sexual antics

USAGE SUMMARY

"sexual antics" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
Example sentence: The tabloids were quick to pick up on the celebrity couple's sexual antics.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

No doubt their sexual antics will be seen again at some point.

Independent

Others criticise her for standing by her man despite being publicly humiliated by his sexual antics.

The Economist

Hudgens says the spontaneous nudity and sexual antics occurring two feet away freaked her out.

The Guardian - Film

All this because a respected Democratic senator, a close Friend of Bill, delivered a sizzling condemnation Thursday on the Senate floor of President Clinton's sexual antics.

The Washington Post

Their arrest of Dominique Strauss-Khan and investigation into his sexual antics here last year doomed whatever hopes he had of becoming the next French president.

The New York Times

But where Alexander Portnoy's neuroses and sexual antics marked him as a new kind of American, Raphäel Schlemilovitch's exploits put him in a cultural no man's land.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

This laying bare of language is matched by Angel's radical unveiling of her own sexual life: the antics of what she beautifully calls "the lubricious body".

The Guardian - Books

Expected are the Rolling Stone drug induced antics, sexual escapades, and belligerent disregard toward authority.

Huffington Post

An Ink Blot Magazine review called Bizarre Ride "the most fun album ever", and stated: NME (December 25 , 1993 p. 67) – Ranked No. 39 in New Musical Express' list of 'The Top 50 LPs Of 1993' – "...a cartoon-strip of blunt-smoking antics, sexual innuendo and unashamed political incorrectness, crammed with infectious funky beats...."....

Wikipedia

There is a gaping chasm between normal college antics and sexual assault.

Huffington Post

Grinchout was the event, consisting of two large empty barn spaces on the banks of the River Orwell, a 15K sound rig, a large field readymade for drink driving antics and sexual congress, and a collection of older youth who were to my eyes, sheer veterans of the jungle scene.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sexual antics", consider your audience and the context. It can be a humorous term but may be inappropriate in formal or sensitive situations. Choose language that is respectful and avoids causing offense.

Common error

Don't use "sexual antics" to downplay serious offenses like sexual harassment or assault. These terms describe criminal behaviors and should never be trivialized.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sexual antics" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a set of actions or behaviors related to sexual activity. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various narrative and descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sexual antics" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a range of sexual behaviors, often with a playful or critical tone. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. While it appears most frequently in News & Media sources, its usage spans across various contexts including academia and informal conversations. It's important to use this phrase judiciously, considering the audience and the potential for misinterpretation. Be careful not to confuse this with sexual harrasment, which is an illegal offense.

Alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sexual escapades

This alternative highlights the adventurous and unrestrained nature of the sexual activities.

sexual misadventures

This term emphasizes the problematic or scandalous aspects of the sexual behavior.

sexual high jinks

This alternative adds a playful and mischievous tone to the description.

amorous adventures

This phrase focuses on the romantic and exploratory nature of the sexual activities.

licentious behavior

This alternative emphasizes the unrestrained and immoral nature of the conduct.

randy behavior

Highlights the lewd and crude nature of sexual actions.

FAQs

How can I use "sexual antics" in a sentence?

You can use "sexual antics" to describe playful or mischievous sexual behavior, such as "The play featured several scenes of the characters' "sexual antics"".

What's a more formal alternative to "sexual antics"?

More formal alternatives include "sexual impropriety" or "illicit affairs", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "sexual antics" in professional settings?

In most professional settings, "sexual antics" would be considered inappropriate due to its potentially suggestive and informal nature. Consider using more neutral or formal language.

What is the difference between "sexual antics" and "sexual harassment"?

"Sexual antics" generally refers to consensual, often playful or mischievous, sexual behavior. "Sexual harassment", on the other hand, is unwelcome or offensive sexual behavior that creates a hostile environment.