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The meaning and origin of the expression: Marital aid

Marital aid

What's the meaning of the phrase 'Marital aid'?

A euphemism for a sex toy or any device intended to enhance sexual stimulation.

What's the origin of the phrase 'Marital aid'?

The USA has in recent years become the world centre for the coinage of euphemisms. Many these derive from double-talk regarding war and death; for example, 'collateral damage', 'regime change', 'extraordinary rendition' etc. Of course, sex is the other major topic that is replete with euphemisms. The USA doesn't disappoint there either, with recent additions 'light in the loafers', 'chubby chaser', 'carpet muncher' etc. The coy term 'marital aid' is from that same tradition.

Martial aidThe first reference I can find to 'marital aids' in print is from the California newspaper The Valley News And Green Sheet, August 1969, in an advertisement for that oasis of adult entertainment, North Hollywood's Erotica Theater and Bookstore.

 

Gary Martin - the author of the phrases.org.uk website.

By Gary Martin

Gary Martin is a writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

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