Intimate part
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{{Redirect|Private parts||Private Parts (disambiguation)}}
An '''intimate''' or '''private part''' is a place on the human body which it is usually customary to keep covered with [[clothing]] in public areas, as a matter of [[decency]]. The term is a [[euphemism]].
Definitions vary, but in [[Western culture]]s they are primarily the parts involved in [[sexual arousal]], [[reproduction|procreation]], and elimination of [[excreta]] and related matter, including:
*the [[buttocks]] and the [[anus]], the [[perineum]]
*for males: the [[penis]], [[testes]] and [[scrotum]]
*for females: the [[vagina]], [[vulva]] and the [[breast]]s, especially the [[nipples]]
Females' breasts are typically considered as parts that would be covered in most contexts, with degree of tolerance for uncovered breasts (such as at beaches) varying in different regions. In some places, such as many contexts in the United States, where breasts are typically considered as not appropriate to be exposed in public, it is sometimes considered sufficient (such as in certain entertainment venues, usually for an adult male audience) that the nipples alone be covered. It is however common, in some regions in the United States, for mothers to [[breastfeed]] their very young children in public view, which often involves exposure of the nipple.
In some periods of European history, female shoulders and legs were included. More conservative viewpoints in the West in some contexts still find it appropriate that females should [[clothing|cover]] their shoulders, particularly when entering a [[church]] or other sacred space.
In Islamic traditions, the definition of intimate parts is similar to its definition in [[Western culture]]. Some Muslims believe that females should cover most of their body, especially the hair, shoulders, neck, and the "intimate parts" mentioned above. Specifically, in females, the entire body, except the face, hands and feet must be covered in public. It is often stated that these parts are likely to arouse excitement in males, and for reasons of chastity and modesty, should be covered. Men are required to cover from the navel to the knee inclusive.
Exposure of one's intimate parts, particularly unintended exposure, is typically connected with feelings of [[shame]]. Such acts may be subject to strict [[Sociology|social rules]], [[social control]] and [[criminal justice]]; see ''[[nudity]]'' and ''[[indecent exposure]]''.
Intentionally touching the intimate parts of another person, even through [[clothing]], is often associated with [[human sexual behaviour|sexual]] [[intent]]. If this is done without legally valid consent of the person being touched, it is considered [[sexual harassment]] or [[sexual assault]].
==See also==
*[[Sex organ]]
*[[Secondary sex characteristic]]s
*[[Public nudity]]
{{Unreferenced|date=September 2007}}
[[Category:English idioms]]
[[Category:Sexual anatomy]]
[[lt:Intymi vieta]]