Lewdness: meaning, definitions and examples
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lewdness
[ˈluːdnəs ]
Definition
inappropriate behavior
Lewdness refers to behavior that is considered indecent, vulgar, or offensive. It typically involves sexual content or actions that are deemed inappropriate in a given social context.
Synonyms
indecency, obscenity, vulgarity.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| lewdness |
Lewdness is generally used to describe behavior or content that is sexually inappropriate or offensive. It is often used in legal or formal settings.
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| indecency |
Indecency refers to actions or content that go against societal norms of decency. It is less severe than obscenity and can cover a broader range of inappropriate behaviors.
|
| vulgarity |
Vulgarity refers to language or behavior that is coarse, crude, or offensive. It is often used to describe everyday language or actions that lack sophistication or good taste.
|
| obscenity |
Obscenity is used to describe extremely offensive content, especially related to sex and bodily functions. It is often used in legal contexts concerning laws against such content.
|
Examples of usage
- Lewdness is not tolerated in the workplace.
- The movie was criticized for its lewdness.
- She was arrested for public lewdness.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word originates from the Old English 'lēod', meaning 'people' or 'nation', which later evolved to imply 'unrefined' or 'rude' behavior.
- In Middle English, it became associated with lewdness referring specifically to shameless or lascivious conduct.
- It has shifted over time to primarily denote behaviors that are sexually inappropriate or obscene.
Legal Perspectives
- Many legal systems define lewdness as a type of public indecency, which can include acts like indecent exposure or sexual advances in public settings.
- Laws regarding lewdness vary significantly from one jurisdiction to another, reflecting diverse cultural attitudes towards sexuality.
- In some contexts, lewdness can result in criminal charges, serving as a means to maintain public morality.
Cultural Representations
- Throughout history, various cultures have manifested differing levels of tolerance or condemnation regarding lewd behavior, especially in art and literature.
- In modern contexts, lewdness often appears in comedy and entertainment, shaping perceptions and discussions around sexuality and decency.
- Iconic figures in pop culture, such as comedians and performers, frequently challenge societal norms about lewdness, leading to debates over freedom of expression.
Psychological Aspects
- Research suggests that people’s reactions to lewd behavior can reveal deeper societal values and conflicts regarding sexuality and morality.
- Psychologically, tendencies towards lewdness can be influenced by factors such as upbringing, social environment, and exposure to media.
- Studies indicate that people often use humor surrounding lewdness as a coping mechanism to address their discomfort with sexual topics.
Literary Use
- Notable works in literature have explored lewdness to tackle themes of power, control, and rebellion against societal norms.
- In Shakespeare's plays, lewd characters often serve as comic relief, highlighting the absurdity of strict social mores.
- Contemporary literature sometimes employs lewdness to critique modern society’s approach to relationships and individual freedoms.
Translations
Translations of the word "lewdness" in other languages:
🇵🇹 lascívia
🇮🇳 अश्लीलता
🇩🇪 Unanständigkeit
🇮🇩 ketidaksenonohan
🇺🇦 непристойність
🇵🇱 lubieżność
🇯🇵 猥褻さ
🇫🇷 lascivité
🇪🇸 lascivia
🇹🇷 müstehcenlik
🇰🇷 음란함
🇸🇦 فحش
🇨🇿 nechutnost
🇸🇰 neslušnosť
🇨🇳 淫荡
🇸🇮 nespodobnost
🇮🇸 ósæmileg hegðun
🇰🇿 ұятсыздық
🇬🇪 უხამსობა
🇦🇿 ədəbsizlik
🇲🇽 lascivia