sex kitten: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Slang
Quick answer
What does “sex kitten” mean?
A person, typically a woman, perceived as having a sexually alluring, playful, and provocative demeanor or persona.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person, typically a woman, perceived as having a sexually alluring, playful, and provocative demeanor or persona.
A label, often used by the media or in popular culture, for a public figure (usually female) who deliberately cultivates an image of overt, kittenish sexuality.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood in both varieties, but its usage is more strongly associated with mid-20th century American film and media (e.g., Brigitte Bardot).
Connotations
In both regions, it is considered dated, somewhat tabloid, and potentially sexist. It may be used ironically or nostalgically.
Frequency
Rare in contemporary formal or polite conversation. More likely to be encountered in historical contexts, retro-styled media, or critical analysis of gender representation.
Grammar
How to Use “sex kitten” in a Sentence
[Determiner] + sex kittenbe labelled/branded/called + a sex kittenplay/portray + the sex kittenVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sex kitten” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She wasn't acting, she was sex-kittening her way through the interview.
American English
- He accused the studio of trying to sex-kitten her for the promotional tour.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in critical studies of film, media, gender, and cultural history.
Everyday
Rare; potentially offensive. May be used with irony among friends familiar with pop culture.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sex kitten”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sex kitten”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sex kitten”
- Using it as a compliment without understanding its potentially objectifying and dated nature.
- Applying it to men (highly atypical).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, no. It is often seen as a reductive, sexist, and objectifying label that focuses on a constructed sexual persona rather than talent or character.
Extremely rarely. The term is strongly gendered feminine. A roughly equivalent term for men might be 'heartthrob' or 'lothario', but these lack the specific 'kittenish' quality.
No, its peak usage was in the mid-20th century. It is now considered dated and is mainly used in historical reference or with deliberate irony.
A 'femme fatale' is dangerous, mysterious, and often leads men to ruin. A 'sex kitten' is playful, coquettish, and alluring in a more overt and less threatening way.
A person, typically a woman, perceived as having a sexually alluring, playful, and provocative demeanor or persona.
Sex kitten is usually informal, slang in register.
Sex kitten: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛks ˌkɪt(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛks ˌkɪtn̩/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a playful kitten, but with the added connotation of deliberate sexual allure.
Conceptual Metaphor
SEXUAL ATTRACTION IS ANIMAL MAGNETISM (specifically feline playfulness).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the term 'sex kitten' be LEAST appropriate?