Body count - meaning and definition
Alsonumber of partnerspartner count
Definition
Slang for the number of people someone has had sex with.
At a glance
- Slang for someone's number of past sexual partners.
- There is no right or wrong number.
- Judgements about it often follow gendered double standards.
- For sexual health, testing and safer sex matter more than the number.
- Nobody has to disclose it if they do not want to.
In detail
The phrase is common on social media and in dating conversations, sometimes as a casual question and sometimes as a way of judging people. There is no "right" number, and it says little about a person's character, values or ability to be a loving partner.
Judgements about body count often follow double standards, with women and LGBTQ+ people criticised more harshly. From a health point of view, the number matters far less than regular STI testing, safer sex and honest communication with partners. Nobody is obliged to share their number.
In a sentence
- My profile says do not ask my body count, it is not a first-date question.
- Why does everyone care about body count? Ask about my values instead.
Common questions
Do I have to tell a partner my body count?
No. It is a personal choice. What matters for a partner's health is that you share relevant information about your STI testing and status, and agree on safer sex.
Is a high body count a red flag?
Not in itself. The number does not show whether someone is respectful, honest or kind. Judging people on it often reflects stigma rather than anything about the relationship.