# Terminology for the female reproductive area, or, What do YOU like to call it? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [May 14, 2001, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terminology-for-the-female-reproductive-area-or-what-do-you-like-to-call-it/65355 "2001-05-14T01:18:02Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![My\_Darn\_Snake\_Legs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f14d63/32.png) [@My\_Darn\_Snake\_Legs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/My_Darn_Snake_Legs)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2001, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terminology-for-the-female-reproductive-area-or-what-do-you-like-to-call-it/65355/121 "2001-08-06T20:37:19Z")
My vote goes for “cooter.” “Pussy” offends most ladies I know and “cooter” makes them laugh. It’s just a fun word. Just try to say it without smiling! 😉 –==the sax man==– ---
**Author:** ![bleach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bleach/32/3106_2.png) [@bleach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bleach)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2001, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terminology-for-the-female-reproductive-area-or-what-do-you-like-to-call-it/65355/122 "2001-08-07T03:50:31Z")
Cooter, while cute, is a reserved word for me - Cooter was the Duke Boys’ mechanic in Dukes of Hazzard, as in: “Breaker One, Breaker One I may be crazy but I ain’t dumb This here’s Craa-AAA-aazy Cooter comin’ atcha.” So the juxtaposition of greasy, hairy mechanic and, um, that area is disquieting to me. How’s about “womanhood?” Too Romance-Novelish? ---
**Author:** ![Johanna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johanna/32/8318_2.png) [@Johanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johanna)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2001, 4:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terminology-for-the-female-reproductive-area-or-what-do-you-like-to-call-it/65355/123 "2001-08-07T04:32:25Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Enright3 \* > Has anyone mentioned **twat**? Now that you mention it, that word has an unusual literary history. One of the greatest poets of the English language used it—without knowing what it meant! See, Robert Browning read a bit of satirical doggerel from the 17th century: > [@](#): > > _They talked of his having a Cardinal’s Hat; > They’d send him as soon an old Nun’s Twat._ Browning figured, by analogy, that a “twat” was some obscure old term for a nun’s headgear. So when he wrote _Pippa Passes_, he included these lines: > [@](#): > > \*Then, owls and bats, > Cowls and twats, > Monks and nuns, in a cloister’s moods, > Adjourn to the oak-stump pantry! \* Eternally embarrassing himself and providing amusement to literati and philologists forevermore. ---
**Author:** ![Johanna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johanna/32/8318_2.png) [@Johanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johanna)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2003, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terminology-for-the-female-reproductive-area-or-what-do-you-like-to-call-it/65355/124 "2003-05-25T02:11:24Z")
Since I first posted it in this thread, I’ve added many new names to my yoniwords file. Many of these are American Indian languages; some are Asian or African. Arapaho hehéch Avestan upastâ Binticua sisi Blackfoot -ats- Burushaski boch Cayapa su Chibcha sihi Chitimacha ne’ês Dobocubi chu Gujarati bhos, bhosri, bhosro Hindustani bhag, bhosRi, bur, bul, cudânî, cuDD, cuR, fuddi, fulani, joni, kaziya Hopi löwa Kahuapana sishila Kashmiri pod[sup]u[/sup] Koasati hasi’ Kumauni phuti, puti, pûn, bhosri Maku tse’ne Matagalpa su Nitinat ’a’ot[sup]s[/sup] Persian adok, shalfeh, shalfineh, shalfiyeh, shakr, shalkh, mâdâleh, niyâmeh, zehâreh, zehrâh, hâvan, jahaz, kârkhâneh, nûn-e mûsá. chuchuleh, osporz, telâq (clitoris) eskanân, esfanân (labia) esp (pubic hair) Prakrit puttara, posa, put Sanskrit buri, buli, bharani, phaloni, pucca, upasthâ Seri buri Tocharian A kip Tocharian B kwîpe Turkish amcïk, kuku dilak (clitoris) Witoto iani Wotapuri basor Yahuna ja’na Zuñi ’asho ---
**Author:** ![GingerOfTheNorth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/cdc98d/32.png) [@GingerOfTheNorth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GingerOfTheNorth)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2003, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terminology-for-the-female-reproductive-area-or-what-do-you-like-to-call-it/65355/125 "2003-05-25T02:26:37Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by GingerOfTheNorth \* > \*\*While we were growing up, my dad referred to our ‘pretty pink parts’ as ‘petunia’. > My sister and I couldn’t pronounce that, so we said ‘tuma’. > My neice couldn’t pronounce THAT, so it became ‘tutu’. > > Now, I live in the Northwest Territories in Canada (until tomorrow) and have several Inuit clients and colleagues. > > One of them has the last name Tootoo. To compound things, his first name is Hunter. > > I have a hard time keeping a straight face while talking to him. It’s a good thing I’m leaving. \*\* Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you my very first post on the SDMB. ---
**Author:** ![Blalron](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/35a633/32.png) [@Blalron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blalron)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2003, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terminology-for-the-female-reproductive-area-or-what-do-you-like-to-call-it/65355/126 "2003-05-25T02:57:55Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by alice\_in\_wonderland \* > \*\*My vote goes to fanny. > > Pussy sounds really nasty to me… \*\* I couldn’t use fanny. I know the usage is different in great britain, but over here in the U.S it means “butt” or “behind”. My favorite word for it is “mariposa”. Which in Spanish literally means butterfly. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![a\_bird\_on\_the\_wire](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d9b06d/32.png) [@a\_bird\_on\_the\_wire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/a_bird_on_the_wire)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2003, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terminology-for-the-female-reproductive-area-or-what-do-you-like-to-call-it/65355/127 "2003-05-25T03:49:01Z")
Around my house “puddin” (as in pudding) serves the purpose. “Honey, we havin’ puddin’ tonight?” Most of the time it ain’t on the menu. ---
**Author:** ![Rubystreak](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e5b9ba/32.png) [@Rubystreak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rubystreak)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2003, 7:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terminology-for-the-female-reproductive-area-or-what-do-you-like-to-call-it/65355/128 "2003-05-25T07:39:54Z")
The problem with “pussy” is that it has come to mean “wimpy,” which the vagina is not. It’s too bad, because “pussy” is definitely the least ugly sounding word of all the euphemisms: snatch, twat, cunt, they all sound gutteral and vicious. I JUST saw the Vagina Monologues tonight, so this thread was an eerie coincidence for me. There was one monologue where this woman refers to her vagina as “the coochie snorcher.” Which cracked me up. There’s another where she rants on and on about reclaiming the word “cunt.” I think it’s great to take words back when you can, and this one does have a lot of power left in it. However, there’s still no getting around how expletive the word sounds. I also knew a woman who called her vagina “the box of love.” Kinda cute, I guess. ---
**Author:** ![phraser](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a88e4f/32.png) [@phraser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phraser)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2003, 8:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terminology-for-the-female-reproductive-area-or-what-do-you-like-to-call-it/65355/129 "2003-05-25T08:29:23Z")
**Cunt**. Most of the rest I find offensive, or just plain silly. Some FTM transsexual guys I know call it their _cockpit_ or _manhole_ ---
**Author:** ![CherryBomb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/919ad9/32.png) [@CherryBomb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CherryBomb)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2003, 12:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terminology-for-the-female-reproductive-area-or-what-do-you-like-to-call-it/65355/130 "2003-05-25T12:09:58Z")
And after reading 3 entire pages worth of posts, no one even mentioned the term _poonani_. I just love the way that rolls out. I’m also fond of _mink_ or _beav_ for my little pink parts, but I think _poonani_ is the best of them all. ---
**Author:** ![Teaira](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/9d8465/32.png) [@Teaira](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Teaira)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2003, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terminology-for-the-female-reproductive-area-or-what-do-you-like-to-call-it/65355/131 "2003-05-25T18:37:54Z")
Pussy sounds icky to me. Sorta reminds me of ‘pus’, as in the gross white stuff that comes out of a sore. I really can’t think of any that don’t sound ridiculous or disgusting other than vagina, which does have the sterile-doctor’s-room ring to it. Cookie is kinda cute though. ---
**Author:** ![Seldon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/958977/32.png) [@Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Seldon)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2003, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terminology-for-the-female-reproductive-area-or-what-do-you-like-to-call-it/65355/132 "2003-05-26T00:28:10Z")
I don’t like “pussy” either. Growing up, I always called it my cooter, but the first time I used that with my husband, he said it had the same connotation for him as c\*\*t. Which I hate. I’ve never heard “minky” before, but that’s the best one I’ve heard that is not too flowery or a word that needs to be explained. I think I’ll call it “minky” from now on. ---
**Author:** ![Pixiesnix](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/898d66/32.png) [@Pixiesnix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pixiesnix)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2003, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terminology-for-the-female-reproductive-area-or-what-do-you-like-to-call-it/65355/133 "2003-05-26T00:32:53Z")
To me, it depends on the context. “Pussy” seems too crass for conversation with my friends. Then I just refer to it as my “area”, my “happy place”, or my “yahoo spot.” Yes, it may seem immature, but it works for me. For sexual situations, however, the dirtier the better. “Pussy,” “cunt” and “snatch” are all fair game. In medical situations, “vagina” does just fine. ---
**Author:** ![clayton\_e](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c57346/32.png) [@clayton\_e](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/clayton_e)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2003, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terminology-for-the-female-reproductive-area-or-what-do-you-like-to-call-it/65355/134 "2003-05-26T02:49:15Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by imthjckaz \* > \*\*Then I guess a Maxi Pad would be a Manhole cover. \*\* You’re going to hell. ---
**Author:** ![Mnementh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/898d66/32.png) [@Mnementh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mnementh)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2003, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terminology-for-the-female-reproductive-area-or-what-do-you-like-to-call-it/65355/135 "2003-05-27T01:56:31Z")
Y’know, I never thought I’d see THIS again. Someone needs to ressurect my breast thread, that was a masterpiece. Meanwhile, I think I like ‘mink’. huzzah! ---
**Author:** ![imthjckaz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/imthjckaz/32/3223_2.png) [@imthjckaz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/imthjckaz)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2003, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terminology-for-the-female-reproductive-area-or-what-do-you-like-to-call-it/65355/136 "2003-05-27T02:03:08Z")
It’s getting hot in here. ---
**Author:** ![Pixiesnix](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/898d66/32.png) [@Pixiesnix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pixiesnix)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2003, 4:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terminology-for-the-female-reproductive-area-or-what-do-you-like-to-call-it/65355/137 "2003-05-27T04:22:12Z")
So take off all your clothes. ---
**Author:** ![waddamaroon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/41988e/32.png) [@waddamaroon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/waddamaroon)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2003, 4:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terminology-for-the-female-reproductive-area-or-what-do-you-like-to-call-it/65355/138 "2003-05-27T04:24:02Z")
**Pearl** > [@](#): > > _Originally posted by **URA-MARU:** _ > And can be used romantically… “I’d like to run my hand down the curve of your belly, and slowly trace my fingertips down to your…” **…Pearl** I caught just a glimpse of her pink pearl. Mrs. Maroon uses it as well, but in a different context. “Pearl’s gone to see Aunt Flo. Better luck next week”. God help me if she sees this. ---
**Author:** ![CuriousCanuck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/d2c977/32.png) [@CuriousCanuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CuriousCanuck)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2003, 12:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terminology-for-the-female-reproductive-area-or-what-do-you-like-to-call-it/65355/139 "2003-05-27T12:50:53Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by robgruver \* > \*\*Someone on the boards called theirs “Hoo ha”. I have now adopted that one for Mrs. robgruver. > > I vote for Hoo ha’s everywhere! \*\* Sorry, when down there I don’t want to be reminded of Al Pacino. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![lieu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c2a13f/32.png) [@lieu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lieu)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2003, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terminology-for-the-female-reproductive-area-or-what-do-you-like-to-call-it/65355/140 "2003-05-27T17:09:35Z")
Especially since the quote originated in _Scent Of A Woman_. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terminology-for-the-female-reproductive-area-or-what-do-you-like-to-call-it/65355.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terminology-for-the-female-reproductive-area-or-what-do-you-like-to-call-it/65355.md?page=8)