sexy
/ˈsɛksi/
adjective
Origin
English
sex — pertaining to sex or gender
Overview
Meaning Now
- Having a high level of sexual appeal or interest.
- Exciting or appealing in a general, often non-sexual, context (e.g., 'a sexy business model').
Language path
Latin → French → English
Earliest form
sexy
Earliest period
19th century
Journey
The word emerged in the 19th century as a colloquial adjective. Initially considered somewhat risqué, its usage expanded significantly during the 20th century to encompass broader definitions of attractiveness and intellectual or aesthetic appeal, often used in marketing and corporate jargon to denote something highly desirable.
Evolution
- Latin
sexus
“division, gender, sex”
Derived from 'secare' (to cut/divide).
- Old French
sexe
“sex or gender”
- 19th Century English
sexy
“sexually suggestive or exciting”
Formation via the suffix '-y' added to the noun 'sex'.
Connections
Word parts
sex
root
sexual activity or gender
y
suffix
having the quality of
Related across languages
French
attractive/appealing (borrowed from English)
Related words
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Related to sexy
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.