WordGarden.iopriapic
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /prˈaɪəpˌɪk/
US
Meanings
Adjective
marked by crude or excessive sexual desire or suggestiveness
resembling or relating to an erect penis; phallic
Beyond the definition
The term "priapic" comes from Priapus, the Greek god linked with fertility and famously shown with a constant erection. In plain use, it usually describes something phallic, sexually excited, or strongly shaped by male sexual desire. In medical writing, it can also refer to the state behind priapism, an erection that lasts too long. You are more likely to see the word in literary or critical writing than in everyday speech, where it adds a deliberate tone of sexual excess or awkwardly forceful masculinity.
The word "priapic" comes from Priapus, an ancient Greek god associated with fertility and commonly shown in art with an exaggerated, permanent erection. Because of that image, the word developed meanings tied to the phallus, sexual arousal, and an excessive or even embarrassing display of male sexual energy.
At its most literal and clinical, "priapic" can relate to priapism, a medical condition involving an abnormally prolonged erection. That medical sense exists, but outside technical contexts the word is more often used in literary, historical, or critical writing.
More often, "priapic" describes a person, image, style, or mood that seems openly phallic or driven by male lust. A historian might discuss "priapic symbols" in ancient art. A critic might call a novel or film "priapic" if it is filled with crude sexual display, swaggering masculinity, or a heavy focus on the male body. In that kind of use, the word is usually not neutral. It often suggests that the sexuality being described is excessive, comic, vulgar, or uncomfortable.
Because of its roots in phallic imagery, the word can sound provocative or academic depending on the context. It is not a common everyday word, but when writers choose it, they usually want to suggest more than simple sexuality. They are pointing to something overtly male, erect, lustful, or absurdly virile, often with a hint of criticism rather than praise.
Examples
- 1
Roman art
The guide pointed out a small priapic statue in the corner of the Roman gallery.
- 2
Literary humor
His poems move from delicate love scenes to sudden priapic jokes.
- Phrasepriapic jokes
crude sexual jokes, usually with male sexual imagery
- 3
Film criticism
The film mocks the priapic swagger of old action heroes.
- Phrasepriapic swagger
exaggerated, boastful masculinity with a sexual tone
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- priapicadjective