Note: The below article is from Pipe Dream’s 2014 sex issue.

Nowadays, we use more sex terms than we can count. Many of them are now part of everyday vernacular and carelessly thrown around, but have you ever wondered why a pussy is a pussy and a Johnson is a Johnson? Wonder no more, and learn the etymology of some words we use (and abuse) every day.

Horny — While the current form wasn’t part of the vernacular until the ’50s, the term dates back to the second half of the 19th century. “To have the horn” appeared around 1863 and referred to having an erection. When it fell into disuse, the phrase started applying to both sexes.

Pussy — The most commonly accepted hypothesis is that “pussy” comes from the Old Norse “puss,” meaning pocket. During the 19th century, it was used as a term of endearment. “I love my pussy” could’ve meant you love your significant other or that you love your vagina — or both.

Slut — The use of this word is offensive nowadays, but back in the 1400s, it simply meant “a woman whose room is untidy.” We all now know that messiness is not a sign of promiscuity, but back when uncleanliness was associated with prostitution and being a lowlife, a messy room was part of the stereotype.

Booty — From the Old French “boutin,” meaning treasure. It got its sexual meaning among the black community in the U.S. during the ’20s. How this happened is unknown and widely debated, but if there is something we can all agree on, it’s that a good derrière is to be treasured.