jailbait

Definition of jailbait

Pronunciation

• enPR: jāl´bāt, IPA: /ˈdʒeɪlbeɪt/, SAMPA: /"dZeIlbeIt/

Etymology

jail bait, from the risk of a prison sentence.

Noun

jailbait (uncountable)

1. (slang) A person below the age of consent for sexual activity, considered as a potential sexual partner.
   
   * 2009 The Economist, "Charis Wilson, model and writer, died on November 20th, aged 95":
   "The first time she modelled for Edward Weston, in March 1934, Charis Wilson knew she didn't look good. At 20 she was "a piece of jailbait", a mere child, especially with the stumpy plaits into which she sometimes twisted her hair."

See also

• statutory rape