Sex toys, or sex tools?

Contributor: fungo fungo
We've grown so accustomed to the name "sex toys" but the word "toy" really does imply that these items are frivolous and easily disposed of. Play things rather than important implements in a sex-positive future.

We've found however, as most here surely have, that they enhance our partnered-sex, our personal enjoyment, our relationships and indeed our lives so much that living without them would be more than "just a bother".

Would it be possible, or even advisable for the sex "toy" industry to rebrand itself as the sex "tool" industry? Perhaps some other term would be better? Perhaps it's just fine as it is?

We'd love to hear everyone's thoughts.
06/04/2010
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Contributor: buzzvibe buzzvibe
You make a valid point. I personally prefer the term "sex life accessory." I believe Carlin Ross was the first person I heard use that phrase, but I don't know if she originally came up with it or not.
06/04/2010
Contributor: Gary Gary
I do see your point, but to me... toy sounds way more appealing than tool. Toy sounds fun, where as tool sounds very clinical.
06/07/2010
Contributor: Gunsmoke Gunsmoke
I don't agree that a toy is frivolous. For example - you can tell the men from the boys by the prices of their toys! In this case men's toys include Vettes, yachts, golf clubs, etc.

Besides - what my wife and I do with the toys we consider fun - you have fun with toys - not tools.

TOYS, TOYS, more TOYS
06/07/2010
Contributor: Sammi Sammi
Sex Tool sounds like one of those adapted power tools that they sell as less expensive sex machines to me. Or a kind of derogatory term.

I definitely prefer toys - toys are for having fun
06/07/2010
Contributor: Miss Cinnamon Miss Cinnamon
Quote:
Originally posted by Sammi
Sex Tool sounds like one of those adapted power tools that they sell as less expensive sex machines to me. Or a kind of derogatory term.

I definitely prefer toys - toys are for having fun
Yup! Not frivolous--educational and fun! Like Legos
06/07/2010
Contributor: Ciao. Ciao.
I love the term "toys" when referring to sex related objects. I can see where you're coming from but toys implies exploration, joy, and satisfaction...tools implies work and effort. I'd suggest we call them all sexploratives (sex+explore) but toys is much easier to write anyway.
06/08/2010
Contributor: Liz2 Liz2
I'm all for "toys", tools indicate work and when sex becomes work, I will give up. Toys are for play and sex toys are an enhancement to sex play.
Bring on the TOYS!!!
06/08/2010