In 1998, Hot ’n’ Juicy boldly proclaimed through song that they were “horny, horny, horny.” And of course, Austin Powers gave us his iconic, “Do I make you horny, baby?” capturing the playful side of the term. Yet, reactions to "horny" can vary—some embrace it, while others feel a bit more reserved. So where does the word "horny" come from, and what does its history tell us about our relationship with desire?
Tracing back to "having the horn"
The term "horny" actually comes from the old expression “having the horn,” used back in the late 18th century to compare an erection to—you guessed it—a horn. Back then, “horny” was all about describing male arousal. For those without "horns," though, society favoured more delicate language. Women’s desire was wrapped up in phrases like “fluttering canaries in the garden of delight” or “rustling rose petals”—poetic, but roundabout. It was a time when open talk of female sexual agency wasn’t exactly welcomed.
The word evolves, but traces remain
Over time, "horny" made its way into everyday language, becoming a term used by everyone, regardless of gender. These days, if you do a quick Google search, you'll find it defined as “feeling or arousing sexual excitement.” However, its journey toward gender neutrality hasn’t completely shaken off those gendered undertones. You’ll still often see definitions paired with examples like "she was making him very horny," a reminder of its original male-centric roots. This historical baggage can contribute to the discomfort some people with vulvas feel when describing themselves as "horny." To embrace this term is to boldly acknowledge your raw, unfiltered desire—a kind of desire that has often been suppressed for women throughout history.
Embracing Horniness
Although "horny" has a gendered past, the landscape began to change in 1998 when Hot ’n’ Juicy’s lead vocalist confidently declared her horniness, creating a memorable 90s anthem in the process. This marked a significant step away from the term's traditional confines. As "horny" gained broader acceptance, cultural attitudes toward sexual desire evolved, welcoming a more diverse audience and paving the way for influential tracks like Khia’s “My Neck, My Back” and Cardi B’s “WAP.”
Language plays a powerful role in shaping societal perceptions, especially regarding gender and desire. It influences how we understand who can openly embrace their horniness and who may feel reluctant to do so.
Today, the phrase “having a horn” no longer dictates who can declare their horniness. In this evolving landscape, Hot ’n’ Juicy symbolised a challenge to outdated norms, moving beyond euphemisms to celebrate authentic desire. Now, anyone can assertively ask, “Do I make you horny, baby?” and do so with confidence.
