in one scene. I just finished a book like that. About six different words for that hero’s “sword”!
Some preferences are cultural and geographical. PLEASE never, EVER use “fanny” for arse! The original 19th century meaning is still the one used outside America, and is much ruder than authors usually intend…
Not a rude word, but I recently saw some people making fun of the word “nightie”, and I was left thinking: but that’s the only word we use for it here!
I incline to think that the most effective “sex” scenes have relatively little to say about the actual mechanics of the act, using euphemisms or not. Instead, they concentrate on the emotions of the participants.
The instructional manual type of sex scene probably would have been useful when I was 12, and not quite clear on how this actually worked. Now, however, I know, and I generally skip over the instructions to get on with the story.
I incline to think that the most effective “sex” scenes have relatively little to say about the actual mechanics of the act, using euphemisms or not. Instead, they concentrate on the emotions of the participants.
The instructional manual type of sex scene probably would have been useful when I was 12, and not quite clear on how this actually worked. Now, however, I know, and I generally skip over the instructions to get on with the story.
I incline to think that the most effective “sex” scenes have relatively little to say about the actual mechanics of the act, using euphemisms or not. Instead, they concentrate on the emotions of the participants.
The instructional manual type of sex scene probably would have been useful when I was 12, and not quite clear on how this actually worked. Now, however, I know, and I generally skip over the instructions to get on with the story.
I incline to think that the most effective “sex” scenes have relatively little to say about the actual mechanics of the act, using euphemisms or not. Instead, they concentrate on the emotions of the participants.
The instructional manual type of sex scene probably would have been useful when I was 12, and not quite clear on how this actually worked. Now, however, I know, and I generally skip over the instructions to get on with the story.
I incline to think that the most effective “sex” scenes have relatively little to say about the actual mechanics of the act, using euphemisms or not. Instead, they concentrate on the emotions of the participants.
The instructional manual type of sex scene probably would have been useful when I was 12, and not quite clear on how this actually worked. Now, however, I know, and I generally skip over the instructions to get on with the story.
In the 16th century and earlier the term a man’s yard was in use. Wishful thinking mayhap?
Kathy/Kaitlyn
In the 16th century and earlier the term a man’s yard was in use. Wishful thinking mayhap?
Kathy/Kaitlyn
In the 16th century and earlier the term a man’s yard was in use. Wishful thinking mayhap?
Kathy/Kaitlyn
In the 16th century and earlier the term a man’s yard was in use. Wishful thinking mayhap?
Kathy/Kaitlyn
In the 16th century and earlier the term a man’s yard was in use. Wishful thinking mayhap?
Kathy/Kaitlyn
That is a very good point about cultural and geographical difference, Sonya. And now I am wondering about other meanings for the word “nightie”…
That is a very good point about cultural and geographical difference, Sonya. And now I am wondering about other meanings for the word “nightie”…
That is a very good point about cultural and geographical difference, Sonya. And now I am wondering about other meanings for the word “nightie”…
That is a very good point about cultural and geographical difference, Sonya. And now I am wondering about other meanings for the word “nightie”…
That is a very good point about cultural and geographical difference, Sonya. And now I am wondering about other meanings for the word “nightie”…
Absolutely, Lillian. I think the more mechanical it gets the less you can share the character’s emotions, either because not enough emphasis is being put on them or because the instruction manual stuff pulls you out of the story!
Absolutely, Lillian. I think the more mechanical it gets the less you can share the character’s emotions, either because not enough emphasis is being put on them or because the instruction manual stuff pulls you out of the story!
Absolutely, Lillian. I think the more mechanical it gets the less you can share the character’s emotions, either because not enough emphasis is being put on them or because the instruction manual stuff pulls you out of the story!
Absolutely, Lillian. I think the more mechanical it gets the less you can share the character’s emotions, either because not enough emphasis is being put on them or because the instruction manual stuff pulls you out of the story!
Absolutely, Lillian. I think the more mechanical it gets the less you can share the character’s emotions, either because not enough emphasis is being put on them or because the instruction manual stuff pulls you out of the story!
ROFL!
What a fine and funny way to start the day. Thanks, Nicola. *G* Kathy Lynn, I particularly like your comment!
ROFL!
What a fine and funny way to start the day. Thanks, Nicola. *G* Kathy Lynn, I particularly like your comment!
ROFL!
What a fine and funny way to start the day. Thanks, Nicola. *G* Kathy Lynn, I particularly like your comment!
ROFL!
What a fine and funny way to start the day. Thanks, Nicola. *G* Kathy Lynn, I particularly like your comment!
ROFL!
What a fine and funny way to start the day. Thanks, Nicola. *G* Kathy Lynn, I particularly like your comment!
This is such fun, Nicola! And yes, echoing Mary Jo’s laughter at Kathy Lynn’s comment!
This is such fun, Nicola! And yes, echoing Mary Jo’s laughter at Kathy Lynn’s comment!
This is such fun, Nicola! And yes, echoing Mary Jo’s laughter at Kathy Lynn’s comment!
This is such fun, Nicola! And yes, echoing Mary Jo’s laughter at Kathy Lynn’s comment!
This is such fun, Nicola! And yes, echoing Mary Jo’s laughter at Kathy Lynn’s comment!
Haha! Yes, in their dreams!
Haha! Yes, in their dreams!
Haha! Yes, in their dreams!
Haha! Yes, in their dreams!
Haha! Yes, in their dreams!
LOL, a lovely laugh to start the morning! It was the “grotto” images that pushed me over the edge on reading euphemisms. And that manroot looks suspiciously like milkweed. 😉
LOL, a lovely laugh to start the morning! It was the “grotto” images that pushed me over the edge on reading euphemisms. And that manroot looks suspiciously like milkweed. 😉
LOL, a lovely laugh to start the morning! It was the “grotto” images that pushed me over the edge on reading euphemisms. And that manroot looks suspiciously like milkweed. 😉
LOL, a lovely laugh to start the morning! It was the “grotto” images that pushed me over the edge on reading euphemisms. And that manroot looks suspiciously like milkweed. 😉
LOL, a lovely laugh to start the morning! It was the “grotto” images that pushed me over the edge on reading euphemisms. And that manroot looks suspiciously like milkweed. 😉
I read about a tailor asking a man how he dressed many years ago when researching something about regency tailors and tailoring and informed my husband of the tradition when he visited a tailor for one of his few bespoke suits.
I dislike all the descriptions of sex in books and have limited my reading because of it. Penis and vagina sound medical but some of the other words sound crude and the euphemisms often silly. I prefer doors to be closed on sex. Euphemisms for other things like going to the toilet are still used .
I do think that calling a man’s penis a yard was wishful thinking.
I read about a tailor asking a man how he dressed many years ago when researching something about regency tailors and tailoring and informed my husband of the tradition when he visited a tailor for one of his few bespoke suits.
I dislike all the descriptions of sex in books and have limited my reading because of it. Penis and vagina sound medical but some of the other words sound crude and the euphemisms often silly. I prefer doors to be closed on sex. Euphemisms for other things like going to the toilet are still used .
I do think that calling a man’s penis a yard was wishful thinking.
I read about a tailor asking a man how he dressed many years ago when researching something about regency tailors and tailoring and informed my husband of the tradition when he visited a tailor for one of his few bespoke suits.
I dislike all the descriptions of sex in books and have limited my reading because of it. Penis and vagina sound medical but some of the other words sound crude and the euphemisms often silly. I prefer doors to be closed on sex. Euphemisms for other things like going to the toilet are still used .
I do think that calling a man’s penis a yard was wishful thinking.
I read about a tailor asking a man how he dressed many years ago when researching something about regency tailors and tailoring and informed my husband of the tradition when he visited a tailor for one of his few bespoke suits.
I dislike all the descriptions of sex in books and have limited my reading because of it. Penis and vagina sound medical but some of the other words sound crude and the euphemisms often silly. I prefer doors to be closed on sex. Euphemisms for other things like going to the toilet are still used .
I do think that calling a man’s penis a yard was wishful thinking.
I read about a tailor asking a man how he dressed many years ago when researching something about regency tailors and tailoring and informed my husband of the tradition when he visited a tailor for one of his few bespoke suits.
I dislike all the descriptions of sex in books and have limited my reading because of it. Penis and vagina sound medical but some of the other words sound crude and the euphemisms often silly. I prefer doors to be closed on sex. Euphemisms for other things like going to the toilet are still used .
I do think that calling a man’s penis a yard was wishful thinking.
A wonderful discussion!
How many of you in your teens or preteens went to the dictionary to try to understand the “birds and bees” of life? Such a tantalizing go-around. If you already know, each definition is exact and useful. If you’re trying to learn, it all tells you NOTHING.
A wonderful discussion!
How many of you in your teens or preteens went to the dictionary to try to understand the “birds and bees” of life? Such a tantalizing go-around. If you already know, each definition is exact and useful. If you’re trying to learn, it all tells you NOTHING.
A wonderful discussion!
How many of you in your teens or preteens went to the dictionary to try to understand the “birds and bees” of life? Such a tantalizing go-around. If you already know, each definition is exact and useful. If you’re trying to learn, it all tells you NOTHING.
A wonderful discussion!
How many of you in your teens or preteens went to the dictionary to try to understand the “birds and bees” of life? Such a tantalizing go-around. If you already know, each definition is exact and useful. If you’re trying to learn, it all tells you NOTHING.
A wonderful discussion!
How many of you in your teens or preteens went to the dictionary to try to understand the “birds and bees” of life? Such a tantalizing go-around. If you already know, each definition is exact and useful. If you’re trying to learn, it all tells you NOTHING.
Wikipedia assures me it is a manroot, Pat!!!
Wikipedia assures me it is a manroot, Pat!!!
Wikipedia assures me it is a manroot, Pat!!!
Wikipedia assures me it is a manroot, Pat!!!
Wikipedia assures me it is a manroot, Pat!!!
It’s very interesting that the phrase about “Which way you dress” has such a long history, Nancy. I didn’t realise. Thank you.
It’s very interesting that the phrase about “Which way you dress” has such a long history, Nancy. I didn’t realise. Thank you.
It’s very interesting that the phrase about “Which way you dress” has such a long history, Nancy. I didn’t realise. Thank you.
It’s very interesting that the phrase about “Which way you dress” has such a long history, Nancy. I didn’t realise. Thank you.
It’s very interesting that the phrase about “Which way you dress” has such a long history, Nancy. I didn’t realise. Thank you.
LOL, exactly, Sue!
LOL, exactly, Sue!
LOL, exactly, Sue!
LOL, exactly, Sue!
LOL, exactly, Sue!
I think you are right that a “blow by blow” (winking saucily) description of the sexual act is not particularly interesting. There are only so many ways that tab A can fit into slot B. The emotions are what makes it feel real and help you identify with the characters.
I had heard about “which way do you dress” in the context of a piercing. Apparently Prince Albert had a strong preference for which side and pierced his penis with a ring, which could then be held to the favorite side with a ribbon. Seems a little severe to me. It might also keep “Mr. Happy” from getting too happy in a social situation when his opinion was not required.
I would much rather read a scene with mild euphemisms than with purple prose. Reading about her throbbing channel and his massive weapon get old in a hurry. But some people really like to talk dirty and feel that makes the emotion more realistic when they do.
I think you are right that a “blow by blow” (winking saucily) description of the sexual act is not particularly interesting. There are only so many ways that tab A can fit into slot B. The emotions are what makes it feel real and help you identify with the characters.
I had heard about “which way do you dress” in the context of a piercing. Apparently Prince Albert had a strong preference for which side and pierced his penis with a ring, which could then be held to the favorite side with a ribbon. Seems a little severe to me. It might also keep “Mr. Happy” from getting too happy in a social situation when his opinion was not required.
I would much rather read a scene with mild euphemisms than with purple prose. Reading about her throbbing channel and his massive weapon get old in a hurry. But some people really like to talk dirty and feel that makes the emotion more realistic when they do.
I think you are right that a “blow by blow” (winking saucily) description of the sexual act is not particularly interesting. There are only so many ways that tab A can fit into slot B. The emotions are what makes it feel real and help you identify with the characters.
I had heard about “which way do you dress” in the context of a piercing. Apparently Prince Albert had a strong preference for which side and pierced his penis with a ring, which could then be held to the favorite side with a ribbon. Seems a little severe to me. It might also keep “Mr. Happy” from getting too happy in a social situation when his opinion was not required.
I would much rather read a scene with mild euphemisms than with purple prose. Reading about her throbbing channel and his massive weapon get old in a hurry. But some people really like to talk dirty and feel that makes the emotion more realistic when they do.
I think you are right that a “blow by blow” (winking saucily) description of the sexual act is not particularly interesting. There are only so many ways that tab A can fit into slot B. The emotions are what makes it feel real and help you identify with the characters.
I had heard about “which way do you dress” in the context of a piercing. Apparently Prince Albert had a strong preference for which side and pierced his penis with a ring, which could then be held to the favorite side with a ribbon. Seems a little severe to me. It might also keep “Mr. Happy” from getting too happy in a social situation when his opinion was not required.
I would much rather read a scene with mild euphemisms than with purple prose. Reading about her throbbing channel and his massive weapon get old in a hurry. But some people really like to talk dirty and feel that makes the emotion more realistic when they do.
I think you are right that a “blow by blow” (winking saucily) description of the sexual act is not particularly interesting. There are only so many ways that tab A can fit into slot B. The emotions are what makes it feel real and help you identify with the characters.
I had heard about “which way do you dress” in the context of a piercing. Apparently Prince Albert had a strong preference for which side and pierced his penis with a ring, which could then be held to the favorite side with a ribbon. Seems a little severe to me. It might also keep “Mr. Happy” from getting too happy in a social situation when his opinion was not required.
I would much rather read a scene with mild euphemisms than with purple prose. Reading about her throbbing channel and his massive weapon get old in a hurry. But some people really like to talk dirty and feel that makes the emotion more realistic when they do.
Some of the euphemisms make me giggle, especially when men give names to their penis, Which way a man dresses I think is still used today. I like a little mystery in sex scenes, when it gets too graphic I just skip that part and pick up the action several paragraphs later, I like the scenes with humor because let us face it, sex is FUN
Some of the euphemisms make me giggle, especially when men give names to their penis, Which way a man dresses I think is still used today. I like a little mystery in sex scenes, when it gets too graphic I just skip that part and pick up the action several paragraphs later, I like the scenes with humor because let us face it, sex is FUN
Some of the euphemisms make me giggle, especially when men give names to their penis, Which way a man dresses I think is still used today. I like a little mystery in sex scenes, when it gets too graphic I just skip that part and pick up the action several paragraphs later, I like the scenes with humor because let us face it, sex is FUN
Some of the euphemisms make me giggle, especially when men give names to their penis, Which way a man dresses I think is still used today. I like a little mystery in sex scenes, when it gets too graphic I just skip that part and pick up the action several paragraphs later, I like the scenes with humor because let us face it, sex is FUN
Some of the euphemisms make me giggle, especially when men give names to their penis, Which way a man dresses I think is still used today. I like a little mystery in sex scenes, when it gets too graphic I just skip that part and pick up the action several paragraphs later, I like the scenes with humor because let us face it, sex is FUN
Loved the blog. Fascinating to mark how far we have come.
Loved the blog. Fascinating to mark how far we have come.
Loved the blog. Fascinating to mark how far we have come.
Loved the blog. Fascinating to mark how far we have come.
Loved the blog. Fascinating to mark how far we have come.
Very witty article, who doesn’t love a good euphemism like his John Thomas? I do find myself skipping over sex scenes that use to many euphemisms. I prefer my sex scenes straight forward and not 10 pages long, I read Historical Romance to escape the world I live in, but I do enjoy trying to explain why I am laughing out loud at some of the euphemisms to my Husband.
Very witty article, who doesn’t love a good euphemism like his John Thomas? I do find myself skipping over sex scenes that use to many euphemisms. I prefer my sex scenes straight forward and not 10 pages long, I read Historical Romance to escape the world I live in, but I do enjoy trying to explain why I am laughing out loud at some of the euphemisms to my Husband.
Very witty article, who doesn’t love a good euphemism like his John Thomas? I do find myself skipping over sex scenes that use to many euphemisms. I prefer my sex scenes straight forward and not 10 pages long, I read Historical Romance to escape the world I live in, but I do enjoy trying to explain why I am laughing out loud at some of the euphemisms to my Husband.
Very witty article, who doesn’t love a good euphemism like his John Thomas? I do find myself skipping over sex scenes that use to many euphemisms. I prefer my sex scenes straight forward and not 10 pages long, I read Historical Romance to escape the world I live in, but I do enjoy trying to explain why I am laughing out loud at some of the euphemisms to my Husband.
Very witty article, who doesn’t love a good euphemism like his John Thomas? I do find myself skipping over sex scenes that use to many euphemisms. I prefer my sex scenes straight forward and not 10 pages long, I read Historical Romance to escape the world I live in, but I do enjoy trying to explain why I am laughing out loud at some of the euphemisms to my Husband.
I well remember reading those books that spoke of “peaks of passion” over and over. That’s a little TOO vague, but I detest the play-by-play descriptions that go on for pages.
I well remember reading those books that spoke of “peaks of passion” over and over. That’s a little TOO vague, but I detest the play-by-play descriptions that go on for pages.
I well remember reading those books that spoke of “peaks of passion” over and over. That’s a little TOO vague, but I detest the play-by-play descriptions that go on for pages.
I well remember reading those books that spoke of “peaks of passion” over and over. That’s a little TOO vague, but I detest the play-by-play descriptions that go on for pages.
I well remember reading those books that spoke of “peaks of passion” over and over. That’s a little TOO vague, but I detest the play-by-play descriptions that go on for pages.
In the movie of The Tailor of Panama, Geoffrey Rush asks his customers (Pierce Brosnan among them) whether they dress left or right, so that he can make the proper adjustment to their bespoke trousers 🙂
Took me a nanosecond to get back to the story 🙂
In the movie of The Tailor of Panama, Geoffrey Rush asks his customers (Pierce Brosnan among them) whether they dress left or right, so that he can make the proper adjustment to their bespoke trousers 🙂
Took me a nanosecond to get back to the story 🙂
In the movie of The Tailor of Panama, Geoffrey Rush asks his customers (Pierce Brosnan among them) whether they dress left or right, so that he can make the proper adjustment to their bespoke trousers 🙂
Took me a nanosecond to get back to the story 🙂
In the movie of The Tailor of Panama, Geoffrey Rush asks his customers (Pierce Brosnan among them) whether they dress left or right, so that he can make the proper adjustment to their bespoke trousers 🙂
Took me a nanosecond to get back to the story 🙂
In the movie of The Tailor of Panama, Geoffrey Rush asks his customers (Pierce Brosnan among them) whether they dress left or right, so that he can make the proper adjustment to their bespoke trousers 🙂
Took me a nanosecond to get back to the story 🙂
One reason I prefer “traditional” regencies is that they don’t waste pages on information I already have, and have had for a very long time. More story, more ambience, more character stuff, that’s what I want.
If there is some characterization point to be gleaned from the details of a given sexual encounter, then I see a point to it and I have no problem with it — I think the detail should be in there — but otherwise that material should be shelved with the erotica where the folks who want it can find it without wading through plot, characters, history and other distractions.
One reason I prefer “traditional” regencies is that they don’t waste pages on information I already have, and have had for a very long time. More story, more ambience, more character stuff, that’s what I want.
If there is some characterization point to be gleaned from the details of a given sexual encounter, then I see a point to it and I have no problem with it — I think the detail should be in there — but otherwise that material should be shelved with the erotica where the folks who want it can find it without wading through plot, characters, history and other distractions.
One reason I prefer “traditional” regencies is that they don’t waste pages on information I already have, and have had for a very long time. More story, more ambience, more character stuff, that’s what I want.
If there is some characterization point to be gleaned from the details of a given sexual encounter, then I see a point to it and I have no problem with it — I think the detail should be in there — but otherwise that material should be shelved with the erotica where the folks who want it can find it without wading through plot, characters, history and other distractions.
One reason I prefer “traditional” regencies is that they don’t waste pages on information I already have, and have had for a very long time. More story, more ambience, more character stuff, that’s what I want.
If there is some characterization point to be gleaned from the details of a given sexual encounter, then I see a point to it and I have no problem with it — I think the detail should be in there — but otherwise that material should be shelved with the erotica where the folks who want it can find it without wading through plot, characters, history and other distractions.
One reason I prefer “traditional” regencies is that they don’t waste pages on information I already have, and have had for a very long time. More story, more ambience, more character stuff, that’s what I want.
If there is some characterization point to be gleaned from the details of a given sexual encounter, then I see a point to it and I have no problem with it — I think the detail should be in there — but otherwise that material should be shelved with the erotica where the folks who want it can find it without wading through plot, characters, history and other distractions.
The grandmother in Runaway Bride with Julia Roberts and Richard Here used lot of euphemisms like the one eyed snake.
The grandmother in Runaway Bride with Julia Roberts and Richard Here used lot of euphemisms like the one eyed snake.
The grandmother in Runaway Bride with Julia Roberts and Richard Here used lot of euphemisms like the one eyed snake.
The grandmother in Runaway Bride with Julia Roberts and Richard Here used lot of euphemisms like the one eyed snake.
The grandmother in Runaway Bride with Julia Roberts and Richard Here used lot of euphemisms like the one eyed snake.
Fascinating, Kathy! I had heard about “The Prince Albert” but not the other details such as the ribbon! I’m wincing a little here as I think about it!
Fascinating, Kathy! I had heard about “The Prince Albert” but not the other details such as the ribbon! I’m wincing a little here as I think about it!
Fascinating, Kathy! I had heard about “The Prince Albert” but not the other details such as the ribbon! I’m wincing a little here as I think about it!
Fascinating, Kathy! I had heard about “The Prince Albert” but not the other details such as the ribbon! I’m wincing a little here as I think about it!
Fascinating, Kathy! I had heard about “The Prince Albert” but not the other details such as the ribbon! I’m wincing a little here as I think about it!
Good point about the fun, Janice! I guess men are fond of their “John Thomas” and so give it a name. I don’t think many women feel the same compulsion although I could be wrong!
Good point about the fun, Janice! I guess men are fond of their “John Thomas” and so give it a name. I don’t think many women feel the same compulsion although I could be wrong!
Good point about the fun, Janice! I guess men are fond of their “John Thomas” and so give it a name. I don’t think many women feel the same compulsion although I could be wrong!
Good point about the fun, Janice! I guess men are fond of their “John Thomas” and so give it a name. I don’t think many women feel the same compulsion although I could be wrong!
Good point about the fun, Janice! I guess men are fond of their “John Thomas” and so give it a name. I don’t think many women feel the same compulsion although I could be wrong!
Thanks, Deborah!
Thanks, Deborah!
Thanks, Deborah!
Thanks, Deborah!
Thanks, Deborah!
Some see Love as the fundamental force giving meaning to our world. If so, how could one not be interested in romance in all of its many fascinating and complex perspectives.
To portray emotions without the material aspect is like eating butter without the bread. Emotion, physical sex, dark desires and wonderful glorious love are all part of the whole and deserve to be portrayed as such.
Euphemisms have their place in a more poetic portrayal but please please never resort to sex plug-ins. To be successful a romance must be more than the sum of the parts!
Have to say that as a reader with a working ‘manroot’, I find the discussion here both fascinating and revealing! 🙂
Some see Love as the fundamental force giving meaning to our world. If so, how could one not be interested in romance in all of its many fascinating and complex perspectives.
To portray emotions without the material aspect is like eating butter without the bread. Emotion, physical sex, dark desires and wonderful glorious love are all part of the whole and deserve to be portrayed as such.
Euphemisms have their place in a more poetic portrayal but please please never resort to sex plug-ins. To be successful a romance must be more than the sum of the parts!
Have to say that as a reader with a working ‘manroot’, I find the discussion here both fascinating and revealing! 🙂
Some see Love as the fundamental force giving meaning to our world. If so, how could one not be interested in romance in all of its many fascinating and complex perspectives.
To portray emotions without the material aspect is like eating butter without the bread. Emotion, physical sex, dark desires and wonderful glorious love are all part of the whole and deserve to be portrayed as such.
Euphemisms have their place in a more poetic portrayal but please please never resort to sex plug-ins. To be successful a romance must be more than the sum of the parts!
Have to say that as a reader with a working ‘manroot’, I find the discussion here both fascinating and revealing! 🙂
Some see Love as the fundamental force giving meaning to our world. If so, how could one not be interested in romance in all of its many fascinating and complex perspectives.
To portray emotions without the material aspect is like eating butter without the bread. Emotion, physical sex, dark desires and wonderful glorious love are all part of the whole and deserve to be portrayed as such.
Euphemisms have their place in a more poetic portrayal but please please never resort to sex plug-ins. To be successful a romance must be more than the sum of the parts!
Have to say that as a reader with a working ‘manroot’, I find the discussion here both fascinating and revealing! 🙂
Some see Love as the fundamental force giving meaning to our world. If so, how could one not be interested in romance in all of its many fascinating and complex perspectives.
To portray emotions without the material aspect is like eating butter without the bread. Emotion, physical sex, dark desires and wonderful glorious love are all part of the whole and deserve to be portrayed as such.
Euphemisms have their place in a more poetic portrayal but please please never resort to sex plug-ins. To be successful a romance must be more than the sum of the parts!
Have to say that as a reader with a working ‘manroot’, I find the discussion here both fascinating and revealing! 🙂
Yes, some of them are very creative! If I laugh too much I find it spoils the mood!
Yes, some of them are very creative! If I laugh too much I find it spoils the mood!
Yes, some of them are very creative! If I laugh too much I find it spoils the mood!
Yes, some of them are very creative! If I laugh too much I find it spoils the mood!
Yes, some of them are very creative! If I laugh too much I find it spoils the mood!
“peaks of passion!” yes, that’s a classic Barbara Cartland euphemism, isn’t it! We need some sort of happy medium, I think, between the vague and the graphic.
“peaks of passion!” yes, that’s a classic Barbara Cartland euphemism, isn’t it! We need some sort of happy medium, I think, between the vague and the graphic.
“peaks of passion!” yes, that’s a classic Barbara Cartland euphemism, isn’t it! We need some sort of happy medium, I think, between the vague and the graphic.
“peaks of passion!” yes, that’s a classic Barbara Cartland euphemism, isn’t it! We need some sort of happy medium, I think, between the vague and the graphic.
“peaks of passion!” yes, that’s a classic Barbara Cartland euphemism, isn’t it! We need some sort of happy medium, I think, between the vague and the graphic.
LOL, Janice! Absolutely. People are reading for different things. I think it’s intersting that the “deep third” point of view that is currently so popular is a deep exploration of characters’ sex lives as well as their “internal” lives.
A great many of the books on my keeper shelf are traditional Regencies.
LOL, Janice! Absolutely. People are reading for different things. I think it’s intersting that the “deep third” point of view that is currently so popular is a deep exploration of characters’ sex lives as well as their “internal” lives.
A great many of the books on my keeper shelf are traditional Regencies.
LOL, Janice! Absolutely. People are reading for different things. I think it’s intersting that the “deep third” point of view that is currently so popular is a deep exploration of characters’ sex lives as well as their “internal” lives.
A great many of the books on my keeper shelf are traditional Regencies.
LOL, Janice! Absolutely. People are reading for different things. I think it’s intersting that the “deep third” point of view that is currently so popular is a deep exploration of characters’ sex lives as well as their “internal” lives.
A great many of the books on my keeper shelf are traditional Regencies.
LOL, Janice! Absolutely. People are reading for different things. I think it’s intersting that the “deep third” point of view that is currently so popular is a deep exploration of characters’ sex lives as well as their “internal” lives.
A great many of the books on my keeper shelf are traditional Regencies.
Oh yes, I remember that! I must watch that again.
Oh yes, I remember that! I must watch that again.
Oh yes, I remember that! I must watch that again.
Oh yes, I remember that! I must watch that again.
Oh yes, I remember that! I must watch that again.
ROFL! “A working manroot!” Very delicately put! Yes, well expressed, Quantum. Thank you. Emotion and physical sex should be portrayed together as part of the whole. I guess then it is a case of individual reader choice as to how detailed they want the physical details to be, and how coy the author makes the description.
ROFL! “A working manroot!” Very delicately put! Yes, well expressed, Quantum. Thank you. Emotion and physical sex should be portrayed together as part of the whole. I guess then it is a case of individual reader choice as to how detailed they want the physical details to be, and how coy the author makes the description.
ROFL! “A working manroot!” Very delicately put! Yes, well expressed, Quantum. Thank you. Emotion and physical sex should be portrayed together as part of the whole. I guess then it is a case of individual reader choice as to how detailed they want the physical details to be, and how coy the author makes the description.
ROFL! “A working manroot!” Very delicately put! Yes, well expressed, Quantum. Thank you. Emotion and physical sex should be portrayed together as part of the whole. I guess then it is a case of individual reader choice as to how detailed they want the physical details to be, and how coy the author makes the description.
ROFL! “A working manroot!” Very delicately put! Yes, well expressed, Quantum. Thank you. Emotion and physical sex should be portrayed together as part of the whole. I guess then it is a case of individual reader choice as to how detailed they want the physical details to be, and how coy the author makes the description.
Oh my a most interesting post. It is a given that in a romance book that we have some sex scenes that adds to the reading pleasure. This is like spices added to enhance flavor of the dishes. Too much and it spoils the taste. Too little and it becomes bland. Some of the Georgette Heyer books that I love could have revealed more of the hero and heroine with descriptions of their intimacy. But using florid language is definitely a turn-off. So I don’t know how you authors do it! All I know is I love reading about it when it is done well. A brilliant topic BTW.
Oh my a most interesting post. It is a given that in a romance book that we have some sex scenes that adds to the reading pleasure. This is like spices added to enhance flavor of the dishes. Too much and it spoils the taste. Too little and it becomes bland. Some of the Georgette Heyer books that I love could have revealed more of the hero and heroine with descriptions of their intimacy. But using florid language is definitely a turn-off. So I don’t know how you authors do it! All I know is I love reading about it when it is done well. A brilliant topic BTW.
Oh my a most interesting post. It is a given that in a romance book that we have some sex scenes that adds to the reading pleasure. This is like spices added to enhance flavor of the dishes. Too much and it spoils the taste. Too little and it becomes bland. Some of the Georgette Heyer books that I love could have revealed more of the hero and heroine with descriptions of their intimacy. But using florid language is definitely a turn-off. So I don’t know how you authors do it! All I know is I love reading about it when it is done well. A brilliant topic BTW.
Oh my a most interesting post. It is a given that in a romance book that we have some sex scenes that adds to the reading pleasure. This is like spices added to enhance flavor of the dishes. Too much and it spoils the taste. Too little and it becomes bland. Some of the Georgette Heyer books that I love could have revealed more of the hero and heroine with descriptions of their intimacy. But using florid language is definitely a turn-off. So I don’t know how you authors do it! All I know is I love reading about it when it is done well. A brilliant topic BTW.
Oh my a most interesting post. It is a given that in a romance book that we have some sex scenes that adds to the reading pleasure. This is like spices added to enhance flavor of the dishes. Too much and it spoils the taste. Too little and it becomes bland. Some of the Georgette Heyer books that I love could have revealed more of the hero and heroine with descriptions of their intimacy. But using florid language is definitely a turn-off. So I don’t know how you authors do it! All I know is I love reading about it when it is done well. A brilliant topic BTW.
One of the funniest things I’ve ever read about why men name their “little head” is in Linda Howard’s book “After the Night”.
Gray says to Faith “Do you know why men name their c….?”
She says “no, why?
He replies “So most of the major decisions in their lives won’t be made by a total stranger.”
Cracks me up every time I read it or think about it.
Obviously I still have the book…….and this blog post inspired me to pull it off the shelf and read it again. Grin.
One of the funniest things I’ve ever read about why men name their “little head” is in Linda Howard’s book “After the Night”.
Gray says to Faith “Do you know why men name their c….?”
She says “no, why?
He replies “So most of the major decisions in their lives won’t be made by a total stranger.”
Cracks me up every time I read it or think about it.
Obviously I still have the book…….and this blog post inspired me to pull it off the shelf and read it again. Grin.
One of the funniest things I’ve ever read about why men name their “little head” is in Linda Howard’s book “After the Night”.
Gray says to Faith “Do you know why men name their c….?”
She says “no, why?
He replies “So most of the major decisions in their lives won’t be made by a total stranger.”
Cracks me up every time I read it or think about it.
Obviously I still have the book…….and this blog post inspired me to pull it off the shelf and read it again. Grin.
One of the funniest things I’ve ever read about why men name their “little head” is in Linda Howard’s book “After the Night”.
Gray says to Faith “Do you know why men name their c….?”
She says “no, why?
He replies “So most of the major decisions in their lives won’t be made by a total stranger.”
Cracks me up every time I read it or think about it.
Obviously I still have the book…….and this blog post inspired me to pull it off the shelf and read it again. Grin.
One of the funniest things I’ve ever read about why men name their “little head” is in Linda Howard’s book “After the Night”.
Gray says to Faith “Do you know why men name their c….?”
She says “no, why?
He replies “So most of the major decisions in their lives won’t be made by a total stranger.”
Cracks me up every time I read it or think about it.
Obviously I still have the book…….and this blog post inspired me to pull it off the shelf and read it again. Grin.
Thanks, Prema! I am so glad you enjoyed the blog. The comparison with adding spice to food is a very nice one. No one wants too much blandness!
Thanks, Prema! I am so glad you enjoyed the blog. The comparison with adding spice to food is a very nice one. No one wants too much blandness!
Thanks, Prema! I am so glad you enjoyed the blog. The comparison with adding spice to food is a very nice one. No one wants too much blandness!
Thanks, Prema! I am so glad you enjoyed the blog. The comparison with adding spice to food is a very nice one. No one wants too much blandness!
Thanks, Prema! I am so glad you enjoyed the blog. The comparison with adding spice to food is a very nice one. No one wants too much blandness!
ROFL, Vicki! I love that!
ROFL, Vicki! I love that!
ROFL, Vicki! I love that!
ROFL, Vicki! I love that!
ROFL, Vicki! I love that!