au naturel

English

Etymology

Borrowed from French au naturel (literally “in the natural”).

Adverb

au naturel (not comparable)

1. Naturally.
2. In the plainest or simplest manner.
3. In the nude: in the naked state.

   Bella loved posing for the artist au naturel.

4. Having untrimmed pubic hair (especially of women).
   • 2018, August McLaughlin, Girl Boner: The Good Girl's Guide to Sexual Empowerment, Amberjack Publishing, →ISBN:

     “There's nary a pubic hair in sight in most porn,” wrote Cindy Gallop in Make Love Not Porn, “which puts a whole lot of grooming pressure on women and is actually rather depressing for those men who like women au naturel.”

5. Without makeup and with one's natural hair color.
   • 2013, Laura Lascarso, Counting Backwards, Simon and Schuster, →ISBN, page 134:

     “Well, few of us are blessed with flawless complexions such as yours, so if you want to go au naturel, that's fine by me.”

   • 2014, Daryl Wood Gerber, Stirring the Plot, Penguin, →ISBN, page 121:

     Why did some women eschew makeup? It seemed to be a recent trend for her. Had her religious fiancé requested she go au naturel?

Related terms

• natural
• naturism

French

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /o na.ty.ʁɛl/

• Audio:

  (file)

Adverb

au naturel

1. naturally
2. in the nude
3. most simply, most plainly
4. (food) without seasoning, flavouring or dressing

   thon au naturel -- tuna-fish in brine

5. (heraldry) proper