booty call: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, slang. Generally considered vulgar. Not for formal contexts.
Quick answer
What does “booty call” mean?
A slang term for a phone call or message (now often a text/DM) made to someone with the primary purpose of arranging casual sex.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A slang term for a phone call or message (now often a text/DM) made to someone with the primary purpose of arranging casual sex.
The act of initiating contact for casual sex; can also refer to the person who is the target of such contact (e.g., "He's just a booty call"). It implies a pre-existing, informal, purely physical relationship with no romantic commitment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term originated in and is dominant in American English but is widely understood in the UK due to cultural/media exposure. UK speakers might use more local slang like "a shag call" or simply "a late-night text," but "booty call" is the established, recognized term.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries the same core vulgar, non-romantic connotation. It may be perceived as slightly more humorous or less harsh in American usage due to its pop culture prevalence (e.g., in songs and comedies).
Frequency
More frequent in American English. In British English, its use often signals familiarity with American media or youth slang.
Grammar
How to Use “booty call” in a Sentence
to booty-call [someone]to give [someone] a booty call[Someone] is just a booty callVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “booty call” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He tried to booty-call his ex at midnight, but she ignored him.
- I'm not letting him booty-call me whenever he's bored.
American English
- She booty-called me after the party last night.
- Don't booty-call someone you work with; it's a bad idea.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Never used, except as a subject of study in sociolinguistics or cultural studies.
Everyday
Used informally among friends, often humorously or disparagingly. E.g., "Was that a date or just a booty call?"
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “booty call”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “booty call”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “booty call”
- Using it in a formal context. Using it to describe a romantic date. Incorrectly pluralising as 'booties call' instead of 'booty calls'. Using it as a verb without the hyphen (e.g., 'to booty call someone' is non-standard; 'to booty-call' is preferable).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, informally. The verb form is usually hyphenated: 'to booty-call' (e.g., He booty-called her). It's less common than the noun form.
Yes. Saying someone is "just a booty call" means they are only contacted for casual sex, not for dates or emotional connection.
It is informal, slang, and generally considered vulgar. It can be seen as disrespectful or objectifying, depending on context. It is not appropriate for polite or formal conversation.
Not a single, universally dominant equivalent. British speakers understand and use the Americanism 'booty call.' More local phrases might include 'a shag call' (vulgar) or descriptive phrases like 'a late-night text for a hook-up.'
A slang term for a phone call or message (now often a text/DM) made to someone with the primary purpose of arranging casual sex.
Booty call is usually informal, slang. generally considered vulgar. not for formal contexts. in register.
Booty call: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbuːti ˌkɔːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbuːṭi ˌkɔːl/ (flapped 't'). Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Just a booty call.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a pirate calling out to find his buried 'booty' (treasure), but here the 'treasure' is a casual sexual partner, and the 'call' is a phone call or text.
Conceptual Metaphor
SEX IS A COMMODITY / A TREASURE TO BE ACQUIRED. The person is the 'booty' (treasure), and the call is the means of acquisition.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would using the term 'booty call' be MOST appropriate?