Sex symbol

Sex symbol is a term ascribed to a famous person, male or female, who is found sexually attractive by the general audience. This term was first used circa 1911.

The movie industry played an important part in the rise of sex symbols. It disseminated images of beautiful people around the world, especially in the time of silent film, when there were no language barriers. One of the first sex symbols was the Danish actress [Astra Nielsen]? in the 1910s and 1920s.

Although movies are still important, sex symbols nowadays are often created by television in general and soap operas and [music videos]? in particular. Many "supermodel?s" of the fashion industry are also regarded as sex symbols.

Some female sex symbols:

• Brigitte Bardot
• [Claudia Cardinale]?
• [Laetitia Casta]?
• [Betty Grable]?
• [Sophia Loren]?
• Marilyn Monroe
• [Sharon Stone]?
• [Raquel Welch]?
• Ann Widdecombe

Some male sex symbols:

• Humphrey Bogart
• Sean Connery
• [James Dean]?
• [Mel Gibson]?
• Elvis Presley

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Alternately, "sex symbol" can refer to the two symbols used to represent gender: ♀ for females, and ♂ for males.

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