Define salacious Meaning and Definition
Define salacious
Pronunciation
/ˈsæliːʃəs/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
Define salacious: (adjective) appealing to or characterised by lust or indecent thoughts or acts; used to describe something that is perceived as risqué or off-color.
Examples
1. “The director’s use of suggestive camera angles made the entire scene seem salacious.”
2. “The tabloid’s coverage of celebrity scandals was accused of being too salacious.”
Synonyms
1. provocative
2. inciting
3. thrilling
Antonyms
1. wholesome
2. innocent
3. pure
Additional Information
The term salacious is used to describe something that excites or appeals to lust or indecent thoughts. This adjective can be applied to various contexts, such as art, literature, music, or even everyday conversations. The use of the word can be subjective, as what one person finds salacious might not resonate with another. In some cases, the application of the term can be used to provoke or attract attention rather than purely conveying the intended meaning.
The perception of salaciousness can vary greatly across different cultures and communities. What is considered risqué or off-color in one culture might be completely accepted or even celebrated in another. This highlights the importance of understanding the context and audience when using the term.
It’s worth noting that the term salacious can sometimes be used to describe something that is perceived as tasteless or gratuitous rather than genuinely provocative or artistic.
Despite its subjective nature, the term salacious has been in use for centuries and can be found in various forms of literature and art throughout history.
When using the term salacious, it’s essential to be mindful of the audience and context to avoid misinterpretation or offense.
Etymology
The word salacious is derived from the Latin word ‘salax’, which means ‘nauseating’ or ‘loathsome’. This Latin term is thought to be related to the verb ‘salire’, which means ‘to leap’ or ‘to spring’, possibly referencing the idea of something sudden or unexpected.
Usage Notes
The term salacious is often used to describe art, literature, or media that is intended to be risqué or provocative. However, its use can be subjective, and what one person finds salacious might not resonate with another. When using the term, it’s essential to consider the audience and context to avoid misinterpretation or offense.
In everyday conversations, the term salacious can be used to describe something that is perceived as attention-grabbing or provocative, but it’s crucial to use discretion and consider the audience’s cultural and social background.
Cultural References
The term salacious has appeared in various forms of popular culture, including literature, music, and film. One notable example is the novel ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ by Oscar Wilde, which features a character who is described as having a “salacious imagination”.
In music, the term has been used to describe the works of artists who push boundaries and challenge social norms. For instance, the album ‘Toxicity’ by the heavy metal band System of a Down features lyrics that some might find salacious or provocative.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Some common idiomatic expressions or phrases that include the term salacious are:
- Salacious rumors
- A salacious tone
- Salacious language
Collocations
Some common word combinations with the term salacious are:
- Salacious description
- Salacious content
- Salacious scene
- Salacious story
Frequency of Use
The term salacious is not as commonly used as some other words that convey similar meanings. However, it has seen a rise in popularity in recent years, particularly in the context of online discourse and social media.
Common Misspellings
Some common misspellings of the term salacious include:
- Salacicous
- Salaciously
- Saloscious