sixty-nine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1The numerical sense is formal/neutral. The slang sense is highly informal, colloquial, and often vulgar.
Quick answer
What does “sixty-nine” mean?
The cardinal number equivalent to the product of six and ten, plus nine.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The cardinal number equivalent to the product of six and ten, plus nine.
Informal slang term for a mutual oral sex act, from the positional resemblance to the numeral 69.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning for either the numeral or the slang term. Both are equally recognized.
Connotations
Identical strong sexual connotations in informal contexts in both varieties.
Frequency
The numeral is common. The slang term's frequency is dependent on register and context, not geographic variety.
Grammar
How to Use “sixty-nine” in a Sentence
NUMBER (sixty-nine) of NOUNbe + NUMBER (sixty-nine)at + NUMBER (sixty-nine)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sixty-nine” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The sixty-nine participants completed the survey.
- He owns a rare 'sixty-nine' edition of the book.
American English
- The sixty-nine participants completed the survey.
- She found sixty-nine errors in the manuscript.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in specific numerical data (e.g., 'sixty-nine units sold'). The slang is never used.
Academic
Used in mathematics, statistics, history (e.g., 'in the year 69 AD'). The slang is never used.
Everyday
Common for the number. The slang sense is known but used only in specific, very informal social contexts.
Technical
As a numerical value only.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sixty-nine”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sixty-nine”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sixty-nine”
- Using the slang term in formal or inappropriate contexts. Spelling as 'sixty nine' (without hyphen) is common but the hyphenated form is standard for the numeral adjective.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. As a pure number, it is neutral. The vulgar connotation applies only to its use as slang for a specific sexual act, which is highly context-dependent.
Yes, in most informal contexts and data fields, the numeral '69' is perfectly acceptable and often preferred. In formal prose, it is usually written out as 'sixty-nine'.
It is a visual metaphor. The shape of the numeral '69' resembles two people facing each other's genitalia in mutual oral sex, hence the slang.
Not direct synonyms in common English. The act is usually described with more clinical or euphemistic phrasing (e.g., 'mutual oral sex'). The French borrowing 'soixante-neuf' is sometimes used with a slightly more knowing or euphemistic tone.
The cardinal number equivalent to the product of six and ten, plus nine.
Sixty-nine is usually the numerical sense is formal/neutral. the slang sense is highly informal, colloquial, and often vulgar. in register.
Sixty-nine: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɪk.sti ˈnaɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɪk.sti ˈnaɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a clock: the 6 is at the bottom, the 9 is at the top. This visual resembles the slang term's namesake position.
Conceptual Metaphor
NUMERAL SHAPE AS BODILY POSITION (for the slang sense).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'sixty-nine' most likely be interpreted in its informal, slang sense?