horny

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "horny" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a state of sexual arousal or desire. Example: "After watching that romantic movie, I felt a bit horny and wanted to cuddle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

It's popular with naturists, and with wandering Retinto cattle – don't be surprised to meet something red and horny.

The Guardian - Travel

Three years later, in June 1975, a single camera captured what became known as the "Gargoyle shot" that appeared to show a large head with horny protrusions (see here) and another photo of what seemed to be the entire creature (here).

The Guardian

This is lesbian life painted so that straight people can understand it: the traumatic coming-out scenes at school, the nervous sortie into the provincial lesbian bar (I have travelled the dyke world, by the way, and this Sapphic Studio 54 only exists in a horny chick's dreams).

The Guardian - Film

Expect imaginative lo fi scares and tales of horny guys getting what they deserve.

The Guardian - Film

The West Bank pimpernel pops up Shilly-shally Reconciliation is as elusive as ever A peace plan under threat Getting horny ReprintsYet poaching and illegal trading are rife in Zimbabwe and Congo.

The Economist

Brace yourself St Louis blues Why textbooks cost so much Not so horny A genie of jest Chuck Hagel's world ReprintsEverything he did looked effortless.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Gone are the horny-handed sons of toil straight from the mines and the factory floor.

The Economist

If the government can bail out greedy bankers, they reason, surely it can help horny-handed workers keep their jobs.

The Economist

Britain's middle-class voters were persuaded that by "the many", he meant them, not just Old Labour's horny-handed supporters; "the few" were the rich businessmen and City traders who had prospered under the Tories.

The Economist

This was the smart cosmopolitan who folded up the red flag and put a red rose in its place, who saw nothing wrong in people becoming "filthy rich", and who poked fun last summer at the idea that Labour owed a special debt to "horny-handed, dirty-overalled people".

The Economist

Horny-handed, they cram onto benches in the dining hall of the local school, chattering until elders walk in.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience and the context when using the word "horny". While it is a recognized term, its use may be inappropriate in formal or professional settings. Opt for more neutral or clinical terms like "sexually aroused" in those instances.

Common error

Avoid using the term "horny" in formal writing or professional communications. Its informal and sometimes vulgar connotation can detract from your message and undermine your credibility. Select alternative phrases to maintain an appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "horny" primarily functions to describe a state of sexual arousal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples show its usage to indicate sexual excitement or desire.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

46%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "horny" is a grammatically sound adjective most frequently used to denote sexual arousal, although it can also describe horn-like qualities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While commonly found in News & Media and Encyclopedias, its informal register suggests caution in formal contexts. Semantically related alternatives include "sexually aroused" and "turned on", with usage tips highlighting the importance of considering audience and context for appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turned on

Common idiom for feeling sexual attraction or arousal.

sexually aroused

More clinical and less colloquial term for the same state.

randy

Informal synonym, often implying eagerness or aggression.

lustful

Suggests a strong and often uncontrolled sexual desire.

in heat

Often used to describe the mating period of animals; can be applied to humans informally.

lecherous

Suggests excessive or offensive sexual desire.

aphrodisiac

Describes something causing sexual desire.

rutting

Specifically refers to the mating season in certain animals, implying heightened sexual drive.

on fire

Figurative expression implying strong passion or desire.

ardent

Describes intense feelings, including sexual desire, with a sense of passion.

FAQs

What does "horny" mean?

The word "horny" primarily means sexually aroused. It can also refer to something made of or resembling horn.

What can I say instead of "horny"?

You can use alternatives like "sexually aroused", "randy", or "turned on" depending on the context.

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

No, it is generally not appropriate to use the word "horny" in formal writing. It is considered an informal and sometimes vulgar term. Consider using more neutral or clinical alternatives such as "sexually aroused".

What's the difference between "horny" and "lustful"?

"Horny" generally implies a state of sexual arousal or desire. "Lustful" suggests a strong, intense, and often uncontrolled sexual desire, potentially implying a more consuming passion.