Synonym a Day

Sophisticated alternatives to common words

February 23, 2012

You're reading the: idiom, Usage analysis column.

sex (idiom): slap and tickle

listed in idiom, Usage analysis

This chiefly British term usually refers to sexual activity short of intercourse, such as cuddling or kissing, but sometimes refers to intercourse itself.  Cole Porter famously used the term in his song “Most Gentlemen Don’t Like Love”: “As Madam Sappho in some sonnet said / ‘A slap and a tickle / Is all that the fickle / Male / Ever has in his head.’”]

We fear for Callum Best’s taste. The dishy son of [soccer star] George Best has found himself a rather unfortunate new friend—Jordan. . . . After rejecting most of London’s finest ladies he has turned to big-boobed Jordan for a spot of fun. But instead of a bit of slap and tickle, the pair enjoy shopping together. It’ll be games of chess next. (Jessica Callan, “3 a.m.: Booby Prize,” Mirror [London], 10/5/2001.)

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