Ask Difference

Indecent vs. Salacious — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 4, 2023
"Indecent" refers to something offensive to good taste or morality; "Salacious" means having or conveying an undue interest in sexual matters. Both words carry a negative connotation, but salacious has a stronger emphasis on lewdness.

Difference Between Indecent and Salacious

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Key Differences

In essence, while "Indecent" serves as a broader term describing any form of improper, offensive, or immoral content or behavior, "Salacious" specifically refers to that which is obscene, lewd, or overly focused on sexual matters. Both terms portray a deviation from societal norms of propriety and decency, but "Salacious" does so with a stronger emphasis on sexual impropriety.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
When discussing something "Indecent," the connotation is usually of an offensive or morally objectionable nature, not adhering to societal norms of decency and morality. It conveys a broader range of improper conduct or expression, be it in language, attire, or behavior. "Salacious," however, has a more narrow focus, being explicitly associated with an undue or excessive interest in sexual matters, often describing content, expressions, or behaviors that are lewd or lascivious in nature.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Indecent" and "Salacious" are terms often used to describe content or behavior deemed inappropriate, offensive, or overtly sexual. "Indecent" typically refers to content or conduct that is against societal norms and standards of propriety, often invoking a sense of disgust or offense. It can include anything from inappropriate dress to crude language. On the other hand, "Salacious" generally denotes an excessive or obscene interest in sexual matters, portraying lewdness and lasciviousness, focusing specifically on inappropriate or excessive sexual content or behavior.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
"Indecent" covers a spectrum of behaviors and expressions that are considered inappropriate, offensive, or vulgar by societal standards. It is not limited to sexual content but includes any form of expression or conduct that violates norms of decency and propriety. Conversely, "Salacious" is predominantly associated with obscene sexual content or expression, emphasizing lewdness, lustfulness, and the explicit portrayal of sexual matters.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023

Comparison Chart

Definition

Offensive to good taste or morality.
Having or conveying an undue or obscene interest in sexual matters.
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Oct 03, 2023
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Connotation

Impropriety, offensiveness, vulgarity.
Lewdness, lasciviousness, obscenity.
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Oct 03, 2023

Domain

Pertains to a wide range of improper conduct or expression.
Predominantly related to inappropriate or excessive sexual content or expression.
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Usage

Broader, includes any form of impropriety or offensiveness.
Narrower, primarily denotes lewd or lascivious content or behavior.
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Severity

Typically less severe, general impropriety.
More severe, emphasizing explicit and lewd sexual impropriety.
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Oct 03, 2023

Definitions

Indecent

Indecent can also imply a vulgar or obscene nature.
The movie was rated for its indecent language.
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Sep 29, 2023
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Salacious

Salacious implies lewdness or lasciviousness.
The salacious remarks were deemed inappropriate for the workplace.
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Sep 29, 2023

Indecent

Indecent means being offensive to accepted standards of decency.
The comedian's indecent jokes made the audience uncomfortable.
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Sep 29, 2023

Salacious

Salacious means having or conveying an excessive interest in sexual matters.
The novel was banned for its salacious content.
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Sep 29, 2023

Indecent

Indecent implies a lack of modesty or propriety.
The magazine was banned due to indecent images.
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Salacious

Salacious often implies an undue focus on sexual matters.
The scandal was fueled by salacious rumors and speculations.
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Sep 29, 2023

Indecent

Offensive to accepted standards of decency or modesty; lewd or vulgar
Found the movie to be indecent.
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Sep 29, 2023

Salacious

Salacious can refer to a prurient interest or excessive lustfulness.
The gossip magazine is filled with salacious stories about celebrities.
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Indecent

Not appropriate or becoming; unseemly
Bought up distressed properties with indecent enthusiasm.
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Salacious

Salacious denotes being obscene or vulgar, especially in a sexual sense.
The media criticized the artist for the salacious imagery in his music video.
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Indecent

To good taste.
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Salacious

Appealing to or stimulating sexual desire
Salacious reading material.
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Indecent

Not in keeping with conventional moral values; improper, immodest, or unseemly.
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Salacious

Characterized by or indicating sexual desire; lustful
A salacious wink.
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Indecent

(criminal law) Generally unacceptable for public broadcasting but not legally obscene.
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Salacious

Promoting sexual desire or lust.
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Indecent

Not decent; unfit to be seen or heard; offensive to modesty and delicacy; as, indecent language.
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Sep 29, 2023

Salacious

Lascivious, bawdy, obscene, lewd.
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Indecent

Not in keeping with accepted standards of what is right or proper in polite society;
Was buried with indecent haste
Indecorous behavior
Language unbecoming to a lady
Unseemly to use profanity
Moved to curb their untoward ribaldry
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Sep 29, 2023

Salacious

Having a propensity to venery; lustful; lecherous.
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Indecent

Offensive to good taste especially in sexual matters;
An earthy but not indecent story
An indecent gesture
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Salacious

Characterized by lust;
Eluding the lubricious embraces of her employer
Her sensuous grace roused his lustful nature
Prurient literature
Prurient thoughts
A salacious rooster of a little man
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Indecent

Offending against sexual mores in conduct or appearance;
A bathing suit considered indecent by local standards
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Salacious

Suggestive of or tending to moral looseness;
Lewd whisperings of a dirty old man
An indecent gesture
Obscene telephone calls
Salacious limericks
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Sep 29, 2023

Indecent

Indecent can refer to something improper or morally offensive.
The painting was criticized for its indecent content.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 29, 2023

Indecent

Indecent denotes being offensive to good taste or morality.
The indecent proposal was met with outright rejection.
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Sep 29, 2023

FAQs

What is the meaning of salacious?

Salacious denotes having or conveying an excessive or obscene interest in sexual matters, implying lewdness, lasciviousness, and prurience.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023

Is salacious only related to sexual content?

Predominantly, yes. Salacious primarily denotes content or expression that is obscene or lewd, with a strong focus on sexual matters.
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Oct 03, 2023

Can indecent be subjective?

Yes, what is considered indecent can vary widely among individuals, cultures, and societies, based on differing norms and values.
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Oct 03, 2023

Can salacious refer to an undue interest in sexual matters?

Absolutely, salacious implies an excessive, undue, or prurient interest in sexual matters, often portrayed as obscene or lewd.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023

Can indecent refer to language?

Yes, indecent can describe language that is offensive, vulgar, or obscene, violating accepted norms of propriety.
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Oct 03, 2023

Does salacious imply a more severe degree of impropriety than indecent?

Typically, yes. Salacious usually denotes a more explicit and obscene portrayal or interest in sexual matters compared to indecent.
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Oct 03, 2023

Is indecent always associated with morality?

Generally, yes. Indecent typically implies a violation of accepted moral norms, be it in conduct, expression, or content.
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Oct 03, 2023

Can salacious describe behavior?

Yes, behavior that demonstrates an undue or obscene interest in sexual matters can be described as salacious.
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Oct 03, 2023

What does indecent mean?

Indecent refers to something that is offensive to accepted standards of decency or morality, implying impropriety, vulgarity, or obscenity.
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Oct 03, 2023

Can indecent describe attire?

Yes, attire that is deemed offensive or not conforming to societal norms of decency can be described as indecent.
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Oct 03, 2023

Can something be indecent without being illegal?

Yes, many things can be considered indecent based on societal or individual norms without necessarily being illegal.
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Is salacious always used in a negative context?

Predominantly, yes. Salacious usually carries a negative connotation, denoting obscene, lewd, or lascivious content or behavior.
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Oct 03, 2023

Does indecent have legal implications?

It can. Laws in many jurisdictions define and penalize indecent conduct, expression, or exposure, based on societal norms of decency and morality.
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Oct 03, 2023

Can indecent imply offensiveness?

Yes, indecent often implies something that is offensive to accepted standards of decency, whether in conduct, expression, or content.
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Oct 03, 2023

Does salacious have a literary use?

Yes, in literature, salacious can describe content or expression that is overtly sexual, lewd, or obscene.
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Oct 03, 2023

Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba Rehman
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

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