sex shop: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-Medium (C1+)Informal, Neutral
Quick answer
What does “sex shop” mean?
A retail establishment that sells products related to sexual activity, pleasure, and intimacy.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A retail establishment that sells products related to sexual activity, pleasure, and intimacy.
A store specializing in merchandise such as sex toys, lingerie, erotic literature, DVDs, lubricants, fetish clothing, and novelty items intended for adult use, often associated with an open and non-judgmental attitude towards sexuality.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling remains the same. In American English, 'adult store', 'adult novelty shop', or 'pleasure shop' are common synonyms. In British English, 'sex shop' is the dominant, most widely understood term.
Connotations
Equally direct in both varieties. It may carry a slight historical association with seedy or backstreet locations, though modern establishments often aim for a clean, boutique-like, or educational image.
Frequency
More frequent in UK media and everyday speech as the default term. In the US, 'adult store' or similar euphemisms are often used in more formal or discreet contexts, though 'sex shop' is perfectly common.
Grammar
How to Use “sex shop” in a Sentence
[Verb] + sex shop: enter, own, frequent, regulate[Adjective] + sex shop: upmarket, seedy, feminist-orientedVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sex shop” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The council refused to sex-shop-ify the high street.
- They planned to sex-shop the empty unit.
American English
- The city council moved to de-sex-shop the downtown area.
- They debated whether to allow the property to be sex-shopped.
adverb
British English
- The products were displayed sex-shop openly.
- [Rare usage]
American English
- The website was designed sex-shop discreetly.
- [Rare usage]
adjective
British English
- It had a sex-shop vibe, with dark windows and neon.
- He made a sex-shop purchase online.
American English
- The district had a sex-shop feel to it after dark.
- It was a sex-shop item, not sold in regular stores.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In retail zoning laws, licensing applications, and commercial property descriptions.
Academic
In sociological, cultural studies, or gender studies papers discussing commerce and sexuality.
Everyday
In informal conversation when discussing where to purchase specific adult products.
Technical
In legal texts pertaining to licensing of 'sex establishments' or 'adult entertainment premises'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sex shop”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sex shop”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sex shop”
- Using plural 'sexs shop' (incorrect compound formation).
- Confusing with 'sex toy shop' (which is a subtype).
- Capitalising as a proper noun when not a brand name.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a direct, neutral, and factual term. It is not vulgar, but due to its subject matter, it is used in appropriate contexts. More euphemistic terms like 'adult store' or 'intimacy boutique' are often considered slightly more polite or discreet.
This depends heavily on local laws and community standards. In many places, they are subject to specific zoning regulations and may be restricted to certain industrial or commercial zones, not mainstream high streets.
Historically, an 'adult bookstore' focused primarily on magazines and videos, often with private viewing booths. A 'sex shop' has a broader inventory including toys, lingerie, and accessories. Today, the terms often overlap, but 'sex shop' is more comprehensive.
It can be used in formal contexts like academic papers, legal documents, or news reports when precision is required. However, in very formal or conservative contexts, alternatives like 'adult retail outlet' or 'licensed sex establishment' might be preferred.
A retail establishment that sells products related to sexual activity, pleasure, and intimacy.
Sex shop: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛks ʃɒp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛks ʃɑːp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly associated]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SHOP for SEX-related items. Simple compound: SEX + SHOP.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMERCE IS A GATEWAY TO PLEASURE; SEXUALITY IS A COMMODITY.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a key factor in the modern branding of many sex shops?