indecent

Indecent is an adjective describing conduct, speech, or material that offends contemporary sexual or moral standards, or is considered inappropriate for public display. Etymology: from Latin indecens, from in- “not” + decens “becoming,” meaning not becoming or fitting.

Definition and scope: In everyday use, indecent means not decent. In law and policy, terms vary by jurisdiction, but indecency generally refers to sexually explicit acts or nudity that are not legally obscene but are deemed inappropriate for certain audiences or settings, such as broadcasts, schools, or public places. Examples include indecent exposure, indecent acts in public, or certain sexually explicit material disseminated to minors.

Distinction from obscenity: Obscenity typically concerns material that appeals to prurient interest, depicts sexual conduct in a patently offensive way, and lacks serious artistic, literary, political, or scientific value, according to applicable tests in a given jurisdiction. Indecency, by contrast, is often regulated to protect public decency or broadcast standards and may be protected in private contexts or outside restricted settings.

Applications and enforcement: In broadcasting, indecency regulations restrict airing explicit sexual content during certain hours. Online platforms and publishers may implement content moderation policies to limit indecent material, and schools or workplaces may enforce decency guidelines. In criminal law, indecent terms appear in offenses such as indecent exposure or indecent assault, with penalties that vary by jurisdiction. Cultural norms and legal frameworks shape what is considered indecent, leading to variation across societies and over time.