friendship with benefits: Idiom Meaning and Origin

Friendship with benefits is an idiom that originated in the United States in the early 21st century. It is a play on the more common phrase "friends with benefits," which refers to a casual sexual relationship between two individuals who are also friends. The idiom "friendship with benefits" takes this concept a step further by emphasizing the aspect of friendship over the sexual component.

The idiom implies a close and intimate friendship that goes beyond the traditional definition of friendship. It suggests a level of emotional connection and trust between two individuals that typically accompanies a romantic relationship, but without the commitment or exclusivity. The term "benefits" alludes to the advantages or perks associated with being in a romantic relationship, such as physical intimacy, companionship, and emotional support.

Unlike a traditional romantic relationship, a friendship with benefits allows individuals to maintain their independence and avoid the potential complications that can arise from a committed partnership. This idiom often arises in the context of discussing non-traditional forms of relationships and the evolving dynamics of modern interpersonal connections.

Friendship with benefits is closely related to the idiom "friend with benefits." The term "friend with benefits" is often used interchangeably with "friendship with benefits," and both idioms refer to the same type of relationship. However, "friend with benefits" is a more concise and colloquial version of the phrase. It is commonly used in informal conversations and popular culture references.

Another idiom related to friendship with benefits is "in the sack." This idiom refers to the physical aspect of a romantic or sexual relationship. It is often used to describe intimate encounters or activities that occur in a private setting, such as a bedroom. While friendship with benefits encompasses more than just physical intimacy, the idiom "in the sack" highlights this particular aspect of the relationship.

Similarly, the idiom "hook up" is related to friendship with benefits in that it also emphasizes the physical aspect of a relationship. "Hook up" refers to a casual sexual encounter between two individuals, often without any emotional or romantic involvement. While friendship with benefits involves a deeper emotional connection and friendship, "hook up" signifies a more casual and temporary arrangement.

Another idiom that can be related to friendship with benefits is "know someone in the biblical sense." This phrase is a euphemism for sexual intercourse and alludes to the physical intimacy aspect of a relationship. While friendship with benefits encompasses more than just physical intimacy, this idiom highlights the sexual aspect and suggests a level of familiarity and closeness.

The term "boy toy" is also tangentially related to friendship with benefits. The idiom "boy toy" refers to a younger man who is romantically or sexually involved with an older woman. While friendship with benefits does not specifically denote an age difference or involve a specific gender dynamic, the concept of a casual and non-committal relationship is present in both idioms.

Friendship with benefits is an idiom that describes a close and intimate friendship that includes some of the benefits typically associated with romantic relationships, such as physical intimacy and emotional support, but without the commitment or exclusivity. It is closely related to the idiom "friend with benefits" and is often used in discussions about non-traditional forms of relationships. Additionally, it can be connected to idioms such as "in the sack," "hook up," "know someone in the biblical sense," and "boy toy," which all highlight different aspects of romantic or sexual relationships. Friendship with benefits reflects the evolving dynamics of interpersonal connections in contemporary culture, while also acknowledging the timeless notion of casual, non-committal relationships.