X-rated

[ eks-rey-tid ]

adjective

1. (of a motion picture; no longer in official use by the Motion Picture Association of America) having a rating of X; intended for adults only.
2. of or relating to a pornographic film.
3. obscene, sexually explicit, or vulgar: X-rated selfies.

   X-rated dance moves;

   X-rated selfies.

X-rated

adjective

1. (formerly, in Britain) (of a film) considered suitable for viewing by adults only
2. informal.
   involving bad language, violence, or sex

   an X-rated conversation

Word History and Origins

Origin of X-rated¹

First recorded in 1970–75; X ³( def 8 ) + rate ¹( def ) + -ed ²( def )

Idioms and Phrases

Sexually explicit, vulgar, or obscene, as in This film should be X-rated; it's not suitable for children . This expression alludes to a rating system established for motion pictures, in which films rated X may not be viewed by persons under the age of 17. [c. 1970]