In recent years, the term ‘sapiosexual’ has gained considerable recognition, leaving many people to wonder, “What does sapiosexual mean?” Simply put, sapiosexual refers to a kind of sexual attraction that is based on intelligence rather than physical appearance. The term is relatively new and belongs to the lexicon of emerging sexual orientations.
Origins of the Term
The term ‘sapiosexual’ was first coined in the early 21st century. It originates from two Latin roots: ‘sapio,’ derived from ‘sapere,’ which means ‘to be wise’; and ‘sexual,’ borrowed from ‘sexualis,’ indicating ‘sexual.’ Combined, ‘sapiosexual’ literally translates to ‘wise sexual’ or ‘sexually attracted to intelligence.’
Understanding Sapiosexuality
Sapiosexuals are attracted to an individual’s intelligence or intellectual quirks rather than their physical appearance or body. These individuals feel strong sexual attraction when having deep, meaningful conversations or engaging in intellectual debates. This does not necessarily mean sapiosexuals are not attracted to physical appearance at all, but they put a greater emphasis on the intellect and cognitive abilities of a person. Because intelligence is a subjective concept, what may be attractive to one sapiosexual may not be attractive to another.
Sapiosexuality Vs. Other Sexual Orientations
Unlike homosexuality, heterosexuality, or bisexuality that are primarily centered around physiological-sexual attraction, sapiosexuality puts mental characteristics in the front seat. It transcends the standard dichotomy of male-female attraction, meaning anyone of any gender or sexual orientation can identify as a sapiosexual.
Controversy Around Sapiosexual
The term sapiosexual is not free from controversies. Some critics argue that it is a pretentious self-descriptor, implying the person considers themselves smarter or superior to others. Some even criticize it for reinforcing classicist and ableist sentiments, as it indirectly privileges those who have been able to acquire higher education or cognitive skill-sets. Furthermore, it is not recognized as a distinct sexual orientation by major psychology bodies globally and hence, remains on the fringes of mainstream sexual taxonomy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while intelligence can play a significant role in many people’s romantic and sexual attractions, the declaration of sapiosexuality as a sexual orientation remains a topic of debate and controversy. It’s important to remember that sexual attraction is complex and diverse, often not fitting neatly into standardized definitions or categories.