phone-sex
UK[ˈfəʊn sɛks]US[ˈfoʊn sɛks]
n
A type of sexual activity or conversation involving sexually explicit talk conducted over the telephone, often for a fee.
Morpheme Breakdown
phone
sex
phone
instrument
sex
activity
Etymology
The term is a modern compound, formed in the late 20th century from two well-established English words. 'Phone' is a shortening of 'telephone', itself derived from Greek elements meaning 'far sound'. 'Sex' originates from Latin 'sexus', relating to biological division. The compound logically combines the medium of communication ('phone') with the nature of the activity ('sex'), creating a specific term for a technologically mediated intimate interaction. It exemplifies how language rapidly forms new, transparent compounds to label novel social and commercial phenomena.
Analysis
Structure: phone (instrument) + sex (activity)
- phone: From Greek 'phōnē' (sound, voice). In this compound, it functions as a combining form meaning an instrument for transmitting sound or voice.
- sex: From Latin 'sexus' (state of being male or female, gender). In this compound, it functions as a noun denoting sexual activity or matters.
Examples
Some chat lines were notorious for offering paid phone-sex services.
The film included a humorous scene where a character accidentally dials a phone-sex line.
Regulations concerning the advertising of phone-sex numbers vary by country.