Girlology: A Girl's Guide to Stuff that Matters

Some of the words we think you need to know are listed below. Some words that we think you don’t need to know are also listed below. We put them there because we know you hear them anyway, and you deserve to at least know what they mean, so you can find “better” words to use in their place. By the time you have finished this book, you should know what all of them mean. Beside the words we have listed, you can also add the slang words that mean the same thing (it’s okay, really!). We want you to feel comfortable asking about words you don’t fully understand. We also want you to feel free to add other words to this list. If we don’t cover them here, ask a parent or another trusted adult. When you feel embarrassed, just remember that they probably feel just as awkward answering as you feel asking! Here’s your new vocabulary list:Abortion (termination of pregnancy)—An abortion is a medical or surgical procedure that removes a pregnancy from a woman’s uterus to end the pregnancy.Birth control (the pill, condoms, the patch, the shot) Breasts (boobs, tits, titties, jugs, bosoms, bust) Clitoris (clit)Condom (glove, rubber, prophylactic, Trojan) Douche—We don’t know any slang terms for this one, but a douche is a device that some women use to wash out their vagina. It is not recommended. In fact, it can cause problems with infection.Ejaculation (cum . . . see orgasm) Homosexual (gay, queer, dyke, faggot/fag, lesbian, homo) Horny (blue balls, hot) Kissing (making out, sucking face, slipping the tongue) Lust (crush) Masturbation (jerk off, whack off, playing with yourself ) Menstruation (period, cycle, “aunt flo,” monthly, the curse, my little friend) Oral sex (cunnilingus, fellatio, going down, blow job) Orgasm (cum/come, climax, the Big O) Penis (dick, pecker, weenie, unit . . . and lots more!)Petting (making out, feeling up, second base, third base, hand job) Prostitute (whore, slut, skank)—A prostitute is a person who has sex for money, shelter, drugs or other “things.”Sex (sexual intercourse, coitus, making love, going all the way, doing it, doing the deed, getting laid, scoring, screwing, and yes, the f*** word) Sexual harassment (coming on too strong)Sexually transmitted infection (STD, clap, drip, herpes, crabs) Testicles (balls, nuts, the family jewels, nads) Uterus (womb) Vagina (pussy)

“Bad” Words

Did you read some words that flipped you out or made you laugh? Are you afraid that your mom is going to freak out if she reads this book now?

Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me. We know you’ve heard that old expression. It’s true, kinda. Words won’t really hurt you physically, but they can hurt your feelings and make you feel yucky about yourself.

And people use certain words that can make you, your body, your sexuality and sex seem nasty and cheap. Words themselves (even words about sex and your body) aren’t bad. It’s just that some people use words to put down what is the really beautiful, amazing and normal development of teenage bodies and sexuality.

Most of these “bad” words are about our body parts or things we do with our bodies. Why do people feel like they have to use silly or not-so-nice words to talk about things that are a normal part of life?! Can you think of some reasons people might do that? Maybe:

They don’t feel comfortable with the topic.

They don’t know the real or proper words to use for what they want to say.

They are copying negative attitudes towards sex and bodies they see in movies, magazines, on the Internet and on TV.

They think the words are funny or risqué to say, and they get attention by saying them.

Bet you can think of some of the words that people use when they could be using nicer, more proper words.

There’s Nothing Wrong with a Little Curiosity

Trust us. Curiosity about words people use for sex and body parts will not harm you or get you in trouble. It’s how you use words that can get you in trouble. In this book, there are no words that are “bad.” There are just words you need to understand. Remember, curiosity is normal, knowledge is power and language is powerful! Just because you know what all these words mean doesn’t mean you will start using them in your daily conversations (please!).

Understanding what different words mean helps you gain a little power over the people who use them in “not-so-nice” ways. When you hear people using “bad” words, you will know that they often do that to shock others, to be mean or to show off. Then you can look at them with a look that says:

“I think my body is pretty cool and amazing and beautiful, and I’m not into talking nasty about it.”

or

“Oh, you must be uninformed