Let's Talk About Smut

- From soot to spice as an expression of the human experience

Let's talk about smut and why it was so important to me to include it in our Sweet'n'Spicy spoonie stories. But before we get to that, we should probably begin with the definition.

Did you know that smut can refer to a plant disease? I find that proper delightful in its absurdity, but it's far from today’s topic. Here in Sir Bear's Snuggery, and for the purpose of our discussion, smut refers to sexually explicit material. Or, more broadly speaking, to something deemed vulgar or obscene.

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The linguist in me can never resist digging into etymology, as the history of a word can tell us something about the values and culture it stems from. In the 17th century, ‘smut’ referred to soot, dirt, or filth. Its roots stretch further back to Old English and Middle Low German:

• smitta (OE smear, blot, mark, stain, pollution)

• besmītan (OE to defile, dirty, pollute)

• smitten (MLG to stain).

Interestingly, the modern German Schmutz, Swedish smuts, Danish smuds, and Norwegian smuss all still mean dirt or filth. Meanwhile, in English, the term has evolved to mean “material that's considered obscene or pornographic” in its current slang usage.

So, what's that supposed to mean?

Smut vs. Porn: Where Do We Draw the Line?

Well, this is where things get a tad complicated. I guess it’s fair to say that the consensus—to the extent we can claim to have found one—is that smut refers to a piece of work (e.g. a book, a piece of artwork, a photography, a magazine, a film etc.) where the characters are engaged in some kind of sexual activity.

All pornography is smut, but not all smut is pornographic. The terms are neither interchangeable nor synonymous. Smut can simply mean that the content is suggestive, risqué, or titillating, whereas pornography is explicitly created with the intention of arousing the viewer or reader sexually.

This distinction explains why we can find examples of smut—but not porn!—in works intended for younger audiences. It may appear in the form of irreverent jokes or cheeky double entendres. In this context, the smut isn’t explicit or harmful but plays with cultural taboos for humour or impact. It may also appear for educational purposes, which leads me to a popular opinion that always rubs me up the wrong way.

Smut as an Art Form

There’s a pervasive cultural narrative that wants us to see sex as something dirty. Something that's obscene, vulgar, and immoral. This viewpoint, so deeply rooted in misogyny and oppression, is nothing but a stinking load of hogwash peddled by people with hidden agendas.

To quote my wise Quartermaster, sex is “a core part of the human experience, and as worthy of writing about as love.” I think this bears repeating. Sex is, indeed, a core part of the human experience, and it often goes hand in hand with sweet, romantic love. As far as I’m aware, no one is suggesting that love itself is filthy. Well, at least not between a man and a woman, but that's a red rag topic for another time.

In art and storytelling, love and sex are intricately intertwined, and I would argue that smut holds its own as an art form. It captures an essential aspect of the human experience, from the sweet and romantic to the wild and unapologetic. I'm not suggesting that all smut is created equal, but I do believe that—just like love—it ought to be celebrated. Especially when it challenges outdated notions about what’s considered “clean” or “appropriate.”

Why Smut Matters to Us

Smut has always been controversial. Some would say that it’s harmful and should be banned. Yet, throughout history, art and literature have explored human sexuality as a natural, fundamental part of life.

Here at The Snuggery, and in our writing, Sir Bear and I embrace smut as an art form. For us, it’s about exploring intimacy, desire, and human connection through a creative lens. Whether it makes us laugh, blush, or think—it serves a purpose. It invites us to examine societal norms, to break taboos, and revel in the joyous, messy, beautiful complexities of being human.

Next time, we are going to look at different types of smut to see where our stories fit in, and we'll tip our hats to some truly great storytellers who have wielded smut with skill and intention. Until then, let's celebrate our smutty selves and read the stories that make us hungry for more.