What am I, nudist or natuist or ?

I am perplexed by the many descriptions I have read about what a nudist and naturist is.

so i will attempt to describe myself.

I like to be naked in the house all the time
I like to sleep naked all the time (whenever i can)
I like to take walks out back, but do not want to be seen.
activities I enjoy nude or not:
RVing
socializing with other naked people.
reading
listening to classical music
swimming in a pool (not a river or lake) (i have never swam in the ocean)
almost any indoor activity,

things i don't like (nude or not)
exercising, (it shows) LOL
sports,
watching TV.
dirty work.

I have always liked to be naked because it feels free.
I could not do that before I was married and had my own place.

I am a christian and do not like the voyeuristic or exhibitionist connotation that "Nudist" presents as in many European areas.
however I do not identify with the almost spiritual... "one with nature" idea of many naturists.
I,m not a wooly bear I shave regularly, and not real big on "eating naturally" I like a BIG MAC just as well any anybody else. (you can keep the tofu yourself) LOL

nature as I'm using it here is simply "Gods creation" in my mind. and I already consider my self part of it, nude or not. I am but dust. when I die my body with return from which it came.
as a christian I believe in God "Emanuel" that is "God in us" and so do not sense a closer-ness to God for being naked. as he is already in me and as close as he can get. Getting naked does not give me a spiritual high. it just feels FREE!


so am i a nudist, or a naturist? or is there a third choice I don't know about?

Segnet

I am perplexed by the many descriptions I have read about what a nudist and naturist is.

so i will attempt to describe myself.

I like to be naked in the house all the time
I like to sleep naked all the time (whenever i can)
I like to take walks out back, but do not want to be seen.
activities I enjoy nude or not:
RVing
socializing with other naked people.
reading
listening to classical music
swimming in a pool (not a river or lake) (i have never swam in the ocean)
almost any indoor activity,

things i don't like (nude or not)
exercising, (it shows) LOL
sports,
watching TV.
dirty work.

I have always liked to be naked because it feels free.
I could not do that before I was married and had my own place.

I am a christian and do not like the voyeuristic or exhibitionist connotation that "Nudist" presents as in many European areas.
however I do not identify with the almost spiritual... "one with nature" idea of many naturists.
I,m not a wooly bear I shave regularly, and not real big on "eating naturally" I like a BIG MAC just as well any anybody else. (you can keep the tofu yourself) LOL

nature as I'm using it here is simply "Gods creation" in my mind. and I already consider my self part of it, nude or not. I am but dust. when I die my body with return from which it came.
as a christian I believe in God "Emanuel" that is "God in us" and so do not sense a closer-ness to God for being naked. as he is already in me and as close as he can get. Getting naked does not give me a spiritual high. it just feels FREE!


so am i a nudist, or a naturist? or is there a third choice I don't know about?

Segnet

[luvnaturism]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Segnet:
I am a christian and do not like the voyeuristic or exhibitionist connotation that "Nudist" presents as in many European areas.
Segnet </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Setnet, you get to decide for yourself what you wish to be called. Since "nudist" seems to have some negative associations for you, perhpas you'd be more comfortable with "naturist." Both of those are terms that some other people react to rather strongly, so perhaps you might like to refer to yourself simply as a "skinnydipper." That seems to have a lot of more positive associations for lots of people, as so many have tried it and liked it.

But I'm puzzled by your comment about Europeans, and wonder if you've ever actually been to any of those places? Europeans tend to be more laid back and matter of fact about nudity. In general it's the opposite of "voyeuristic or exhibitionist."

no I have not been to Europe, I was repeating what I had been told. I know the person that told me has been.

The term "skinydipper" seams a lot more comfortable but is far from accurate. as I rarely ever get to swim, nude or not.

[Fuzzy Nuts]

I still dont know the difference and I have been without clothes for a while. Probably naturist is more accepted than nudist (maybe because people confuse naturist and naturalist).

If anyone asks I just say I like to be NAKED.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">(maybe because people confuse naturist and naturist). </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

HUH?

[Journeyman]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Segnet:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">(maybe because people confuse naturist and naturist). </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

HUH? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

He probably meant "naturalist" (someone appreciating flora and fauna) and "naturist".

BTW, Segnet, what difference does it make what you call yourself? Why is the label so important? No offence, but aren't there bigger issues in life to deal with?

J.

[Naturist Mark]

Nudist and Naturist mean the same thing. Some people choose to give certain shades of meaning to one word or the other, but no one, not even the dictionary writers, have the authority to dictate the terms.

I've seen some people give one definition to nudist and one to naturist, and then the next person will exactly reverse them.

You'll find some people speaking with great determination and forcefullness that they are different in some precise way. That's nice for them, but in practice the words are used interchangably.

Generally speaking Naturist (or its language equivalents such as Naturisme) is the preferred term in Europe, and generally Nudist has been the preferred term in the Americas, but that is changing.

We can converse at length about the different perceptions of connotation of each word. That could be an illuminating examination of opinion, but it is still just opinion.

Naturist = Nudist

You are welcome to attach any additional embellishments to them that you find useful, just like everyone else does.

-Mark

[nudenwv]

i have read in other articles about nudism and it was stated that if you are nude all the time your a nudist. naturist are nude only when their surroundings call for it. i would imagine this means only at a resort or function that allows being nude. hope this helps out.

[l2ltlarry]

I was asking myself the same question this morning. As I see it, an "-ism" is a belief and an "-ist" is the one who believes the "-ism". A nud(e)-ist would believe in nud(e)-ism, a natur(e)-ist would believe in natur(e)-ism.

While I know nature exists, I'm not a big fan (I grew up on a farm. I got as much nature as I wanted there.) I am a fan of nude though, so I must be a nud(e)-ist. I don't know of any environment in which one grows up and gets all the nude he wants. My thinking: nude is far more beautiful than clothed. Yet clothed is mandatory and nude is nearly or altogether criminal in most cases.

As I am relatively new to this form of recreation, I am needing to learn about thees things.
what easier way to do that than to throw the Q:'s out there and see what A:'s come back.

also, as I live in the heart of the Bible belt, and having some hang-ups about labeling myself with a word like "nude" or "naked" as it caries with it a certain rebellious flavor, I find that uncomfortable.
that, and I don't identify with nature much at all. but I do like to be "clothes free" because I like freedom.

Americans seam to be preoccupied with labels I know. but they exist and are important in this culture whether we like them or not. so if I must have a label I want one I can comfortably call myself. not like the label really makes a big difference in who I really am, but it does help describe ones Identity.

that is why I was trying to find an appropriate label to fit ME not try to conform to a certain label.
again being new to nudism/naturism/etc/etc/ and so forth... no knowing the language, I threw up a posting.


sure there is tons of other stuff to talk about. I wanted to talk about this.

[NudeAl]

I have been into nude recreation for sometime now. As a result my choice of label has changed. At first I refused to put a label on it. I then felt like naturist was the best term to use because I felt a definite connection to nature when I was able to be nude outside and usually these places were out in the forest or some natural setting. As time went by I became more comfortable with the term nudist. It seemed to fit I felt no negative connotations surrounding it. I felt I was just being more honest with myself by using this term so now I use this term when describing myself. Does any of this make sense I don't know? It just feels like I had a way to go to become comfortable with the term nudist and I could use it for myself.

[shãybare]

http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/cool4.gif
I agree with Mark about nudist and naturist are the same. It comes down to ones own attitude and for each individual to make their own choice.

And, like Journeyman, I am curious as to why the label is so important.

[Fuzzy Nuts]

JOURNEYMAN Thanks for pointing out error in post - Hopefully I have corrected it.

[lightmetal]

How about "Originalist", since the original human beings were without clothing? http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/idea3.gif

Hmmm....
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> "Originalist" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
thats interesting, It doesn't roll of the tongue well,

perhaps it is not necessary to go back that far, as it seams that it is the modern ideology that that has created the need for even labeling ourselves as a nudist or naturist or whatever.

Im not very knowledgeable in world history, when did this seem to change in culture in general?
perhaps we can gain a clue from that?

all I know was that in Rome centuries ago, co-ed bath houses where a mainstay of culture then.

[Geo]

For no particular reason, I tend to prefer (for myself) the term naturist. Also when I refer to myself without clothing, I tend to say I am naked.

There is certainly nothing wrong with nude or nudist, I just prefer the other terms.

[Nude in the North]

I prefer the term Nudist. It's short and to the point. No confusion with the Naturalists.

I can defend Nudism and correct any misconceptions that people may have. Atleast I know they understand exactly what Nude means.

I hope , by example , that I can put a positive light on nudism by showing my non nudist friends that it's not what they think.

You might be surprised at how many people can relate to these feelings even though they claim to not have the courage to try it themselves.

Steve

[naturalmanwa]

I refer to myself as a "naturist" because I love the out of doors and feel it should be taken care of so we always have the desert, mtns., or great plains as it may be to enjoy, and I enjoy them most when I am nude!

The two words may mean the same to some, and it is not really important what you call yourself.

[Elendil]

I refer to myself as Naturist.

[lightmetal]

How can the religious zealots who wish to ban nudity argue with some of us wanting to return to the way that God intended? By using Originalist (and I agree, it doesn't roll very well), it may take some of the wind out of their sails. http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/bonk.gif

[Tampanude]

The religions I think that are most true are those that profess positive encouragement from whatever diety. "turn the other cheek" (no pun intended).
Help those less fortunate.
Tolerate those who disagree.
Don't sweat the small stuff.
Be nude if you want. Be clothed if you want.
If someone thinks you're an evil person even though what you believe causes no harm, they deserve your best wishes and your back when they want to *****.

Just my .02 cents

Be good to eachother

"Save the earth. It's the only known source of chocolate"

[nimrod]

How about:
Sky Cladian
Un-clothedist
Noclotheswearintarian
Clad in Nothingist
Non-Textilist
Allmyclothesareinthelaundryan
Preferinskinist
Likenbarenessism
Bareassedist
Nocoveringmyjunkist
Onlycomfortableinmyownskinism
Clothedinairian(maybe not, sounds racist)
Human
Just some ideas, come up with your own.

[Baron Lake]

I just tell em I'm a Creationist. Freaks them out (especially those that ARE "Creationist".
b.l.

[David77]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">How can the religious zealots who wish to ban nudity argue with some of us wanting to return to the way that God intended? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
How do you know that God intended us to go around naked, just because we were born with no pants on? Do you know God's intentions by the method or circumstances of our birth?

I LOVE THAT
I have always said I was a creationist already!!

[Naturist4Ever]

NM (quote): Naturist = Nudist

Of course you are free to believe what you like to believe, maybe/indeed this applies to the US more so than other continents.

Certainly here in Europe there is a major disctintion:
<UL TYPE=SQUARE> <LI> naturist/-ism NEEDS to have an element of nature/outdoor. Nude for sole purpose of being nude (think world naked bike ride, think nude poker) is generally considered nudism, not naturism
<LI> naturism preferably requires some of form of social interaction. If you are naked by yourself, well you are just naked. Naturism - according to the European definition as defined by the INF - includes a social element.
[/list]
Naturism and just being nude isn't really the same, even if it is outdoor on the beach. Now many people want to believe that it IS the same, but in reality it isn't. The only common aspect is nudity. That is just fine as well, anyone can enjoy the nude beach - or being nude for that matter - regardless what they want to call themselves! To understand naturism, the best is to experience it. Try some of the better naturist resorts in France for example (no, not Cap d'Agde).

Maybe indeed in the US the meaning of the terms nudism and naturism IS the same, or better - all shades of nudism/naturism are being labelled pretty much the same.

[johny]

RE:""The two words may mean the same, and it is not really important what you call yourself.""

If I may bit contradict to INFFNI in this, just term Naturism was invented for reason that nudism became somehow exerting a (unreasoned) shame on a person, at some minds of non-nudists. For example I may be proud I am nudist but many textilers uses this term as sinonym for expletive indeed, at least at my land I have observed such attitudes.

Therefore instead of nudism was introduced something brand new - naturism, and as soon textilers cached this shift of wording, the answer was to glue on a new word little bit other label of meaning, to explain why.

INFFNI made this work with a glance indeed, however the aimlessness is more than obvious - just ~99,99% of all nudists are naturists and 99% of all naturists are nudists (using those strict "correct" meaning of both terms).

However - if I may push out a bit phylosophy - its never have meaning how one may call an (any) thingy, until this thingy is good, healthy, benefitial, and gives to us an enjoyment.

[JohnFourtyTwo]

I used to get nudist/naturists confused with exhibitionists because I thought there were the same. A friend of mine who's an exhibitionists (professional singer/musician/dancer/model) and I recently had a discussion about this and we both learned that both naturists/nudists and exhibitionsts have the same feelings but express them differently.

[freesobernaked]

Maybe Segnet can use the name of the website?

Instead of labelling ourselves as "a something", which, unless its something we have no choice over, means we are "pigeonholing" ourselves, why not express our choices....rather than "being", our choice to not wear clothes is something we "do".

The description, if asked, is that I am someone who enjoys being "clothesfree".....

Just as I am NOT an accountant. I AM a human being who DOES accounting. Its not what defines me....

Just a thought.

Forgive me for being so quiet in this topic, I have been more curious as to where the conversation would go without my input.

I agree with Freesobernaked, that a label does not "define" someone, but aids in "describing" that someone or their Affiliations/interests/habits/etc...
I can say i am "Lutheran" as that is the church i attend, i could say I am "mechanic" as that is my line of work.
note I do not become what my label says of me but it affects the minds of the ones that see it weather or not it is accurate, others will react to you in a way they have judged appropriate due to your label. also a person can themselves be greatly effected too.

in many cultures a name was chosen to give to a newborn based on something significant in the child's or parents life or circumstances surrounding them. this could have a great affect on them through life. the most prevalent example that comes to my mind is "Jabez" which means "pain" as recorded in 1st Chronicles ch4 effected this man so greatly that such an insignificant fact finds its way into the middle of a genealogy list to be recorded for ever.

I'm not looking to "define" myself, just to find an accurate "description" of what I already am that will not evoke negative-ism in the minds of othewise judgemental negative-ist's around me.

I dont want to say something like... well Im a naturist, except I don't do "out in the wild"
but Im not a nudist (worst case scenario imagined by negative-ist) because I dont do that kind of thing. but i like to be nude/naked outside in the sun. sa long as it's tame and there's a pool nearby.

it would be easier to just have a one word/phrase label to use.
I could say well I'm a ------------- and they would understand.

note I have taken to using that description
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I am someone who enjoys being "clothesfree" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
I like how it does not directly point to a nude condition which sets off alarms my negative minds, but rather makes emphasis on being "free"... free of what? "clothes"...

You mean your naked?

Yeah, we all are under our clothes anyway, I like "freedom"

Segnet

[OZJames]

Yes Segnet, I prefer not to say I'm a NUDIST even though I know I am. I just say -

"we don't wear clothes much around our farm"

I think (for ME)it's more honest to say nudist but I don't because I wonder what other people think. Of course I like to be nude in NATURE. Perhaps one can be both a nudist (being nude and promoting a nude life ) and a naturist who likes nudity amongst nature (outside)

http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/beam.gif <span class="ev_code_RED">JAMES</span> http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/beam.gif

I think you are right.OZ there where some percentages given on a previous posting...

a lot of overlap exists, is seams that a naturist IS a nudist and then some. whereas a nudist is just that... a "nudist"

I like your way of not using a label per'se but just alluding to the general dress code at your farm.

[pukunui]

I call myself a nudist.

Naturist implies to me that you eat right, exercise, save the whales and belong to the green party etc. While I agree with those things I don't actually do them.

What I do is get naked. Hence, I'm a nudist.

[Fuzzy Nuts]

NIMROD Thought your list was hilarious and told my wife I was going to refer to myself as a "bareassedist"from now on and she told me it was close to what she calls me - dumb ***.

[nimrod]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by hairyballs:
NIMROD Thought your list was hilarious and told my wife I was going to refer to myself as a "bareassedist"from now on and she told me it was close to what she calls me - dumb ***. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Glad you enjoyed. Feel free to add to it if you can think of others.

[Liam]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by pukunui:
I call myself a nudist.

Naturist implies to me that you eat right, exercise, save the whales and belong to the green party etc. While I agree with those things I don't actually do them.

What I do is get naked. Hence, I'm a nudist. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Exactly! I do not take care of myself as much I should. But I do like to be nude; so, nudist.

I don't like the word "naked" as it has some negative connotations. I prefer nude. I always say: "I am not naked, I'm nude". Of course the most offending phrase is "running around naked". Lordy, I hate that! It is quite common unfortunately. I don't run anywhere.

[Fuzzy Nuts]

Actually I enjoy "running around naked" Not meaning to give you a hard time Liam but couldn't resist.

[Liam]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by hairyballs:
Actually I enjoy "running around naked" Not meaning to give you a hard time Liam but couldn't resist. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Heh! Heh! You enjoy running while nude, surely! Nice touch hairyballs.

[Big-Thinker]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by lightmetal:
How about "Originalist", since the original human beings were without clothing? http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/idea3.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I wanted comment on this (humans being originally without clothing). There may be another topic out there mentioning this also.

I am not an expert on world history, but fascinated by and familiar with it. I would like to do some research and then maybe compile and article on world history of nudity. What I do know is that the modern USA is probably the most nude-phobic culture in world history. There are accounts of nude groups/cults even in European mideval and early Christian history.

Nudity is observed in many modern "primitive" cultures, and any rational person knows that all our ancestors were primitive at one time. Not much is known about nudity in prehistory (and prehistory only ends for most Europeans with the expansion of the Roman empire!), but I think reasonable extrapolation indicates there was probably alot of nudity among tibes, nations, etc..

I would imagine that even in the Northern climates and even in the ice age, people would at least get nude on the sunny side of their cave to sunbathe. This not only felt great, it gave them vitamin D, and was a relief from the miserable clothing they wore to protect them from the cold.

By the way, it's an interesting item that both scientists and Christians can agree on: "original human beings were without clothing", as lightmetal put it.

[NudePete]

It's too bad naturalist is already taken.

[BlobbyBob]

What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet

[Fuzzy Nuts]

Nudist????? Naturist?????? NO JUST BUCK NEKKID

[NakedTao]

I tend to use the term "naturist" more so than "nudist." It's a matter of personal preference, I guess.

[Liam]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by hairyballs:
Nudist????? Naturist?????? NO JUST BUCK NEKKID </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hey! Canadian Guy! You calling your wife a Buck? Eh? Eh? http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/shocked.gif

We have been through all this before, but even to the extent of cowering before Mark, I still insist that Naturists are fitness nuts and Nudists embrace all of us who enjoy social nudity. I do not ascribe to the original German fitness thing. Blasted elitist Naturists! http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/wink3.gif

Liam, aka
*** smoking beer-swilling sloth-like fatboy

[Liam]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by NakedTao:
I tend to use the term "naturist" more so than "nudist." It's a matter of personal preference, I guess. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

It would be interesting to know why that is your choice.

Originalist Is also already taken... It has to do with some kind of political view. I dont claim to understand it fully, never was one to dig that deep into the political scene

[shãybare]

http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/cool4.gif
Nudist and Naturist are identical twins. Their personalities may differ just a bit, but you really can't tell them apart.

[Fuzzy Nuts]

Liam - I guess I would have to say that we are BUCK AND DOE NEKKID!!!!!

I always thought it was " BUTT "nakid

[Fuzzy Nuts]

In Canada I am sure it was refered to as buck naked although its the same thing.

[alfredr]

Can I get in on this too?

While I was growing up, nudist was the only term I knew, or had heard of, for nudists. And as there was a nudist "colony" in the county, I had heard of nudists. I thought of myself as a nudist as far back as somewhere in my teens, although I have memories of playing naked as a younger child. (Grew up on a farm.) Sometimes with my two brothers, sometimes my sister too.

To me, a nudist is someone who realizes that they enjoy being without clothes at some times. There are probably many more 'anonymous' nudists; people who like the feeling of being clothes-free but haven't realiized the fact.

And to me, "naturist" sounds like it ought to be someone who likes to "get back to nature" whether nude or not. Apparently, though, the nudists have appropriated the term to mean "nudist", with or without any back to nature element. If you hang around the pool all day, how "natural" is that?

So, what am I? I'm probably as back to nature as most any of you. I just spent from when I got home from work until it was too dark trying out some axes that I've gotten at yard sales in a light rain with only shoes, my glasses and a helmet to keep the rain off my glasses. This is why I bought a house with 20 acres of woods. Incidentally, a couple of the axes need to be sharpened, a couple, the handles broke and a couple were just right.

But I still think of myself as a nudist, not a naturist.

[Fuzzy Nuts]

How about just plain NEKKID?

[nudebushwalker]

I believe from the above discussion that "naturists" could be considered as a sub-group of the larger "nudist" collective grouping ??

And it has long seemed to me that a Naturist should not only want to get back to nature, commune with nature, be one with creation, as it were .. but should also have a deep and abiding respect for the natural world, and desire to see this natural environment conserved, maintained and protected.

As for "exhibitionism", surely that has more to do with how a person is acting at the time, irregardless of whether they are naked or not ???

"Stupid is as stupid does." Forrest Gump.

[NakedGary]

NudePete

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">It's too bad naturalist is already taken.
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

It's not too Bad, it's taken - A Naturalist has nothing to do with being naked, nude, in nature or out in the open.

Dictionary.com

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.0.1) - Cite This Source
nat?u?ral?ist? /?næt??r?l?st, ?næt?r?-/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[nach-er-uh-list, nach-ruh-] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation

–noun 1. a person who studies or is an expert in natural history, esp. a zoologist or botanist.
2. an adherent of naturalism in literature or art.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Origin: 1580–90; natural + -ist]


Merriam-Webster:

Main Entry: nat·u·ral·ist
Pronunciation: -list
Function: noun
1 : one that advocates or practices naturalism
2 : a student of natural history; especially : a field biologist

Main Entry: nat·u·ral·ism
Pronunciation: 'na-ch&-r&-"li-z&m, 'nach-r&-
Function: noun
1 : action, inclination, or thought based only on natural desires and instincts
2 : a theory denying that an event or object has a supernatural significance; specifically : the doctrine that scientific laws are adequate to account for all phenomena
3 : realism in art or literature; specifically : a theory or practice in literature emphasizing scientific observation of life without idealization and often including elements of determinism

.

[Pete Knight]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">And to me, "naturist" sounds like it ought to be someone who likes to "get back to nature" whether nude or not. Apparently, though, the nudists have appropriated the term to mean "nudist", with or without any back to nature element. If you hang around the pool all day, how "natural" is that? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Naturist is the favoured term over here in Europe, its still really the same as nudist, as Shaybare said above.
I like to think that I'm a naturist first and foremost because I enjoy my nude momnets much more when I commune with nature, usually freehiking, and it has been noted before that one feels closer to nature when naked, the wild animals are far less jittery, I've stood within feet of small mammals and watched them go about their business, and I have read of folk in Canada who have encountered larger mammals with the same result.

Anyway, whats in a name, its what YOU feel, not what its called that is most important, do you feel free, liberated, close to nature, healthy, so who cares what you call it as long as it makes you feel good.

Pete Knight

[usuallylurk]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Pete Knight:
Naturist is the favoured term over here in Europe, its still really the same as nudist, as Shaybare said above.
I like to think that I'm a naturist first and foremost because I enjoy my nude momnets much more when I commune with nature, usually f/QUOTE]


From an American context -- let me explain how the terms came to be on this side of the pond.

Today, with the internet, and international broadcasting, and more travel, English language speakers tend to use almost all, but not all, of the same vocabulary. The division of the English language is lessening now, but there are still some differences.

Back at the turn of the 20th century, the European "air bath relaxation" crowd adopted the term "NATURIST". It also carries better between Romance and Germanic languages.

Back in the 1920s, when clothes-free recreation started up the United States, the term "NUDIST" was applied and used.

Indeed, here in the United States, the two major organizations were known as the American Sunbathing Association (now American Association for Nude Recreation), and the National Nudist Council. The latter organization was never as big as ASA, but its structure and focus were similar. It continued to operate as an major organization until the late 1970s, and even continued a limited mail-order membership / quarterly newsletter operation until the passing of its last "owner" around 2000 or so.

Then came 1980, and The Naturist Society was formed. Since ASA (now AANR) had a club focus, and it still does today, TNS decided to address the realm of nude and clothing optional recreation on public lands.

It also had unstated secondary objectives -- one being, to become commercially viable enough to influence existing nudist parks to open their doors to singles. And they did a very good job of that. But that's a different issue.

So -- at that point in time -- in North America, anyway, the term "naturist" was generally applied to people who recreated on public lands, beaches, etc. and "nudist" was applied to nudist parks and camps.

Even today, AANR publications avoid the term "naturist". TNS publications tend to not use the term "nudist". In North America, it's only a commercial distinction of terms, and only in North America.

However, in language -- and in global terms -- there is no difference between the two words. In fact, most ASA-type organizations in other countries have been using the term "Naturist" or "Naturism" as part of their name for decades.

And the worldwide association of nudist/naturist organizations is the International Naturist FEDERATION (not "INA", as this board was called in its earlier days).

So if you're a citizen of the world, and you engage in nude or clothes-free recreation, you are a nudist AND a naturist. It is no different than the fact that your car's engine is under the hood and burns gasoline, or that your car's engine is under the bonnet and burns petrol.

[Fuzzy Nuts]

I still want to start a NEKKID SOCIETY