brazilian wax: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, colloquial. Common in beauty, fashion, and lifestyle contexts; can be considered mildly vulgar or overly direct in very formal settings.
Quick answer
What does “brazilian wax” mean?
A cosmetic procedure that removes all or almost all pubic hair.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A cosmetic procedure that removes all or almost all pubic hair.
Also refers to the aesthetic style resulting from the procedure, characterized by very little to no pubic hair. Can be used metonymically for the industry or service itself.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more common in media and everyday speech in the US due to broader cultural discussion of beauty standards. In the UK, it might be perceived as a slightly more explicit term.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English, but common in both.
Grammar
How to Use “brazilian wax” in a Sentence
[Subject] gets/has a Brazilian wax.[Salon] offers Brazilian waxes.[Experience] was my first Brazilian wax.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “brazilian wax” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- She's booked in for a Brazilian wax next Tuesday.
- The salon charges fifty pounds for a Brazilian.
American English
- She's booked a Brazilian wax for next Tuesday.
- The salon charges sixty dollars for a Brazilian.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in marketing for beauty salons, spas, and cosmetic service websites.
Academic
Rare. Might appear in sociological, cultural, or gender studies papers on beauty norms.
Everyday
Common in conversations about personal grooming, beauty routines, or preparing for holidays/events.
Technical
Used in aesthetics and cosmetology to describe a specific service protocol.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “brazilian wax”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “brazilian wax”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “brazilian wax”
- Pronouncing 'wax' as /weɪks/ (like 'wakes') instead of /wæks/.
- Using 'Brazilian' as a general term for any pubic waxing (a 'bikini wax' is different).
- Misspelling as 'Brazillian wax'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The origin is debated. It's widely believed the style was popularized by a Brazilian-born salon owner in New York in the 1990s, trading on the association of Brazil with daring bikini styles.
Predominantly, yes, but the term is also used for an analogous male grooming service, sometimes called a 'manzilian' or 'Brozilian' informally.
In some UK salons, a 'Hollywood' means removal of all hair, while a 'Brazilian' leaves a small strip or triangle. In the US, the terms are often used synonymously for complete removal.
Generally no. In formal or academic contexts, more clinical terms like 'complete pubic hair removal' or 'extensive bikini line waxing' are preferred.
A cosmetic procedure that removes all or almost all pubic hair.
Brazilian wax: in British English it is pronounced /brəˈzɪl.i.ən wæks/, and in American English it is pronounced /brəˈzɪl.jən wæks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As bare as a Brazilian”
- “Smooth as a Brazilian (playful, informal)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'Brazil' famous for its tiny bikinis (thongs) on the beach; a 'Brazilian wax' removes the hair those bikinis would reveal.
Conceptual Metaphor
GROOMING IS CULTURAL ASSIMILATION (adopting a style associated with a place); CLEANLINESS/SMOOTHNESS IS BARE SKIN.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary distinction between a Brazilian wax and a standard bikini wax?