sex-negative
|sex-neg-a-tive|
/ˈsɛksˌnɛɡətɪv/
negative about sex
Etymology
'sex-negative' originates from English, specifically a compound of 'sex' and 'negative'. 'sex' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'sexus', where 'sexus' meant 'sexual distinction/sex'; 'negative' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'negativus' (from 'negare'), where 'negare' meant 'to deny'.
'sex' entered English from Latin 'sexus' (with Old French 'sexe' influencing Middle English usage) and remained as 'sex' in modern English; 'negative' came into English via Old French 'negatif' from Latin 'negativus'. The compound form 'sex-negative' arose in late 20th/early 21st-century discourse to contrast with 'sex-positive'.
Initially, 'sex' referred to biological distinction and 'negative' to denial; combined, the compound evolved to describe attitudes, policies, or ideologies that view sex as undesirable, harmful, or morally wrong, especially in contrast to 'sex-positive' perspectives.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
describing an attitude, person, or viewpoint that is negative about sexual activity or sexuality; viewing sex (especially non-procreative or non-marital sex) as morally wrong, dangerous, or undesirable.
Many critics argued that the policy was sex-negative because it punished consensual adult behavior.
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Adjective 2
describing policies, institutions, or cultural norms that suppress, stigmatize, or regulate sexuality (for example, education or laws that emphasize abstinence or censor sexual expression).
Sex-negative policies in schools often emphasize abstinence and censor sexual education.
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Last updated: 2025/12/29 14:53