The term impudent (meaning “impertinent”) and the word pudendum are etymologically connected. Originating from Latin impudens, via Middle French, the former is derived from the prefix in- (meaning “not”) and the verb pudere (meaning “to be ashamed”). On the other hand, pudendum literally translates to a “thing to be ashamed of”. This linguistic divergence is not unique to English, as various languages have derived words from pudere signifying concepts ranging from “modesty” (Italian pudore) and “prudish” (French pudibond) to colloquial terms for “to have sex” (Austrian German pudern) and “penis” (Spanish pudendo, albeit archaic). The dual interpretation of “shame” and “thing to be ashamed of” has led to diverse evolutions of the term. Ultimately, pudere can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root paw, meaning “to strike”.
