quim

[ kwim ]

noun

, Slang: Vulgar.

1. vagina; vulva.

quim

/ kwɪm /

noun

1. taboo.
   the female genitals

Word History and Origins

Origin of quim¹

First recorded in 1725–35; origin obscure

Word History and Origins

Origin of quim¹

C19: of uncertain origin

More About Quim

What does quim mean?

Quim is a vulgar slang term variously meaning “vagina,” “vulva,” “a woman as a sexual object,” or “a contemptible person.”

While the term is mostly considered antiquated, it’s still very offensive to refer to a person, especially a woman, using quim.

Where does quim come from?

Quim is first recorded in the early 1600s. Its exact origin is unknown, though several explanations have been offered. Quim is historically associated with British slang, where it has functioned much like the c-word or p-word. Because it has been used to reduce a woman to her genitalia and to liken a man to female genitalia, quim is not only vulgar but also sexist.

Quim was notably used in the 2012 Marvel film The Avengers. In the film, the evil character Loki refers to the Black Widow as “a mewling quim.” Mewling means “crying like a young child, whining.” Calling a woman a mewling quim is extremely demeaning, and many criticized the film for including such offensive language.

Keep in mind ...

What are some words quim may be commonly confused with?

 

• quid
• quip
• Quim, a popular nickname for Joaquim, a common first name in Catalonia, a region in Spain

How is quim used in real life?

Quim is a relatively uncommon slang term in contemporary speech. It occasionally appears in contemporary writing, such as in Stephen King’s 1992 Dolores Claiborne, as well as in colorful fiction from earlier in the 20th century.