Definition and pronunciation
piece of tail noun phrase, vulgar slang — a demeaning way to refer to a person as a target for sex, or to casual sex sought with little regard for the person.
Pronounced PEESS uhv TAYL /ˈpiːs əv teɪl/.
Part of speech and grammar
- Fixed noun phrase with an article: a piece of tail.
- Common after verbs like get, want, chase, be after: get a piece of tail.
- Plural (pieces of tail) occurs but remains crude.
- Not used respectfully; avoid in neutral or formal contexts.
Register and tone
Blunt, vulgar, and sexist. It objectifies people. In most settings it will be insulting; it is acceptable only in analysis, quotation, or when depicting character voice in fiction.
Connection to sexuality
Yes. The phrase directly references sex and frames it as something to “get,” reducing the partner to an object rather than an equal participant.
Common collocations
- get a piece of tail
- after a piece of tail
- looking for a piece of tail
- just a piece of tail (to someone)
- call someone a piece of tail
Idioms and set phrases
- get a piece of tail: to have sex (crude).
- after a piece of tail: pursuing sex (disparaging).
- just a piece of tail: dehumanizing label for a person.
Prepositions and nuance
- for a piece of tail — motive. He only came by for a piece of tail (derogatory).
- after a piece of tail — pursuit. They said he was after a piece of tail (crude).
- to [someone], a piece of tail — viewpoint. To him she was just a piece of tail (sexist).
- call [someone] a piece of tail — direct insult.
Word comparisons
- sex / sexual partner — neutral, non-insulting terms for the act/person.
- hookup — casual encounter; slang but less dehumanizing.
- booty call — late-night request for sex; slang, not automatically insulting.
- eye candy / arm candy — objectifying appearance; not necessarily sexual, still reductive.
- piece of ass — closely related vulgarism; equally or more offensive.
Real-life examples
- That line reduces her to a piece of tail; the script needs a rewrite.
- He bragged he was there to get a piece of tail—offensive and immature.
- She said, “I’m not a piece of tail. Treat me with respect.”
- Workplace rules are clear: calling anyone a piece of tail is unacceptable.
- Commentators criticized the ad for treating models like pieces of tail.
Easy explanation
Piece of tail is a rude phrase about sex. It treats a person like an object. Most people find it insulting. Use respectful words such as partner and have sex instead.
Synonyms
sex, sexual activity, intercourse, hookup, action, get laid, piece of ass, sex object, eye candy, arm candy
Antonyms
abstinence, celibacy, chastity, platonic relationship, respect, dignity, partner
Related terms
objectification, misogyny, sexism, trophy, tail (slang), score, booty call, nookie, dehumanization, consent
Notes and etiquette
- Avoid the phrase outside of linguistic analysis or quotations.
- Prefer people-first, consent-centered language: partner, person, consenting adults, have sex.
- Quote sparingly and label it as “vulgar” or “offensive” in journalism or academic work.
Sexopedia.co is an educational glossary of sexual and gender-related terms—helping you improve your English while deepening your understanding of identity, language, and self-expression.