Ithyphallics

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A term relating to representations of a phallus, often in artistic or literary contexts that emphasize sexuality and fertility
2. Describing works that feature prominent male genitalia as a symbol of vigor or potency in various cultural expressions
3. Pertaining to themes or visuals that celebrate masculinity and reproductive power, frequently seen in ancient or erotic art forms

Etymology: In ancient Greece, "ithyphallos" described a figure or song showing the phallus upright. The compound joins "ithys," meaning straight or erect, with "phallos." Processional hymns to Dionysus were sung in this style, and the verse metre used in them took the same name. English borrowed the term as a learned coinage built from those Greek parts, through Latin "ithyphallicus." Its modern sense of celebrating masculinity and reproductive power follows from the phallic emblems carried in those processions and from statues of gods such as Priapus and Hermes, which were often shown with erect phalli.