Terminology Question

[Canadamus Prime]

Since it's Christmas time and we hear all this stuff about Santa Claus knowing if you've been naughty or nice, a question has been burning in my mind. When did the term "naughty" become something sexual? I ask because that's anther thing that seems to crop up around the holidays is the concept of being naughty or nice being twisted into something sexual.

 

[madwarper]

http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=naughty

late 14c., naugti "needy, having nothing," from Old English nawiht (see naught) + -y (2). Sense of "wicked, evil, morally wrong" is attested from 1520s; specific meaning "sexually promiscuous" is from 1869. The more tame main modern sense of "disobedient" (especially of children) is attested from 1630s. Related: Naughtily; naughtiness. A woman of bad character c.1530-1750 might be called a naughty pack (also sometimes of men and later of children).

 

[shootthebandit]

I would assume because sexual activity has always been quite taboo especially some of the kinkier stuff which is probably why the word naughty is associated with sexual activity. Im not the guy who makes up the words but thats my best guess

I hope this has helped

N.b. before the grammar nazis strike id change it to "terminology". Help a brother out

 

[Canadamus Prime]

http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=naughty

late 14c., naugti "needy, having nothing," from Old English nawiht (see naught) + -y (2). Sense of "wicked, evil, morally wrong" is attested from 1520s; specific meaning "sexually promiscuous" is from 1869. The more tame main modern sense of "disobedient" (especially of children) is attested from 1630s. Related: Naughtily; naughtiness. A woman of bad character c.1530-1750 might be called a naughty pack (also sometimes of men and later of children).

I would've preferred you put it in your own words rather than simply copy and pasting from a dictionary, but thanks for your input. So what's really bugging me is the over-commercialization of both Christmas and sexuality. Understood.

 

[madwarper]

I would've preferred you put it in your own words rather than simply copy and pasting from a dictionary, but thanks for your input.

As would I... But sometimes, it's just not worth trying to reinvent the wheel.

Besides, it's not like I'm claiming to have a mastery of the English language and its evolution.
All I did was google "naughty etymology" and it was the first link that popped up.

So what's really bugging me is the over-commercialization of both Christmas and sexuality. Understood.

If that's so, then I don't see how we get there from the origins of "naughty".

 

[Canadamus Prime]

So what's really bugging me is the over-commercialization of both Christmas and sexuality. Understood.

If that's so, then I don't see how we get there from the origins of "naughty".

Well let me explain. Well since I thought the use of that word in a sexual context was a relatively recent development I thought it was the use of the word that was bugging me, but since it seems that it was used in that context for over a century so it must just be the use of the word in the overcommercialization of sexuality esp. in relation to Christmas that's bugging me. You know, as if being "naughty" is somehow good.

 

[madwarper]

Well let me explain. Well since I thought the use of that word in a sexual context was a relatively recent development I thought it was the use of the word that was bugging me, but since it seems that it was used in that context for over a century so it must just be the use of the word in the overcommercialization of sexuality esp. in relation to Christmas that's bugging me. You know, as if being "naughty" is somehow good.

But, if you're going off "naughty", I think you should have more of a beef with the over-sexualization of Halloween, what with the "naughty" cats, cops, nuns, nurses, maids, etc. Because, I doubt that when parents tell their kids about Santa's "naughty vs. nice" list, they mean the sexualized version instead of innocuous version that's existed since the 16th century.

Granted, Christmas isn't immune from the "sex sells" mantra, but what is?

 

[Canadamus Prime]

Well let me explain. Well since I thought the use of that word in a sexual context was a relatively recent development I thought it was the use of the word that was bugging me, but since it seems that it was used in that context for over a century so it must just be the use of the word in the overcommercialization of sexuality esp. in relation to Christmas that's bugging me. You know, as if being "naughty" is somehow good.

But, if you're going off "naughty", I think you should have more of a beef with the over-sexualization of Halloween, what with the "naughty" cats, cops, nuns, nurses, maids, etc. Because, I doubt that when parents tell their kids about Santa's "naughty vs. nice" list, they mean the sexualized version instead of innocuous version that's existed since the 16th century.

Granted, Christmas isn't immune from the "sex sells" mantra, but what is?

Truthfully the sexualization of anything and everything that's meant for children (Christmas, Halloween, Easter, etc.) gets under my skin. Yes yes, I know the origins of these Holidays, but that doesn't change the fact that it's the stuff that is for children that's being sexualized.

And anyway I still can't wrap my head around the idea of that being "naughty" is somehow considered a good thing.

 

[skywolfblue]

/rant

While you're on the topic: Why is nearly EVERYTHING a sexual innuendo these days? English these days is a minefield of once-innocent terms that are now sexual. If you're going to invent swear words people, at least find creative new names for it, and bloody well leave the normal terms alone!

/endrant

 

[Canadamus Prime]

Truthfully the sexualization of anything and everything that's meant for children (Christmas, Halloween, Easter, etc.) gets under my skin.

Christmas isn't "meant" for anyone. It's a holiday. Everyone can celebrate it. Even adults. Even adults who want to play adult games with other adults. There's nothing wrong with that.

Ok, perhaps I should've been more clear. The sexualization of the aspects of these holidays that are for children, or at least were for children, gets under my skin.