sexy English · revision 5397

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=derivation|attested=1905}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /ˈsek.si/^(Roach et al. 2011)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is [[af|en|sex|-y]].^(Etymonline)^(SOED 2002)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ Engrossed in sex, concerned with sex: 1905 in Etymonline, the early 20th century in SOED.^(Etymonline)^(SOED 2002)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ Sexually attractive is by 1912 in Etymonline and 1925 in the OED;^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989) an earlier word in this sense was ''sexful'' (1894).^(Etymonline) Figuratively it came to mean exciting or appealing, especially financially or to the public.^(SOED 2002)^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1894 – the earlier ''sexful''.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1905 – engrossed in sex.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1912 – sexually attractive.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Adjective===

+ # Sexually attractive or exciting.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # Feeling sexual desire; [[aroused]].^(Collins 2023)^(SOED 2002)

+ # ''(informal)'' Exciting, interesting or fashionable: ''a sexy new car''.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[sexily]]

+ * [[sexiness]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[sex]]

+ * [[sexual]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}