If you’ve ever referred to your behind as your ‘Dump Truck’ or your genitals as ‘Crown Jewels’, you’re not alone. More than 18 million Brits (34%) use alternative names for their body parts, according to new research from Sure Whole Body Deodorant, with more than half (54%) doing so at least once a week.
Genitals are the most popular body part to be given a nickname (59%), followed by breasts (35%), backsides (23%), stomach (18%) and feet (11%).
Whatever you call your bits, one thing remains the same – people don’t want to feel embarrassed about their bodies. While just under half (49%) are using nicknames for a laugh, 30% attribute nicknames to body parts to feel more comfortable with their body (30%) and nearly a third (32%) do so to make the conversation less awkward. Brits are also more likely to give nicknames to body parts they are self-conscious about (66%), with one in ten (13%) using nicknames daily.
Alongside body part sensitivity, FOBO (Fear Of Body Odour) is also cause for concern with over two thirds of Brits (68%) self-conscious about body odour in areas other than their underarms. Genitals (37%), feet (32%), and backsides (23%) are all common places people experience bad odour, and it is perhaps no coincidence that these are also some of the most common areas to be nicknamed.
Concerningly, FOBO may be turning the nation into introverts, with 37% avoiding standing near others, over a third dodging hugs (35%), and more than a fifth steering clear of intimacy (22%) with their partners.
While two thirds of Brits (66%) resort to using anti-perspirant on other parts of their body, Sure Whole Body Deodorant uses odour adapt technology to cut through the different bacteria to help Brits move confidently through their days.
OUR FAVOURITE BODY PART NAMES
Male genitalia receive the most creative descriptors, with ‘Crown Jewels’ (20%), ‘Meat and Two Veg’ (18%) and ‘The Boys’ (16%) among the top contenders. We are equally as playful when it comes to naming our feet, with ‘Footsies (24%), ‘Toesies’ (23%) and ‘Trotters’ (20%) our favourite names.
Chris Taylor, TV personality & content creator says “I’ve been in my fair share of sweaty situations – and it definitely helps to break the tension by using a nickname. Having chatted to Londoners, it’s clear we all get embarrassed when we don’t feel fresh, so Sure Whole Body Deodorant is a game changer for keeping you smelling great, whether it’s your Bunda or Meat and Two Veg.”
GENERATIONAL DIFFERENCES
There are generational quicks too.
- British Boomers aged 55+ are more likely to nickname male genitals (73%) compared to any other generation
- Feet, however, take the top spot for a nickname for those aged 18 – 24, with nearly one in five (19%) nicknaming these compared to just seven percent of those 55+
- When nicknaming male genitals, 25 – 34 year olds use ‘The Boys’ (27%), 35 – 44 year olds go for ‘John Thomas’ (21%) and Brits 55+ prefer ‘Tackle’ (31%)
REGIONAL QUIRKS
Brits’ creativity also varies across the country.
- Brits in Northern England (25%), and the Midlands (31%) prefer ‘Crown Jewels’ for their genitals, whilst the East of England (33%) favour ‘Meat and Two Veg’
- Breasts also have a range of names from ‘Melons’ in the Midlands (20%) to ‘The Girls’in the South (22 per cent)
- Feet also vary from ‘Footsies’ in the South (30%) to ‘Trotters’ in the North (25%)
Alice Duffill, Senior Brand Manager, Sure UK&I says:
“Our Sure Whole Body Deodorant research shows Brits have a cheeky sense of humour when it comes to their own bodies. But whether it’s Tackles or Bundas, these playful nicknames aren’t just for fun as they also help people speak more confidently about their bodies. Our research found that 47% of Brits admit to fearing B.O. as a result of sweating, so we’re proud to launch a UK-first product to help Brits feel confident in their bodies. With different bacteria and odours in different parts of the body, the new Sure Whole Body Deodorant uses odour adapt technology to help tackle various odour types found across the body from your privates to your feet and beyond to help Brits move confidently through their days.”
So, whether it’s your boobs, bum, balls or feet, Sure’s Whole Body Deodorant is here for all over body odour protection.
