Looking for slang for having sex that’s fun, clear, and not cringey? You’re in the right place. Below you’ll find a well‑researched list of sexual slang and slang words for sex—from soft, romantic phrases to goofy classics and internet‑era euphemisms. We’ll flag what’s mild vs. rude, what’s regional, and how to choose language that fits the vibe and respects your audience. (We also link to high‑quality dictionaries so you can check meanings and tone labels for yourself.)
Quick note: “Slang” = informal, nonstandard vocabulary or playful figurative language; “euphemism” = a milder phrase used in place of a blunt one. Knowing the difference helps you pick the right tone.
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How to choose sexual slang without being that person
- Match the register. What works in private texts can be rude in a group chat or workplace. Dictionaries mark many terms as offensive, vulgar, or old‑fashioned—check before you use them.
- Prefer clarity with new people. If there’s any chance of confusion, pick neutral phrases like sleep with or have sex, or spell things out.
- Remember consent and context. Don’t use slang to pressure, shame, or gossip. Some terms can sound demeaning depending on who’s speaking and to whom.
- Know your audience. Some words are mainly UK/US or Gen‑Z/Millennial; what’s funny to one group can feel crass to another. (See the regional notes below.)
Soft & romantic euphemisms (polite / affectionate)
- make love / lovemaking – A tender, romantic way to say “have sex.” Usage is widespread and clearly defined in learner dictionaries.
- be intimate – A gentle umbrella phrase for sexual activity. (See also lovemaking, which many dictionaries list as the act of having sex.)
Why use them: These fit dates, romance writing, and any conversation where you want warmth over bluntness.
Neutral, everyday phrases (clear / widely understood)
- sleep with (someone) – Very common neutral phrasing for “have sex with.”
- have (sexual) relations – Formal, often used in news or historical contexts.
- get laid – Casual and very common; clearly defined across dictionaries.
- get it on – Colloquial and flirty; explicitly means to have sex.
- do it – Simple, widely understood informal euphemism.
- hook up / a hookup – In modern use, a casual sexual encounter (though it can be vague). Dictionaries now include this sense.
Tip: hook up and get laid carry a casual vibe; sleep with stays neutral if you’re keeping things matter‑of‑fact.
Internet & coded phrases (wink‑wink / culture‑specific)
- Netflix and chill – A playful, suggestive invite that typically implies a casual sexual encounter while “watching TV” at home. (It can also simply mean relaxing, but by now most people catch the innuendo.)
- hookup – Now so common it appears in standard dictionaries as “a casual sexual encounter.”
Use carefully: Internet slang shifts fast, and meanings can vary by age group and region.
Direct or coarse slang (rude/offensive labels in dictionaries)
Use these with caution; many are flagged as offensive or vulgar in major dictionaries.
- bang (someone) – Explicit, labeled vulgar slang in major dictionaries.
- screw (someone) – Direct and often offensive in tone.
- shag (UK) – Rude UK slang for sexual intercourse.
- bonk (chiefly British) – Informal “have sexual intercourse with.”
- boink – A jokey comic‑book‑sound sort of verb meaning “to copulate with.”
- nooky / nookie – Slang for sex; often labeled vulgar.
Cultural note: Dictionaries give usage labels so you can tell what’s playful vs. rude. When in doubt, choose gentler phrasing.
Vintage & cheeky euphemisms (playful / old‑fashioned)
- hanky‑panky – Informal “sexual activity,” sometimes with a mischievous tone.
- make whoopee – US, informal + old‑fashioned: to have sex.
-
bump uglies – A cheeky euphemism meaning to have sex; still recognizable in modern dictionaries.
These read as playful or retro. They’re fine among friends who share your sense of humor.
Regional differences you’ll actually notice
- UK‑leaning: have it off (to have sex), shag, bonk.
- US‑leaning/common online: hook up / hookup, Netflix and chill.
Even within the same country, age and subculture shape usage—so read the room.
Quick, reliable mini‑glossary (with tone notes)
- sleep with (someone) – neutral, widely understood.
- have (sexual) relations – formal/legalistic.
- make love / lovemaking – romantic/affectionate.
- hook up / a hookup – casual sexual encounter (often brief).
- get laid – informal/casual.
- get it on – informal/flirty.
- do it – mild euphemism.
- Netflix and chill – suggestive code for a casual hookup at home.
- bang / screw – direct, labeled offensive/vulgar.
- shag / bonk / boink – slang; rude or comic depending on the word and region.
- nooky (nookie) – slang for sex; often marked vulgar.
- hanky‑panky – playful euphemism for sexual activity.
- make whoopee – retro, playful, “have sex.”
- bump uglies – cheeky euphemism.
When slang goes wrong (and how to avoid it)
- Assume mixed audiences. If a group includes co‑workers or people you don’t know well, skip coarse terms (e.g., bang, screw) and pick neutral phrasing. Dictionaries explicitly label many of these as offensive or vulgar.
- Be literal if consent or safety is the topic. Slang can hide important details; clarity is respectful.
- Avoid demeaning language. Some expressions can objectify or trivialize. If kindness is your brand, go with sleep with or make love instead.
- Check meanings before you post. Internet slang evolves quickly; what was a joke last year might read differently now. Reputable dictionaries track newer slang (chill, hookup).
A few etymology tidbits (for the word‑curious)
- boink likely imitates a comic‑book sound effect; dictionaries date the sexual sense to late 20th century.
- make whoopee pops up in mid‑20th‑century American usage; dictionaries still list it as US, informal + old‑fashioned.
- hanky‑panky has two tracks in dictionaries: sexual fun or shady behavior; the sexual sense is common in modern examples.
- bump uglies appears in mainstream dictionaries today; it’s a cheeky euphemism rather than a clinical term.
Style tips for texting (keep it clear, keep it kind)
- If you mean sex, say sex—or choose a neutral synonym. Slang can be flirty, but never use it to pressure someone.
- Mirror their tone. If someone uses gentle language like make love, follow that lead; if they say hook up, stick to that register.
- Spell out boundaries. “By hang out I mean watch a movie and cuddle—no sex tonight.” Clarity is sexy.
Lighthearted add‑on: words to retire (sometimes)
- bang / screw in public contexts—easy to misread as crude.
- nooky if you’re not sure of the audience; it’s often labeled vulgar.
- shag if you’re outside the UK or with mixed company (it’s explicitly marked rude).
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the most polite slang for having sex?
Make love or be intimate are safest in polite company. sleep with is neutral and common.
Is “hook up” always sex?
In many contexts, yes—it means a casual sexual encounter. It can be vague, so clarify if needed.
What does “Netflix and chill” really mean?
It’s a wink for meeting up to relax and likely have sex, especially at home. Dictionaries now include this sense.
Which slang terms are considered rude or offensive?
Bang, screw, shag (UK sense), and sometimes nooky are labeled offensive/vulgar—use with caution or not at all.
What’s a funny old‑school term for sex?
Try make whoopee, hanky‑panky, or bump uglies for cheeky, retro vibes.
UK vs. US—what’s different?
The UK uses have it off, shag, bonk more; the US leans on hook up, get laid, and internet‑coded phrases.
What’s a safe alternative if I want zero innuendo?
Just say have sex, sleep with, or we’re not having sex. Clarity beats cleverness when consent and comfort matter.
The bottom line
English is rich in slang terms for sex—from warm euphemisms (make love) to casual sexual slang (hook up, get it on), to funny terms for sex (make whoopee, bump uglies) and blunt, rude ones (bang, screw, shag). Choose language that fits your relationship, keeps everyone comfortable, and communicates clearly. When in doubt, go neutral—and if you’re flirting, make sure the feeling is mutual.
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