Sweden has invented a new word for female masturbation

Jacking off, jerking the turkey, bashing the bishop: there are plenty of colourful phrases men can use for "masturbation", but as we've already learned, women just don't have the same options.

To redress this balance, the good people of Sweden have invented a new word which uniquely describes the experience of female self-stimulation: "klittra".

Last November, the Swedish Association for Sexual Education (RFSU) launched a competition asking members of the public to come up with a new phrase to help promote an "open, positive view of sex and relationship issues".

Historically, women's sexuality and not least female masturbation has been taboo.

Women are not expected to have desires and be turned on in the same way as men, which is reflected in the lack of words [for masturbation].

• RFSU statement, translated by TheLocal

After receiving almost 200 entries, a shortlist of 40 was distilled and posted on RFSU's website for a public vote.

The highly popular "klittra", which is reportedly a combination of "clitoris" and "glitter" was officially adopted by the RFSU at its congress earlier this week - narrowly edging out "pulla" and "runka".

More: Eight women discuss masturbation, still don't know what to call it