Nudism seems to be a topic that generates a wide range of emotions and reactions - curiosity, anger, glee, outrage. I hope, through my articles, to shed a little light on this somewhat poorly covered (excuse the pun) subject and to answer questions that others may have about what goes on at nudist venues and events.
In order to do a good job of that, it's important that we all speak the same language. What follows is a list of a few of the definitions that will provide a starting place:
- Clothing-optional – While this may seem pretty self-explanatory, clothing optional resorts often require visitors to swim or hot-tub naked. People who remain dressed during their entire visit to a clothing-optional facility may be viewed as a voyeur and, appropriately, asked to leave. Check the club’s policies before assuming that the choice is yours throughout the place.
- Clothing-free – Most nudists practice “dressing for comfort” – putting on or taking off clothing according to weather conditions, for example. However, clothing-free resorts, cruises, etc. expect members and visitors to remain nude as much as possible.
- Naturist – Another term for nudist; however, “naturist” also implies a person with a greater appreciation for nature in general. Many naturist sites are campgrounds and beaches, focused less on the high-end amenities than other nudist resorts.
- Nude: Traditionally, a term used in art to express an heroic, yet innocent, unclothed person. Most people use it as a synonym for naked as there is little distinction in today’s language.
- Naked: This term is more likely to be used in a bawdier manner than nude in today’s casual speech: “She was buck naked on the beach,” for example.
- (Note: In articles by this author, the three terms above will be used interchangeably when referring to an unclothed person.)
- Nakation: A vacation during which the participants are partially or totally nude during all or part of it.
- Skinny-dipping: Nude swimming in lakes or in pools.
- Non-landed: This term refers to clubs or organizations that do not own property on which they gather. Members of non-landed (otherwise known as “travel”) clubs often meet for special events, such as a ski trip, volleyball tournament, or beach outing, or may gather at members’ homes to enjoy each other’s company.
- Landed: These clubs own land on which they may or may not have club houses, swimming pools, or other amenities which members and guests enjoy.
- Lifestyle: This often is a sort of “code” for swingers’ clubs in which sexual promiscuity or overt, public sexual behavior is condoned. While people often refer to a nudist’s lifestyle when discussing the general attitude of naturists or nudists, talking about a “lifestyle resort” typically refers to one patronized by swingers.
Nudists’ vocabulary, like the language in all areas of culture, morphs over time, and members of specific groups use some terms differently than members of other groups. However, the terms above should shed a little light on general definitions and help you understand the articles by this author a little better.
If you're interested in travel topics that address the interests of nudists as well as more conservative natures, check out my Detroit Day Trips articles, too!
Comments
Laura, thank you so much for your support of the nudist/naturist lifestyle. We need more people like you to show the general public that clothes-free recreation is safe, healthy and fun!
Some definitions are a tiny bit off and a few crucial ones were omitted. Dictionaries say that 'nude' simply means bare, whether or not the nudity is artsy. Laws say that 'nude' means some taboo body part is visible. One can be legally 'nude' while 99.9% covered. The distinction between dictionary nude and legally nude is crucial. In educated speech, 'naked' means involuntarily bare and thus not pleased with it. "Skinny-dipping is a euphemism for nude swimming used by people who don't want to say 'nude swimming.' Nude swimming takes place in water, not just the water of lakes and pools. In a future column, you'll need to define 'textile': 'one who is addicted to unnecessarily covering self with cloth, who speculates as to what is beneath the cloth of others, who peeks whenever possible, who believes on faith without ever having been to a nudist place that nudity equates to sex, and who gasps at nudity but shrugs at violence.' The most common synonym for 'textile' is 'non-nudist.'
Following up on Jennifer's comments - don't sweat the definitions too much. Art historians have been debating the differences between the words "nude" and "naked" for centuries. And can anyone actually be "semi-nude", as people are described so often in the media? Better to concentrate on the positive aspects of nude recreation, how it can be family-friendly, fun, and romantic for couples. One of the problems with nudists is that they tend to take themselves a bit too seriously - I'm guilty of that myself most of the time. No, stick to writing about the nude experience, something we need a lot more of, and leave the intellectual musings and political rants to the national organizations like AANR, TNS and the NAC.
Thank you so much for the great comments! My goal here is to provide an accurate account of vacationing and "thinking" like a nudist and of events and policies that affect them. I hope to concentrate on the positives, but will not cower from the zealots on either side. Some people are comfortable in clothing, while others prefer the less conventional attitudes of nudists. Either way, if tolerance was the rule, we'd all be better off. And "nudiarist", I try never to sweat the small stuff - and that's so much easier to do when undressed ;) Just my opinion...
Not sweating the so-called small stuff, like the difference between legally nude and nude as dictionaries define it, is a wonderful way to end up in jail and, in some states these days, on sex offender lists for life.
Laura, another distinction I think you'll need to make is between 'mere' nudity (aka 'simple' nudity) and what most states call 'public indecency.' Of course, if your readers try nudism only at well shielded, private, pay-to-enter nudist clubs and resorts, such distinctions aren't necessary. However, the overwhelming majority of nudists/naturists are nude on or in view of public lands and waters, which makes such knowledge crucial.
Another follow-up to Jennifer's comments. Laura, please leave the nuts and bolts arguments for the national organizations. Nudism is perfectly safe and legal, and nobody visiting a TNS or AANR club is going to be arrested or placed on a sex-offender list. This is just fear-mongering and myth-information designed to scare people away from exercising their natural rights.
Laura is not suggesting doing anything illegal or wrong - she has discovered the liberating and joyous experience of nude recreation and is passing along her stories for the public to read. Too many people still think nudists and naturists live in "colonies", or are "exhibitionists", or are engaged in a swinging lifestyle, and Laura's reports from family-friendly resorts could prove invaluable from a public relations standpoint.
Those who tread nude on public lands should contact the Naturist Action Committee who are experts on that issue.
I apologize and take it all back. Laura just recommended the adult lifestyle resorts Hedonism II and III as viable "nudist resort vacations" in another column. Needless to say I am disappointed that she would confuse something as simple as "nudism" with "swinging." As I said in a comment, whatever happens between consenting adults is fine with me, just don't call it "nudist" or "naturist."
Laura,
I really abhor it when folks erroneously associate the naturist/nudist "lifestyle" with swinging.
That's like saying 'if you are into going to "Churches" then your into cults.'
You can surely find the "swinging" lifestyle if you look for it just about "anywhere" or in any place.
So, please don't use this term in any referential way towards Naturists/Nudists. As I'm sure you already know, we are already fighting an uphill battle for our inherent "natural" rights.
On another note, I believe you left out what I believe is an important term that most Naturist/Nudists use.
"Textile or Textiled" are those who wear clothing.
Often we speak about the "textiles" who hang out just to get a look, or a myriad of others things.
Thank you for your time & consideration.
BareCher: Thanks for the terrific addition to the vocab list! "Textiles" stumped me for a while when we first visited a clothing-optional resort, but I like it so much better than "prudes". I'm honestly trying to strive to help people understand the glaring differences between nudists/naturists and swingers. I understand that they are IN NO WAY similar aside from the fact that they don't don clothing. I'd hope that it would never be misconstrued that I condone swinging or confuse the two. However, many people DO, so I'm doing my best here to clarify things for those who are obviously confused. When I mention swinging or "lifestyle" resorts in an article is it to clarify the difference between nudists and swingers or because a resort is under the same blanket as more conventional nudist resorts (e.g. SuperClubs).
As Treasurer and Board Member for the Naturist Action Committee (NAC)I want to thank you for your article on the naturism/nudism. Your vocabulary is right on and you are helping clear up the confusion which often exists between naturism and swinging or the sexual connotation that is often placed upon simple nudity.
Polls are increasingly supportive of people who enjoy nude sunbathing at identified nude beaches (74%-Roper 2006). 25% of adults have "skinnydipped" or sunbathed nude and 54% believe "special and secluded (public) areas should be set aside by the government for people who enjoy nude sunbathing".
Naturism, for me, is a lifestyle lived in harmony with nature through nudism, exercise, fresh air, sunshine, healthy eating and a minimal impact on the environment. While hiking nude in the Redwoods two weeks ago my girlfriend commented as we stepped among awe-inspiring natural stillness that it would be inappropriate to wear clothes in this sacred place. I couldn't agree more.
Laura said, When I mention swinging or "lifestyle" resorts in an article is it to clarify the difference between nudists and swingers."
But in another article, Laura said, "SuperClubs offering this promotion are the “Breezes” resorts in Grand Negril,, Rio Bueno, Runaway Bay, Bahamas, Curacao, Panama, and Trelawny. In addition, “Hedonisms” #2 and #3 and “Rooms”, Ocho Rios and Negril are offering some great 2010 deals. Room rates begin at just $83 per night and, of course, must be booked quickly."
For the life of me, I just don't understand how quoting rates and offering links to adult lifestyle resorts does anything but promote swinging over nudism. And you even encouraged people to book quickly!
Does Bill Schroer condone the selling and promoting of the Hedonism resorts by someone purporting to be a nudist adventures examiner? Would TNS consider holding their get-togethers at one of these clothing-optional swingers resorts?
Bill - Thank you for your kind words. I, too, have felt the connection between the ocean water, the cool forest, and the appropriateness of not separating myself from that with clothing. Here's to many more such times and to the tolerance and serenity of nudism.
naturist: I'm truly sorry that you feel the need to, apparently, promote some other agenda with your comments. I have made clear my position on nudism and will spend no more time on this debate. I do not condone sexual promiscuity and enjoy natural, friendly nudism. If my column and opinions do not fit yours, perhaps you'd be more comfortable not reading them.
Laura wrote, " I do not condone sexual promiscuity and enjoy natural, friendly nudism."
Not only have you written a column promoting the adult lifestyle swingers resorts Hedonism II and III, you have now written a column selling a French Nude Cruise for adult couples only, which has ties with Caliente Resort, which recently lost its AANR affiliation because its public relations director, Angye Fox, was marketing directly to swingers groups.
You're in over your head, Laura.
Does Bill Schroer condone the selling and promoting of the Hedonism resorts.....Would TNS consider holding their get-togethers at one of these clothing-optional swingers resorts?
Since I saw my name in print I felt compelled to respond. The Hedonism resorts, as I understand them (I've never been to one) are "lifestyle" resorts..code for swinging. One can be nude there without swinging but a trip there could generate a lot of confusion to a first time nudist!
Naturism is not about sex..and I feel Laura has made that very clear. TNS would not host an event there not because we are passing value judgements...its because that isn't what naturism is about. Naturism is about the discovery of who you are and how you relate to a universe and others without artificial coverings.
I feel this column is such a breath of fresh air and, hopefully, an inspiration to many to try naturism as a new approach to living gaining a new perspective on the world around us...you might be surprised.
Bill - Thank you so much for your support (and understanding of my point of view!) I hope to make true naturists/nudists proud of their positions in our culture and their philosophies and tolerance of others. Please feel free to let me know if I do otherwise. I never mind a good, informed, and fair debate without hostility or judgment. It is NEVER my intention to insult or condemn!
Bill Schroer said, "Naturism is not about sex..and I feel Laura has made that very clear. TNS would not host an event there not because we are passing value judgements...its because that isn't what naturism is about."
Bill, then you obviously have not read Laurs's other column where she recommends good deals at the Hedonism resorts and urges her readers to "book quickly".
I agree that nudists and naturists should not make value judgments, but for any responsible columnist writing under the title of "nudist adventures examiner" should avoid any references to these "lifestyle" resorts no matter what caveat us offered.
I agree that Laura's column has been a breath of fresh air and have promoted her writings on my blog. But once she crossed the line and began hawking swingers resorts, I felt that she was straying from her originally stated goals.
TNS should not be praising and encouraging any online writer who is recommending swingers' clubs under the category of nudism.
Yes. Thanks to Laura.We (nudists) will be with you all the way.
Naturist look like you and I and come from all walks of life. You will find it to be a relaxing lifestyle that is free of the daily stress we all experience.
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Enjoy our clothing free lifestyle!
www.naturistspace.org
We say "nakedness is natural", but have we begun to think through all that means? It is so basic. A human being is an innocent part of nature. Our civilization has distorted this universal quality that allows us to feel at home in our skin. Other animals have coats that they accept, but the human race has yet to come to terms with being nude.
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