crotch

USAGE SUMMARY

"crotch" is a valid word in written English.
It is used to refer to the area between the legs or the area in tight-fitting pants where the legs join the hips. For example: "I had a hard time sitting in the car due to the tightness of my jeans in the crotch area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

You only need to look at the tie, pointing insistently to the male crotch, to recognise this.

The Guardian

"Oh," he said, looked down at his crotch, and offered me a beer.

The Guardian - Opinion

Back then, not only did this involve excruciating hours by the roadside, it was also downright dangerous, with risks ranging from crotch lunges – of which I recall a few – all the way to serial killers.

The Guardian - Travel

And the plot only thickened when I went in search of my favourite Jilly, Polo, where a female hand groping a male crotch seems to have been replaced in newer editions by some dirty knees.

The Guardian - Books

Teenagers need to experiment with stupid trends, join their peers in sporting tattered neon wristbands or dropped crotch monkey jeans, and traumatise parents with slapped-on clown makeup.

The Guardian - Opinion

VV Brown is a musician If I never see another photo of Miley Cyrus gyrating on the crotch of an older male musician ever again, it will be too soon.

The Guardian - Opinion

What about female (and male) bottoms, singers' crotch shots, David Beckham's ill-concealed genitalia or naked female flesh in general?

The Guardian - Opinion

When the comedian shouted in protest, the mysterious arm grabbed for his crotch.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Yet here too Ms George finds heroes: the "flushers" who don crotch-high waders and do battle with everything that is dropped down drains or stuffed down manholes, from cotton-buds (the perfect size to block filters) to congealed fat from restaurants; from mobile phones to the occasional dead Mafioso.

The Economist

Mr Abdulmutallab's crotch-bomb failed to explode properly.

The Economist

There is glitz enough in what remains: a dazzling cabaret of sequinned hotpants, crotch-hugging bell-bottoms and boozy Allied Forces socials in a requisitioned palazzo in the Second World War, while Sarah Connolly's Medea does what operatic heroines do and becomes a monstrous icon of herself.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sensitive topics, consider your audience and choose the most appropriate term. "Crotch" can be considered vulgar in some contexts, so a more clinical or euphemistic term might be preferable.

Common error

Avoid using the word "crotch" in formal or professional settings, as it is generally considered informal and potentially offensive. Opt for more neutral terms like "groin" or "pelvic region" when necessary.

Linguistic Context

The word "crotch" functions primarily as a noun, referring to the area where the legs meet the torso or the forked part of a garment. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a valid term in written English. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its usage in various contexts, often related to anatomy or clothing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "crotch" is a common noun that refers to the area where the legs meet the torso or the forked part of a garment. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a valid word in written English. However, it carries a level of informality and can be considered vulgar in certain contexts. The primary communicative purpose is to specifically identify or describe this area. While frequently used in News & Media, it's less appropriate for formal or scientific writing, where terms like "groin" or "pelvic region" would be more suitable. Remember to consider your audience and the intended tone when deciding whether to use the word "crotch".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

groin

A more clinical and anatomical term for the same area.

private parts

A more general and euphemistic term.

genitals

A formal and medical term for the reproductive organs.

nether region

An indirect and somewhat humorous term.

lap

Refers to the front area from the knees to the waist when sitting; less precise.

inseam area

Specifically refers to the part of clothing covering the area.

lower body

A very general term encompassing the area.

pelvic region

A broad anatomical term.

area between the legs

A descriptive but less common phrase.

seat

Refers to the part of clothing covering the buttocks and upper thighs; even less precise.

FAQs

How can I use "crotch" in a sentence?

You can use "crotch" to refer to the area between the legs, as in "The bomb was strapped to his "crotch"" or to the forked part of trousers.

What is a less offensive word for "crotch"?

Depending on the context, you can use "groin", "pelvic area", or "private parts" as alternatives.

Is it appropriate to use the word "crotch" in formal writing?

Generally, no. "Crotch" is considered an informal term. More formal alternatives include "groin" or "pelvic region".

What does "crotch" refer to in clothing?

In clothing, "crotch" refers to the part of the garment that covers the area between the legs, particularly in trousers or underwear.