marital aid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "marital aid" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to devices or products designed to enhance sexual intimacy between partners in a marriage or committed relationship. Example: "The store offers a variety of marital aids to help couples explore their intimacy in a fun and healthy way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

He made a joke about the pepper grinder doubling "as a marital aid".

The New Yorker

Expect doo-wop, blues, empowerment anthems and a romantic ballad directed toward what used to be called a marital aid.

The New York Times

It was designed as a marital aid, and its vocabulary should follow natural biological rhythms and stick with hot-button words in order to produce a predictable climax.

The Guardian - Opinion

The writer Nick Tosches has said that it looks like "an otherworldly marital aid of inscrutable purpose for the brides of Satan".

The New York Times

In most urban areas, and certainly in the popular imagination, sex toys are associated with either pornography (which, while arguably a marital aid, is seldom marketed as such) or female self-determination in the bedroom.

The New York Times - Magazine

The shoes, sunglasses and quilted jacket have apparently already sold out, leaving only one item available: it retails for £50, is described as a "skin-safe, odourless and tasteless platinum silicon product", and looks suspiciously like what would once have been tactfully called a marital aid.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

They used to call those things marital aids.

The Guardian

By following the Duggars' example, marital aids can be sensibly repurposed.

The New Yorker

He's the kind of singer whose seductive songs double as marital aids.

The New York Times - Arts

Perhaps because of this manufacturers have spent a fortune over the past decade on a plethora of "parking aids" (marital aids might have been a better name).

The Guardian - Tech

As remote in appearance from the "marital aids" hawked at pornography shops as an Eames chair is from a straw stool, it was displayed under glass.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the term "marital aid", consider your audience and the context. It can be a euphemistic and less explicit way to refer to sex toys, suitable for more conservative or general audiences.

Common error

Avoid using "marital aid" in contexts where a more direct term like "sex toy" is appropriate or expected, as it may come across as prudish or evasive. Be mindful of the tone and intended audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "marital aid" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a euphemistic substitute for more direct terms like "sex toy". Ludwig identifies its use in various news and media contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

7%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "marital aid" serves as a euphemistic term for devices that enhance sexual intimacy within a marriage, as confirmed by Ludwig. While grammatically correct, its usage is relatively uncommon, primarily appearing in news and media sources where discretion is valued. More direct terms like "sex toy" or "intimacy product" may be more appropriate in other contexts. Ludwig's analysis underscores the importance of considering audience and tone when choosing between "marital aid" and its alternatives. The term is a reminder that communication about sensitive topics requires careful consideration of language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sex toy

Uses a direct and common term.

sexual enhancement device

Replaces "marital aid" with a more clinical and explicit term.

erotic device

A more suggestive term for a sex toy.

intimacy product

Uses a broader term to refer to any product designed to improve intimacy.

couples' device

Highlights the use of the device by couples.

pleasure object

Emphasizes the object's purpose of providing pleasure.

adult novelty

Employs a more general term for sex toys.

relationship enhancer

Focuses on the product's ability to improve the overall relationship.

bedroom accessory

Refers to the item as an addition to the bedroom environment.

personal massager

Euphemistic term often used to discreetly refer to vibrators or similar devices.

FAQs

What is a "marital aid"?

A "marital aid" is a euphemism for a device or product intended to enhance sexual intimacy between partners in a marriage or committed relationship. Common examples include sex toys or intimacy enhancers.

What can I say instead of "marital aid"?

You can use alternatives like "sex toy", "intimacy product", or "couples' device" depending on the context.

Is the term "marital aid" outdated?

While "marital aid" isn't as common as it once was, it's still used, particularly in more conservative circles or when trying to be discreet. More direct terms like "sex toy" are now more prevalent in mainstream discussions.

In what context is it appropriate to use "marital aid"?

The term "marital aid" is most appropriate in contexts where you want to avoid explicit language, such as in certain news articles, advice columns, or discussions with more sensitive audiences. It is also appropriate when marketing the item to specific niches or demographics.