go down on: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘go down on’ mean?

The idiom "go down on" is a colloquial expression that typically refers to performing oral sex on someone. It is important to note that this idiom is considered vulgar and explicit in nature.

Idiom Explorer

Exploring Oral Pleasure

The idiom "go down on" primarily means to perform oral sex on someone. This phrase is considered to be vulgar and explicit.

This idiom is widely used and understood in the English language, particularly in the United States.

The origin and exact date of the idiom's first usage are uncertain. However, it is known to have emerged in the English language during the 20th century, possibly gaining popularity in the mid-1900s.

The phrase "go down on" is derived from the literal act of going or moving downwards. The verb "go" connotes an action or movement, while "down" refers to a lower position. The phrase is then completed with the preposition "on," specifying the action's target.

The connotation of the idiom is explicitly sexual, more specifically referring to engaging in oral sex with a partner. It often implies an act of pleasure, intimacy, and physical connection between consenting adults.

This idiom is generally used in casual conversations, often within more relaxed and informal social contexts. It is less likely to be used in formal or professional settings due to its explicit nature and potential to cause offense.

While the idiom is widely used and familiar to many, its explicit and sexual nature may make it inappropriate or offensive in certain contexts. It is important to be mindful of the audience and setting before using this idiom to avoid discomfort or misunderstandings.

As with many idioms, the meaning and understanding of "go down on" may vary among individuals and cultural contexts. While it generally refers to engaging in oral sex, different connotations or interpretations could arise depending on the context in which it is used and the cultural norms of the users.

The idiom "give head" is a colloquial term used to describe the act of performing oral sex on a partner. Like "go down on," it is considered to be explicit and vulgar. This phrase is often used interchangeably with "go down on" and has similar connotations of pleasure, intimacy, and physical connection.

Another related idiom is "go down the wrong way." This phrase has a different meaning and is unrelated to the sexual connotation of "go down on." "Go down the wrong way" typically refers to ingesting food or drink incorrectly, such as swallowing something in a way that causes discomfort, choking, or difficulty breathing. It is important to note that this idiom should not be confused or used interchangeably with the sexual meaning of "go down on."

The idiom "do down" is an informal phrase that means to criticize, belittle, or undermine someone or something. This phrase is unrelated to the sexual connotation of "go down on" and is used to express disapproval or negativity towards someone or something.

"give dome" is another colloquial term used to describe the act of performing oral sex on a partner. It is similar in meaning and connotation to "go down on" and "give head." This phrase is also considered to be explicit and vulgar.

The idiom "get into someone's pants" is an informal expression often used to describe the act of seducing or having sexual intercourse with someone. It is unrelated to the sexual connotation of "go down on," but shares a similar explicit nature. This phrase is typically used to convey a strong desire or intention to engage in sexual activity with another person.

Overall, the idiom "go down on" is an explicit and vulgar phrase that refers to engaging in oral sex. It is a well-known and widely used idiom in English, particularly in the United States, with its origins dating back to the 20th century. While the phrase is fairly straightforward in its meaning, its usage should be carefully considered due to its explicit nature and potential to cause offense.

Example usage

Examples of how the idiom "go down on" can be used in a sentence:

  • She went down on her knees to pick up the dropped papers.
  • The team went down on their opponents in a crushing defeat.
  • He went down on one knee and proposed to his long-time girlfriend.

More "Oral" idioms

We missed the mark - nothing found.