Jailbait

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The slang term jailbait denotes a sexually desirable younger person, usually female, who has not yet reached the age of consent.[1] More recently, however, the term has been used less literally to refer to young people in general, even if they have passed the age of consent (especially those under the age of 18). This is perhaps a result of the social taboo concerning great age disparity in relationships. When referring to a person under the age of consent, having sex with "jailbait" (known as "taking the bait") can constitute statutory rape, potentially leading to jail time (thus the etymology of the word).

Because the term can be perceived as implying a shifting of blame from the would-be child sex offender, etc. to the younger party, contrary to the culturally mandated attribution of responsibility to the older party, it is considered offensive to some.

The terms "johnny-bait" and "forbidden fruit" are used synonymously.[2]

[edit] In anime

The term is sometimes used by anime fans (otaku) when referring to a Lolicon or Shotacon character that is often depicted in suggestive poses (sometimes very suggestive, i.e. sexual fanservice). Suggestive situations include but are not limited to: eating food evocative of phallic images (like hot dogs and bananas), dressing in revealing outfits, underwear shots (panchira), etc.[citation needed]Another common use of the word is when referring to a character (mostly in anime) that is used for excessive (sexual) fanservice purposes.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Rossini, Christine (1998). English As a Legal Language. Martinus Nijhoff Publishers, 99. ISBN 90-411-9680-3. 
  2. ^ Green, Jonathon (2000). Cassell's Dictionary of Slang. Sterling Publishing Company, Inc., 440, 627. ISBN 0-304-35167-9. 

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