When Kurt Andersen became the editor of New York Magazine, he compiled a list of “irritating words” he wished his writers would avoid. At the age of 32, I discussed this list on Cup of Jo, and I also included a term I personally despised: moist.
Moist? No thanks, that’s unpleasant. Describing banana bread as moist made it sound intimate. And I really disliked the word vagina. It felt strange, almost yucky. I shied away from using it, even in a doctor’s office. *shudders*
I certainly wasn’t the only one. In 2012, The New Yorker posed the question to their Twitter followers about which word should be banned from the English language. “Ultimately, there was a clear least favorite,” they stated. “Moist.” Five years after that, food writer Emily Johnson even expressed this societal dislike in her Bon Appetit article “Stop Getting Mad at Me for Using the Word ‘Moist,’” arguing that “you can only call a chicken thigh juicy so many times.”
@amazonmgmstudios Some prefer it wet. Others opt for dry. Your choice. Catch Rosamund Pike in Saltburn, hitting select theaters this Friday and everywhere by Thanksgiving
♬ original sound – Amazon MGM Studios
And have you seen that scene in Saltburn? “I was a lesbian for a time, you know,” the mother remarks. “But it ended up being a bit too wet for me. Men are just so lovely and dry.”
Well.
As I’ve aged, and luckily the culture has evolved (shout out to Broad City for boldly celebrating women’s bodies and desires), the terms moist, wet, and damp now feel warm and inviting to me, filled with allure. They evoke thoughts of women? Of intimacy? Wonderful! I can hardly believe how much my perception has shifted, solely by passively absorbing cultural changes around me.
The term “vagina” also resonates differently now — warm and affectionate, akin to the cherished name of an old friend. Recently, my friend’s young son mistakenly called me “Vajenna” for an entire evening, and I found it both flattering and delightful. How fascinating, right? Do you feel similarly? Or perhaps differently? Or not at all?
Today, Toby and I visited a high school, and the admissions director escorted us through a staircase adorned with ceramic tiles created by students. One tile depicted the Statue of Liberty; another, a basketball. Then I spotted one featuring a vulva. “Oh, look!” I exclaimed, pointing. “How awesome is that?” I appreciated that the student was inspired to create it and that the school chose to display it.
This actually wasn’t the first vulva art my kids encountered — my sister Lucy owns a sculpture by Sophia Wallace that’s prominently featured in her dining room, meaning a terracotta clitoris emerges in many family portraits. Moreover, I’m excited to check out the Brooklyn Artists Exhibition, which showcases one of Wallace’s giant clit sculptures, drawing inspiration from the strength and beauty of swans.
Also, necklaces!
What about you? What do you think of the term “moist”? “Vagina”? “Vulva”? Have your feelings evolved or remained unchanged? No right or wrong responses here; please feel free to share your thoughts below. xoxoxo
P.S. Sex-positive parenting for the bashful, and is this the most alluring podcast?
**Why I Appreciate the Word “Moist” | Cup of Jo**
Words possess a remarkable ability to invoke emotions, recollections, and even physical reactions. Among the multitude of words in the English language, few ignite as much discussion and strong sentiments as “moist.” For some, it’s a term that evokes discomfort, while for others, like me, it carries a certain appeal. Yes, I will declare it: I appreciate the word “moist.”
Before you cringe or navigate away, please consider this. There’s something about the word “moist” that I find strangely appealing, and I’m not alone in this perspective. Here’s why I believe “moist” merits a bit more affection — and why it’s time to welcome it.
### 1. **It’s Descriptive and Multifunctional**
The word “moist” is a valuable asset in language. It’s short, straightforward, and conveys a precise condition — not overly wet, not overly dry, but comfortably in the middle. Whether you’re referring to a well-baked cake, the refreshing air after a summer downpour, or the delicate consistency of a skincare product, “moist” fits the bill perfectly. It’s the Goldilocks word, ideal for numerous situations.
Consider this: when you take a bite of cake, wouldn’t you prefer it to be moist? A dry cake can lead to disappointment, while a moist one is pure delight. The term itself evokes sensations of satisfaction and indulgence. It’s a word that suggests comfort and pleasure, whether related to food, nature, or skincare.
### 2. **It’s Phonetically Attractive**
There’s a certain rhythm to the word “moist.” It starts with a soft “m” sound, smoothly transitions into the “oi” diphthong, and concludes with a crisp “st” sound. It flows off the tongue in a way that’s both soft and assertive. In linguistic terms, it’s a term that balances gentleness and firmness, making it strangely gratifying to articulate.
Interestingly, some people’s aversion to the term “moist” may stem more from how it sounds rather than what it signifies. Research indicates that certain sound combinations can elicit negative responses in some individuals, whereas others find them quite agreeable. For me, “moist” falls into the latter category — it’s a word that feels great to say.
### 3. **It’s Sensory and Suggestive**
“Moist” engages the senses. When you hear it, you can almost feel the texture it describes. It evokes images of softness, elasticity, and freshness. Whether it’s the moist soil after a rain shower or the humid air of a tropical zone, the term effectively connects you to your surroundings.
In a sense, “moist” prompts mindfulness. It encourages you to notice the subtle elements of your environment — how the air caresses your skin, the feel of the food you’re enjoying, or the softness of a towel just out of the dryer. It invites you to slow down and savor the little, sensory joys of life.
### 4. **It’s Playfully Contentious**
Let’s be frank: part of the allure of “moist” is the reactions it provokes. There’s something delightfully cheeky about using a term that you know will unsettle some people. It’s a playful way to stir up dialogue, to provoke a response without crossing any major lines.
Indeed, the widespread distaste for the term “moist” has evolved into a cultural phenomenon. It has given rise to countless memes, jokes, and even academic studies. Some researchers propose that the disgust for “moist” may relate to its implications regarding bodily fluids, while others suggest it’s merely a case of phonetic dissatisfaction. Regardless of the reason, the controversy surrounding “moist” only enhances its charm for those of us who appreciate a bit of linguistic wit.
### 5. **It’s a Nudge to Embrace Discomfort**
Ultimately, I believe there’s value in welcoming words — and experiences — that may cause discomfort. In a society that often promotes the avoidance of unease, the term “moist” serves as a gentle reminder that it’s acceptable to confront the things that initially make us squeamish. Often, the elements we resist the most have significant lessons to impart.
By accepting “moist,” I’m prompted to keep myself open to the entirety of human experience — the pleasant and the unpleasant, the comforting and the discomforting. After all, life is brimming with moments
