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Meaning & use

sodomites

noun·Advancedoffensiveold-fashioned

Last updated

UK/ˈsɒdəmaɪts/
US/ˈsɑːdəmaɪts/

“sodomites” is a form of “sodomite”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.

Usage warning: this word is offensive. It can hurt or insult people. Learn to recognise it, but avoid using it about anyone.

Meaning

  1. nouncountableoffensiveold-fashioned

    People who engage in anal sex, especially men; an offensive term used to insult or condemn someone based on sexual behavior.

    Grammar: Countable noun; usually plural. Singular is 'sodomite'. Often used as a term of abuse.

    Patterns

    • call someone a sodomite
    • accuse someone of being a sodomite

    The pamphlet used the word 'sodomites' to attack gay men, which is now widely considered hate speech.

    In some historical texts, 'sodomite' was a legal accusation that could lead to severe punishment.

    Using 'sodomites' as an insult is offensive and should be avoided in polite conversation.

Word forms

singularsodomite

Common combinations

accuse someone of being a sodomite
In the past, people could be accused of being a sodomite and face trial.
call someone a sodomite
He was called a sodomite as an insult, which was deeply hurtful.
the sin of sodomy
Some religious groups historically described anal sex as the sin of sodomy.
sodomite laws
Sodomite laws were used to persecute gay people in some countries.

Synonyms and how they differ

homosexual
A neutral or clinical term for a person attracted to the same sex; 'sodomite' is offensive and focuses on a specific sexual act.

Word family

sodomy noun
Anal sex, especially when considered illegal or immoral; the act itself.

Commonly confused: sodomites or Sodom?

sodomites vs Sodom

An ancient city in the Bible; 'sodomite' derives from it but is not the same word.

Practice

Which sentence uses 'sodomites' in a way that is now considered offensive?

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