The British slang words for sex that have been consigned to history

Is your sex lingo up–to–date, or are your go–to terms giving away your age? 

The answer may lie in how many of these slang words and phrases you’re still using. 

A new survey by Perspectus Global has revealed the once–popular terms that have been consigned to history. 

‘How’s–your–father’ tops the list, with 80 per cent of Gen Z admitting they’ve never used the expression. 

‘Hanky–panky’ leaves 67 per cent baffled, while almost half (48 per cent) say they’ve never used the word ‘nookie’. 

In contrast, Gen Z’s favourite slang for sex is now ‘smash’, according to the survey.  

‘Our research shows just how much language evolves and changes, and over relatively short periods of time,’ said Harriet Scott, founder and CEO of Perspectus Global.

‘Terms for sex or sexual activity, have often relied on euphemisms, slang or metaphor, as to talk directly about the act itself is taboo.’

Sex is often seen as a taboo subject. 

To break the stigma, the survey set out to shed light on the words and phrases people of all ages use to describe sex. 

Perspectus Global enlisted 2,800 Brits, who were surveyed on the slang words and phrases they do, and do not use to describe sex.  

The results revealed a stark difference between the lingo used by Brits of different ages. 

‘How’s your father’ – a phrase coined by early 20th century music hall comedian Harry Tate – was deemed the most outdated phrase among Gen Z. 

A ‘knee–trembler’ is next, while you might be surprised to learn that 71 per cent of Gen Z say they’d never use the phrase ‘making love’. 

A ‘slap and tickle’ has been shunned by 68 per cent, followed by ‘hanky–panky’, which 67 per cent say they’d never opt for. 

Other outdated words and phrases revealed by the survey include ‘screwing’, ‘getting your leg over’, and ‘a seeing–to’. 

‘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,’ Ms Scott added. 

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. 

Other popular terms among Gen Z Brits include ‘get with’ (59 per cent), ‘hook up’ (60 per cent), and ‘do the deed’ (47 per cent). 

Somewhat unsurprisingly, seven in ten (72 per cent) of the over-50s surveyed said they feel that slang terms for sex used to be lighter and more humorous. 

Meanwhile, 82 per cent said some of the new Gen Z terms sound harsher and more explicit. 

The news comes shortly after experts from language learning app Preply discovered a spike in once–forgotten slang. 

This includes ‘lass’, which has surged in popularity by 211 per cent, as well as ‘owt’ and ‘scran’.

‘Regional slang such as “gaff”, “owt” or “scran” is often specific to certain regions, holding a unique cultural significance and sense of identity to those who use them,’ explained Anna Pyshna, a spokesperson for Preply. 

‘While many of these terms were traditionally confined to local, regional communities, they are now starting to spread wider into everyday conversations.

‘As these phrases gain popularity, they’re becoming a fundamental part of modern conversation, embracing the diversity of British regional dialects.’