Have you ever come across a word that made you feel a little bit naughty, only to find out later that it was completely innocent? We all have, and it’s a common occurrence in the English language. Here are some words that sound naughty but aren’t:
Trombone
When you hear the word “trombone,” you might think of something dirty. However, a trombone is a musical instrument that is made of brass and has a slide that allows the player to change the length of the tube, producing different notes.
Moist
The word “moist” has become infamous for its ability to make people cringe, but it’s really just an adjective that describes something that is slightly wet. It’s commonly used to describe baked goods, like cakes and brownies, that are soft and flavorful.
Package
While “package” might sound like a euphemism for something dirty, it’s really just a noun that refers to a container that holds something else. You might receive a package in the mail, for example, that contains a new pair of shoes.
Pecker
While “pecker” might sound like a vulgar term for a certain part of the male anatomy, it’s actually a common name for several species of birds, including woodpeckers and chickadees.
Cocktail
The word “cocktail” might sound like something that’s inappropriate to talk about in polite company, but it’s really just a mixed drink that contains alcohol and other ingredients. Some popular cocktails include the margarita, the daiquiri, and the martini.
Balls
When you hear the word “balls,” you might think of something dirty, but it’s really just a plural noun that refers to small, round objects. Balls can be used in many different ways, from playing sports to decorating your home.
Bush
The word “bush” might sound like a euphemism for something dirty, but it’s really just a noun that refers to a plant with woody stems and leaves. Bushes can be found in many different climates and are often used in landscaping to create natural barriers and borders.
Bang
When you hear the word “bang,” you might think of something dirty, but it’s really just a noun that refers to a loud, sudden noise. Bangs can be made by guns, fireworks, and other loud objects.
Beaver
While “beaver” might sound like a vulgar term for female genitalia, it’s really just an animal that lives in the water and has a flat, wide tail. Beavers are known for their ability to build dams and lodges.
Nuts
The word “nuts” might sound like something that’s inappropriate to talk about in polite company, but it’s really just a plural noun that refers to small, hard objects that are found inside shells. Nuts can be eaten as a snack, added to recipes, or used in many other ways.
Bonkers
The word “bonkers” might sound like something that’s inappropriate to say, but it’s really just an adjective that describes something that’s crazy or absurd. You might say that a movie you watched was “bonkers” if it was particularly weird or nonsensical.
Willy
While “willy” might sound like a vulgar term for male genitalia, it’s really just a nickname for the name William. Many people named William go by the nickname “Willy.”
Assorted
The word “assorted” might sound like something that’s inappropriate to say, but it’s really just an adjective that describes a collection of different things. You might buy a bag of “assorted” candy, for example, that contains several different types of sweets.
Buns
While “buns” might sound like a vulgar term for buttocks, it’s really just a type of bread that is round and has a flat top. Buns are often used to make sandwiches, like hamburgers and hot dogs.
Cream
The word “cream” might sound like something that’s inappropriate to talk about, but it’s really just a noun that refers to a thick, white liquid that’s made from milk. Cream can be used in many different recipes, from soups and sauces to desserts like ice cream and whipped cream.
Fanny
While “fanny” might sound like a vulgar term for female genitalia, it’s really just a nickname for the name Frances. Many people named Frances go by the nickname “Fanny.”
Knob
When you hear the word “knob,” you might think of something dirty, but it’s really just a noun that refers to a small, round handle that’s used to open doors or turn on lights. Knobs can be made out of many different materials, including metal, plastic, and wood.
Pickle
The word “pickle” might sound like something that’s inappropriate to talk about, but it’s really just a vegetable, like a cucumber, that has been soaked in vinegar or brine to preserve it. Pickles are often eaten as a snack or used in recipes, like sandwiches and salads.
Spotted
The word “spotted” might sound like something that’s inappropriate to say, but it’s really just an adjective that describes something that has spots or markings on it. You might describe a dog as “spotted” if it has patches of different colors on its coat.
Stiff
The word “stiff” might sound like something that’s inappropriate to say, but it’s really just an adjective that describes something that is firm or rigid. You might describe a board as “stiff,” for example, if it’s difficult to bend or flex.
Thong
While “thong” might sound like a vulgar term for underwear, it’s really just a type of sandal that has a strap that runs between the toes. Thong sandals are popular in warm climates and are often worn at the beach or around the pool.
