Rosa Kent's š¶ļø Spicy Words Tier List
š„ The Spicy Words Tier List: Letās Be Direct About It
I asked my newsletter subscribers what kind of language they prefer in their romanceāthe subtle, the clinical, or the outright blunt.
The response was overwhelming:
You want the honest, direct, and unvarnished truth.
You are not wrong. If we're going to write romance for grown-ups who know what they want, we need language that respects that clarity.
So, here it is: my definitive, honest-to-goodness Tier List for the words I use for genitals in my spicy romances. This is how I approach the spicy language in my books.
S-Tier:
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Cock, Pussy, Dick, Cunt, Clit |
This is the non-negotiable list. These are the words that communicate raw, immediate heat and zero hesitation. They give the scene the primal energy that is essential for a grumpy hero and a no-nonsense heroine. If Iām writing a high-heat scene, these words are running the show. There is no time for flowery language when the passion hits.
A-Tier:
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Hardness, Length, Heat, Tip, Wetness |
These words don't name the parts directly, but they convey the feeling and the state of the moment. They are incredible tools for pacing, building anticipation, and adding sensory detail without slowing the momentum. Hardness and Wetness are the MVPs here cuz they tell you everything you need to know, instantly.
B-Tier:
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Shaft, Hole, Nub, Penis, Vagina, Member, Clitoris, Entrance |
This tier includes the technical and the slightly less common words. They are fine, and sometimes necessary for clarity or varying the rhythm of a long scene, but they tend to be functional rather than passionate. They are the background actors, not the stars, in my opinion.
F-Tier:
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Core, Center, Velvet, Muscle, Pearl, Rod, Sheath |
Look, I get it. Sometimes a writer needs to avoid repetition. But when Iām pulled out of a spicy scene because someone is referring to a Pearl, a Rod, or their Core, my eyes roll right out of my head. This entire tier breaks the immediacy of the scene and kills the vibe for me.
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Now that you know my preferences, what do you think? Did I rank your favorite word too low?
Hit the comments below and tell me if you think I was too harsh on the F-Tier!
"But what about breasts?" you might be asking yourself.
That's where you come in!
What are the most favorite (or cringiest!) ways you've seen breasts being named in books?
