Phallic
adjective
Relating to or resembling a phallus or penis.
The obelisk is a phallic symbol.
Often appears as...
- phallic symbol
- phallic shape
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
adjective
Relating to the stage in a boy's psychosexual development when he begins to view his father as a competitor for his mother's affections.
Freud discussed the phallic stage in his theory of psychosexual development.
Often appears as...
- phallic stage
- phallic mother
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
adjective
Relating to or resembling a phallus or penis.
The obelisk is a phallic symbol.
Often appears as...
- phallic symbol
- phallic shape
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
adjective
Relating to the stage in a boy's psychosexual development when he begins to view his father as a competitor for his mother's affections.
Freud discussed the phallic stage in his theory of psychosexual development.
Often appears as...
- phallic stage
- phallic mother
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Cultural Sensitivity
The term can be sensitive or offensive in some cultures; use with awareness of the audience.
Be careful when mentioning 'phallic' symbols in certain cultures; it might be inappropriate.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Always Literal
'Phallic' often refers to objects that indirectly evoke images of masculinity or male sexuality.
Some skyscrapers have a phallic appearance, symbolizing power and strength.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoid Overuse
Reserve 'phallic' for clear instances where an object strongly suggests the shape or idea of a penis.
Not all towers are phallic in nature; use the term judiciously.
Compare with
eroticamasculinepricksexualtesticularvirile
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Video examples
The beautiful tricks of...
you'll you'll know about this plant this is the most amazing thing that sort of phallic bit there is about a foot long okay and it does something that no other plant that I know of does and that is that when it flowers that's the the
Video examples
Dan Phillips: Creative...
After all, it's not just a question of hygiene, but there's a possibility of recreation as well. Then, this faucet here is just a piece of Osage orange. It looks a little phallic, but after all, it's a bathroom.
Video examples
The beautiful tricks of...
you'll you'll know about this plant this is the most amazing thing that sort of phallic bit there is about a foot long okay and it does something that no other plant that I know of does and that is that when it flowers that's the the
Video examples
Dan Phillips: Creative...
After all, it's not just a question of hygiene, but there's a possibility of recreation as well. Then, this faucet here is just a piece of Osage orange. It looks a little phallic, but after all, it's a bathroom.
Example 1 of 2
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