Quick question about the meaning of a word

[Anna Bijou]

The word I'm referring to is "Natural".

I assumed it loosely referred to body enhancements or modifications (like, I would still consider someone with a small, discrete tattoo could be considered natural but more extensive stuff not so much). I don't really see it as one specific thing but a general look, attitude and vibe. Like, no or light makeup, a down-to-earth personality.

I'm realizing that it might not mean the same thing at all to others.

For example, someone messaged me the other day to ask in what sense I was natural. The question genuinely confused me based on my assumption that my interpretation was standard for others as well. I asked what he meant and it turns out he was asking about body hair. He was looking for full body hair, including pubic area full bush.

I honestly wouldn't have ever thought of it being interpreted that way but of course, this is relatively new thing as far as I know, and a few years ago it would have been near impossible to find a provider with body hair.

While my views and practices about body hair and grooming have definitely evolved over time, that interpretation of the word doesn't apply to me. So I started asking myself if I should stop using it and find another way to describe that would not be ambiguous. I mean, if it's a common interpretation, it would make no sense to keep using it.


What does "natural" mean to you in the context of a provider's description? (Or does it even mean anything?) Lol


I'm getting the impression that it has a lot of different meanings to different people, so isn't particularly useful. Would love some feedback to get a better idea of what people generally understand it to mean. xo

 

[Obvio-0bvio]

When using the term "natural" in a provider's description, it's important to consider that it can be interpreted differently by different people. Some individuals may understand it to mean that the provider has minimal or no body enhancements, such as cosmetic surgery or artificial enhancements. Others may associate it with specific physical attributes, such as body hair or a lack of makeup. To ensure clarity and avoid misunderstandings, it can be helpful to engage in conversations with the person in question to better understand their perspectives and expectations for the term NATURAL.

 

[Anna Bijou]

When using the term "natural" in a provider's description, it's important to consider that it can be interpreted differently by different people. Some individuals may understand it to mean that the provider has minimal or no body enhancements, such as cosmetic surgery or artificial enhancements. Others may associate it with specific physical attributes, such as body hair or a lack of makeup. To ensure clarity and avoid misunderstandings, it can be helpful to engage in conversations with the person in question to better understand their perspectives and expectations for the term NATURAL.

So it's pretty much meaningless or likely to be interpreted differently than it is meant. If it's in an ad, there's no real opportunity for a discussion and the potential for it to convey something that is not accurate makes me think that it's probably a good idea to drop it altogether. An ad is about how the reader understands it because in most cases, I won't have an opportunity to clarify if there's a misunderstanding.

The funny thing is the way it's worded is often meant to apply mostly to the "redhead" part, so it's not that deep lol

Since up until recent years, I was usually the only redhead. Now redhead is really common, and oddly enough, makeup to simulate freckles is a thing. So 'natural' was basically meant to make the distinction that I've been a redhead with freckles and who cannot tan all my life, lol So the jump to body hair threw me off lol

I think I'm going to have to word things differently.

 

[Obvio-0bvio]

So it's pretty much meaningless or likely to be interpreted differently than it is meant. If it's in an ad, there's no real opportunity for a discussion and the potential for it to convey something that is not accurate makes me think that it's probably a good idea to drop it altogether. An ad is about how the reader understands it because in most cases, I won't have an opportunity to clarify if there's a misunderstanding.

The funny thing is the way it's worded is often meant to apply mostly to the "redhead" part, so it's not that deep lol

Since up until recent years, I was usually the only redhead. Now redhead is really common, and oddly enough, makeup to simulate freckles is a thing. So 'natural' was basically meant to make the distinction that I've been a redhead with freckles and who cannot tan all my life, lol So the jump to body hair threw me off lol

I think I'm going to have to word things differently.

It sounds like you've come to a thoughtful conclusion regarding the use of the term "natural" in your provider's description. Given the potential for different interpretations and the lack of opportunity for clarification in an ad, it may be best to consider using alternative wording to accurately convey your message. Since the intention behind using "natural" was to highlight your unique qualities as a redhead with freckles who cannot tan, finding a different way to express that distinction could help avoid any confusion or misinterpretation. It's always a good idea to review and update your descriptions to ensure they effectively communicate your attributes and avoid any potential misunderstandings.

 

[IamNY]

Natural means all real and no body enhancements. A natural beauty means someone who is facially attractive with minimal make up.

 

[Mandouke]

I would interpret "natural" in two ways.

The first is physical and is concerned with the physical appearance of the body. It would mean untouched or unchanged.

The second meaning would be non-physical and I would interpret it in terms of the persona of the person and their abilities.

 

[bodick7]

Natural means all real and no body enhancements.

Physical characteristic is obviously predominant in this context.
I question myself about if natural includes "No tattoos" And maybe little?...
Maybe some consider it as enhancement and other not.
You could also have a natural beauty with purple hair...

 

[IamNY]

Physical characteristic is obviously predominant in this context.
I question myself about if natural includes "No tattoos" And maybe little?...
Maybe some consider it as enhancement and other not.

Interesting point. I personally wouldn’t consider a tattoo an enhancement but I’m sure it could be interpreted that way.

 

[bodick7]

Interesting point. I personally wouldn’t consider a tattoo an enhancement but I’m sure it could be interpreted that way.

The question is: "If it's not an enhancement, why a person would want tattoos?"

 

[minutemenX]

The question is: "If it's not an enhancement, why a person would want tattoos?"

I personally hate tattoos. It dos not mean, however , that I do not like girls with tattoos, but for me it is rather negative than positive factor. When meeting a beautiful girl with tattoos I often think how much sexier and more attractive she would be without them. It is like spoiling a beautiful God’s architecture which the woman’s body is with a graffiti. I also don’t understand why anybody wants to change their appearance permanently. When you age your testes change and the fashion trends also change. What looked attractive and trendy when you were 20 years old might became repulsive to you and out of vogue when you are 35. If you want to make a statement and drastically change your appearance there is the other way. I met several girls that changed from blond to brunette and vice versa and I was impressed. They even changed their eye color with colored contact lenses. It is fascinating and it is like meeting a completely different person. Some girls change their hair color every month. It’s fun and I like it.

 

[TheBlob]

To me it mostly refers to fake boobs. But could extend to butt enhancement or lips filling as well.

 

[MtlGuyNow]

Natural means all real and no body enhancements. A natural beauty means someone who is facially attractive with minimal make up.

Agree with this definition as far as this forum is concerned. Plus maybe <10% tattoo coverage.
Its meaning has evolved.

Back to the OP that was asking about the word “natural” as related to body hair.
In “American English” someone using the colloquial expression “au naturel”, with no actual French language skills, would be referring to a person, in most cases a woman, that doesn’t shave her underarm or leg hair. More of an 80’s thing when almost all (American) women had pubes and shaved their pits & legs.
Assume a Francophone wouldn’t use it.
This was before Botox & fillers could be gotten at neighborhood aestheticians.

It may have been because French/Euro women back then went more “au naturel” than American women.

Is there a more economical way to say "une femme qui ne se rase pas les aisselles ni les jambes." ?

PS - The word “Natural” is often used on (US) food products and it is technically & legally meaningless. Purposefully adding to the confusion

 

[bodick7]

From Cambridge dictionary: "as found in nature and not involving anything made or done by people". So no silicon, ink, lip filler, or anything you're not born with. Grooming is not included because I don't know of anyone that doesn't groom at least to some level. People get a haircut and cut their nails and they're still natural. Those grow back and even animals groom to some extend using other methods.

..not groomed would equal to survivor not natural

 

[What's My Name]

Ana this term in the past was meant for a lady who had no exhalents, but over the last decade I would say, for me, that it has to do the ladies having hair on their body and less them being natural. For that we need to thank society for all the enhancements going on today.
I have asked some providers this question of if they are shaved or not and for some reason some got upset, I like it shaved or lasered. And yes it was in a respectful way.

 

[Anna Bijou]

Agree with this definition as far as this forum is concerned. Plus maybe <10% tattoo coverage.
Its meaning has evolved.

Back to the OP that was asking about the word “natural” as related to body hair.
In “American English” someone using the colloquial expression “au naturel”, with no actual French language skills, would be referring to a person, in most cases a woman, that doesn’t shave her underarm or leg hair. More of an 80’s thing when almost all (American) women had pubes and shaved their pits & legs.
Assume a Francophone wouldn’t use it.
This was before Botox & fillers could be gotten at neighborhood aestheticians.

It may have been because French/Euro women back then went more “au naturel” than American women.

Is there a more economical way to say "une femme qui ne se rase pas les aisselles ni les jambes." ?

PS - The word “Natural” is often used on (US) food products and it is technically & legally meaningless. Purposefully adding to the confusion

That makes sense. I'll have to double check but I've never noticed providers who go "au naturel" use Natural in reference to this in their description. Granted I don't really read many ads but my impression was that they leave it to pictures that speak for themselves ie hair is visible and not much, if anything about it is included in the description.

 

[Anna Bijou]

Ana this term in the past was meant for a lady who had no exhalents, but over the last decade I would say, for me, that it has to do the ladies having hair on their body and less them being natural. For that we need to thank society for all the enhancements going on today.
I have asked some providers this question of if they are shaved or not and for some reason some got upset, I like it shaved or lasered. And yes it was in a respectful way.

I don't know why it would upset anyone. It's a valid question if it's something that's very important to you because of a strong preference. The only times I've been asked is for the opposite lol

 

[Anna Bijou]

From Cambridge dictionary: "as found in nature and not involving anything made or done by people". So no silicon, ink, lip filler, or anything you're not born with. Grooming is not included because I don't know of anyone that doesn't groom at least to some level. People get a haircut and cut their nails and they're still natural. Those grow back and even animals groom to some extend using other methods.

I think maybe the literal meaning would exclude everything. However, in practice I think it would be more fluid. Earrings are not "natural" and are an enhancements, Hair dye or extensions are not "natural" but a person with all of those could still be considered to have a natural look. Same for things like Botox and fillers. If you can't tell, then you'd still consider the look to be "natural".

 

[bodick7]

I know it’s binary stuff but what about post op trans?…
They will never be “natural” but this way they are getting what their natural minds tells them.

 

[Rebaynia]

I have gone my whole life thinking of natural as no surgical enhancements...

But
Within the last 2 weeks I have come accross a few girls ads where natural meant, and backed by photos, naturally hairy, no grooming.

I personally couldn't, but have come accross clients generally in the older gents, who asked if i could grow it out to see them again. I refused because I just find it uncomfortable, and my masters preferance shaved is the only man who gets a say in my grooming habits.

It seems to be coming to a day where natural needs an explanation. Natural body (no body alterations), natural and untouched (no alterations and hairy), natural body with art (no surgery, but may include tattoo and/or piercings. )

 

[MtlGuyNow]

That makes sense. I'll have to double check but I've never noticed providers who go "au naturel" use Natural in reference to this in their description. Granted I don't really read many ads but my impression was that they leave it to pictures that speak for themselves ie hair is visible and not much, if anything about it is included in the description.

The American Colloquial use of “au naturel”was probably 1970s-1980s so the person would be ~60 ish.
IMO “natural” today pretty much means “unenhanced” (lips, breasts, etc)
Now they’d have to say unshaven &/or full bush. There was an agency woman recently with pics with very hairy armpits & advertising full bush.
To each their own.