A sex kitten is a woman[1] who exhibits a sexually provocative lifestyle or an abundant sexual aggression. The term originated around 1956[2][3] in articles in the British and American press and was originally used to describe French actress Brigitte Bardot.[4][5] Sources[who?] believe Bardot's role in And God Created Woman was what inspired the term in the mid-1950s.[1]
The 1960s began the era of women embracing their sexuality after moving forward from the idea that women were very unlikely to experience pleasure during sexual activities.[6]
Mamie Van Doren was called a sex kitten due to starring in B-movies in the 1950s and 1960s, including Sex Kittens Go to College (1960), Teacher's Pet (1958), and Untamed Youth (1957). These films often had Van Doren playing seductive and provocative roles. In 1998, when Van Doren created her website, she described herself as “the first authentic kitten on Cyberspace"[7]
Eartha Kitt, singer of the 1953 Christmas hit "Santa Baby", was also deemed a sex kitten due to some of the lyrics in her song.[1]
The Associated Press stated that the version of Cornelia Wallace in the film George Wallace, portrayed by actress Angelina Jolie, was depicted as "a shallow sex kitten" and therefore Cornelia Wallace had criticism towards the portrayal.[10]
A sex kitten is not always youthful.[11] In various definitions, the sexual attractiveness of a woman is the primary factor of sex kittens, but that did not necessarily mean physical beauty.[1]
See also
Cougar (slang) – Woman who seeks romantic or sexual relationships with younger men
Girl power – Slogan encouraging women's empowerment
Sex symbol – Person or character widely regarded as sexually attractive
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