A dildo that goes by any other name might still feel just as good, but have you ever wondered why we call the sex toy a dildo? The word dates back to 1392 and at that time, it wasn’t referring to the sexual device we all know today and love.
Find out how the word was formed over time and why it eventually took on its current meaning in this article on why a dildo is called a dildo?
You’re probably familiar with the term dildo, but maybe you don’t know how it was coined. The word dildo comes from the Italian word diletto which translates to delight.
The origins of these objects are obscure, but it’s believed that sex toys started as fake penises made out of wood or stone. Women would use these stone and wood carvings in order to relive their sexual experiences with men.
Soon enough, humans got creative, and made dildos out of materials such as glass and metal, driven by their desire to experience pleasurable sensations. Whether you feel pleasure from a modern-day dildo or its prehistoric ancestor it’s up to you!
For a more detailed explanation of what a dildo is, visit our blog post.
The Etymology Of The Word Dildo
Despite their newfound popularity, dildos haven’t always been widely accepted. Many societies used to believe that women who used sex toys were immoral or sexually deviant and the societies weren’t very discreet about it.
The word dildo is said to be an onomatopoeia of an ancient Greek word meaning ‘’to make an obscene gesture with your tongue against your lips’’, which was commonly used during events that were organized to provide entertainment during ancient times. Aristophanes, one of the greatest classical Greek playwrights and poets, used this term frequently and the word was used not only in his work!
Different Types Of Dildos
There are different types of dildos and new ones are being created every day. The most common type is a phallic, erect shape made of rubber or silicone and attached to a handle with cords or wires. These dildos come in all sizes.
Smaller ones are used for penetration, while larger ones are often used to play with erogenous zones like nipples and clitorises.
Other types of dildos include realistic molded penises that are perfect for people who want to experience sex but don’t have anyone available. There are also strap-on harnesses that allow you to wear it as part of your sex life and double-ended versions that allow you to penetrate both you and your partner at once!
Why Are Some People Offended By The Word Dildo?
The short answer is that people can be offended by anything and we assume that there are some folks out there who don’t like the word dildo or certain synonyms. That said, not all types of dildos are called dildos.
For example, large sex toys without vibrators or testicles aren’t usually called dildos. They might be referred to as double-enders or simply as strapless strap-ons. The word dildo does not bear one specific meaning. It just denotes an object used for penetrative sex.
This can make things confusing when looking for sex toys and deciding what you want to use.
Is It OK To Call A Sex Toy By Its Actual Name?
As silly as it sounds, there’s some debate over whether it’s more appropriate to refer to these products by their specific name (dildos, vibrators, plugs and so on) or just to use general terms. If you look at mainstream advertising and how sex toys are often described in television programs and movies, you will notice that dildos are usually marketed as things that women use when they need to take care of themselves.
That sends a pretty clear message about what we think women do with these devices. But is that true? Is sex toy use entirely female-centric?
And, if so, why would you want to imply that women are alone in using them? In reality, everyone from gay couples to throuples to couples of mixed-orientation and gender use sex toys together and on their own.
Conclusion
So why is a dildo called a dildo? At the end of the day, it’s easy to see why dildo is an acceptable term for a sex toy. After all, it just seems to fit.
However, other popular sex toys have more embarrassing names, such as fleshlight and pocket pussy. While these names aren’t completely off-putting, they aren’t exactly subtle either!
