A Quick Word: Euphemisms and Anti-euphemisms

 I hate the expression "to pop a woman's cherry." It is meant as a euphemism, but instead, I feel it is an anti-euphemism.

 It does, I admit, perform the minimum that polite speech might need to accomplish; that is not offending somebody that is sensitive to the topic of a woman losing her virginity, by camouflaging it as a synonym. Perhaps it does not even achieve this, as I cannot help but feel that such a person would still be upset by its use. I think your ancient aunty Mary will still shot you a withering look, maybe even raise her voice at you if she hears it.

 However, it's far more vulgar than saying that a woman has lost her virginity. It refers to the action in a metaphor that is too abrasive and primitive, and a little too smug in what it thinks is its own apparent cleverness.

 Also, whether the turn of phrase is used by a man or a woman, the fact that the man, the "popper" is the agent also makes it highly misogynistic. It's too one-sided, the woman is passive and having something done to her, rather than choosing someone.

 This all results in a description of an event which, if happening between two people who love each other and/or are drawn together by a chemical sexual spark, something which is in fact beautiful if clumsily executed, and turns it into something crass and tasteless.

"Booty call" on the other hand; I love.

 The sonic aesthetic of the word booty is too innocent, too cute sounding to give any real offense. Also, I can never help but hear the pirate's colloquialism for treasure echoing just(if you forgive the pun) behind it.

 Also in contrast to the anti-euphemism mentioned earlier, a booty call is uni-sex, hell it can be transgender uni-sex. Almost anybody can make a booty call, and although I am very happy in my monogamous relationship; I look forward to a time when the rest of the world can get back to making regular booty calls.

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