Bodice ripper
Definition
A bodice ripper is an informal term for a romantic novel, usually set in the past, that contains frank depictions of sexual activity, often involving the seduction of a female protagonist. The term can also describe a film or television program with similar sexual content.
Quick Facts
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What does bodice ripper mean?
A bodice ripper is a romantic novel, typically set in a historical period, that includes explicit or frank depictions of sexual activity. The story especially associated with the label is one in which a female protagonist is seduced.
The expression can also be used more broadly for a film or television program featuring similar sexual activity.
How the term is used
“Bodice ripper” is an informal label for a particular kind of sexually explicit historical romance. Publishers may use the term “hot historicals” for these books, distinguishing them from less sexually explicit historical romances.