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Article published In:
Journal of Language and Sexuality
Vol. 12:1 (2023) ► pp.46–72

Provocative euphemism in pornographic film titles

A critical analysis

| Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha , Spain

Following a critical discourse-analytic approach, this study explores the role of euphemistic language in a corpus of titles of pornographic films designed for heterosexual male consumption that were nominated and awarded in the different categories of the AVN (Adult Video News) Awards, also known as “Oscars of Porn”, from 2015 to 2020. The analysis demonstrates that provocative euphemism contributes to the discursive representation of gender and sexual stereotypes that fall under a dominant heteronormative discourse in which female characters are represented both as victims of male dominance and as perverted, sex-crazed animals. This study also reveals that in the context of male supremacy that straight pornography seems to exalt, the sexist and misogynistic connotations that euphemistic references carry are used with a strategic purpose intended to attract the interest of pornography consumers, stimulate their curiosity, and ultimately make them buy, rent or stream the film.

Keywords: pornography, sexual taboo, euphemism, gender, heteronormativity, critical discourse studies, metaphor
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Theoretical and analytical framework
  • 3.Delimiting euphemism
  • 4.Corpus and methodology
  • 5.Results and discussion
  • 6.Concluding remarks
  • Notes
  • References
Published online: 2 February 2023
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/jls.21001.cre
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