Multiple Os

Words and phrases themselves and their usages are conceptualizations of phenomenon. Words, phrases, metaphors, and metonymies stand as these linguistic conceptualizations.

The word “orgasm” varies and has similarities in linguistic conceptualizations across cultures. Based on the conceptual metaphors, conceptual metonymies, and related concepts of orgasm, Chiang and Chiang’s (2016) Behold, I am Coming Soon! A Study on the Conceptualization of Sexual Orgasm in 27 Languages found the following:

• Orgasm as a peak, highest point, or high tide with upward (opposed to downward) orientation
• Orgasm as a feeling of satisfaction
• Orgasm as a feeling of pleasure
• Orgasm as a release of force or substance in a container
• Orgasm as a feeling of being alive
• Orgasm as death or near-death experience
• Orgasm as a destination one enters, travels to, or finishes at
• Orgasm as fire, a wild, uncontrollable state or a heated state

Abstract:

This study explores how sexual orgasm is conceptualized in 27 languages and proposes an ideal cognitive model for sexual desire. Specifically, the study has identified that the conceptual metaphors, conceptual metonymies, and related concepts manifested in the terms and announcements for orgasm can be categorized into orgasm as a physiological response, orgasm as a psychological state, and orgasm as an ideal goal. We also observed that languages tend to conceptualize orgasm as a physiological response in the terms for orgasm; whereas more languages are inclined to conceptualize orgasm as an ideal goal in the announcements for orgasm. Depending on whether the focus is on the physiological, psychological, and ideal aspects during sex, native speakers of their various languages may conceptualize orgasm with the conceptual metaphors ORGASM IS A PEAK, ORGASM IS FIRE, ORGASM IS DEATH, ORGASM IS A DESTINATION, and ORGASM IS THE RELEASE OF FORCE/SUBSTANCE IN A CONTAINER; conceptual metonymies (i.e., EXCITEMENT FOR ORGASM, SWELLING FOR ORGASM, and HEAT FOR ORGASM); and related concepts (i.e., (FEELING OF) SATISFACTION and (FEELING OF) PLEASURE). In proposing the ideal cognitive model for sexual desire, the study also suggests that sexual desire is an emotion closely related to love and happiness. The intertwining relationship between the three emotions implies that the experience and satisfaction of sexual desire may be important for maintaining the physiological and psychological wellbeing of an individual as well as the development of healthy and loving sexual/romantic relationships.