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phallus

phallus

4 8.4
The male body part often shown as a symbol of power or fertility
  • noun
  • /ˈfæləs/
translation icon : falo
  • The problems with using the phallus as a gender-neutral and "universal" signifier should be obvious.
  • phallus as a signifier
  • phallus as a symbol

We talked to a guy who had a phalloplasty, which is like rhinoplasty but for phallus.

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Examples

  • Or is the camera merely a phallus?

  • The phallus has now been awarded a "higher" and more spiritual or sublimated status.

    Academic text (1996)
  • A symbol of the phallus?

    Academic text (2003)
  • How did the phallus become the deity's primary symbol?

    Academic text (1999)
  • The desire for control through possession of the phallus becomes the primary motivating force of the subject.

    Academic text (1999)
  • Thus, the phallus embodies the primacy of the Law of the Father.

    Academic text (1999)
  • Such an obvious reference to losing the phallus, losing his masculine role in the patriarchal structure, implies that Tony is worried about his class position.

    Academic text (2014)
  • The symbolic function of the phallus envelops the penis as the tangible sign of privileged masculinity, thus in effect naturalizing male dominance.

    Academic text (1999)
  • In ancient cultures, the phallus was often used as a symbol of fertility and male power.

  • Some artists incorporate the phallus into their work to challenge traditional views of masculinity.

Synonyms

dick
vsphallus
  • Offensive
439 9.9

A rude word for the penis

is a neutral or symbolic word used in cultural or ritual contexts
penis
vsphallus
343 2.1

Male organ used for passing urine and reproduction in humans and other mammals

emphasizes its symbolic role in power or fertility rather than anatomy
member
vsphallus
  • NSFW
14 9.9

An old polite word for the male private part

is the formal symbolic word used for male power and fertility
male organ
vsphallus
1 4.1

A man's body part used for urinating and sex

is focused on symbolic meaning of power and fertility rather than neutral anatomy
linga
vsphallus
  • Specialized
1 9.9

The male sex organ

is mainly used as a cultural symbol of male power and fertility

Compounds

genus Phallus
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of mushrooms with a loose cap and a strong smell that attracts insects

Phallus ravenelii
  • Specialized
9.9

A type of mushroom with a grainy cap that smells like rotten meat and attracts flies

Phallus impudicus
  • Specialized
9.9

A common mushroom that smells strong and grows in damp woods

How Polite

male member
  • NSFW
1 8.4
phallus
4 8.4
penis
343 2.1
cock
  • Offensive
192 9.9

Surface Forms

phallus singular
phalli plural

Etymology

Phallus comes from the ancient Greek phallos, which meant 'penis'. People in many old cultures carved or painted the phallus as a symbol of male power and fertility, so today phallus can mean the penis itself or a symbol of male sexual power.