Romance novels allow the reader to plunge into the romantic era of countesses and princes, capable of high-flown expression of feelings. Unfortunately, some authors are carried away to such an extent that they confound admirers of their work with relevant, but very intricate and incomprehensible expressions for contemporaries.
What is this “genial”? What personality traits does the mysterious word indicate? It is very similar to the "feminine", but the ancestors have repeatedly deceived by consonant definitions. And after all I want to fully experience the scene of the meeting of the heroes of the book!
How cute can you be?
Most of the characteristics that can be described as “pink and fluffy” came to the Russian language from French. The elegant gentille gradually adapted and was turned by compatriots into a “genital” one. This is a natural borrowing process. Its basic meaning was:
The combination of good education, good looks and secular manners for conducting lengthy discussions on topics that are pleasant for the aristocracy. A different interpretation focuses on the perception of the interlocutor as a person:
A lady in a beautiful dress, an elegant hat and a miniature dog under her arm literally personifies in her image the meaning of the word "romantic." Fashion has changed, and the term is outdated, but has not lost its relevance.
Who is hiding behind a mask?
Some philologists give figurative meaning. The studied definition in this case indicates pretense, disguise as something harmless and cozy. This decryption was very popular with native speakers while the word was in use. It is not surprising, because “genital” is a characteristic both for mannered men and for people in the position.
It surprisingly accurately falls into the image of sneakers and envious people who are ready to stab in the back at any moment. Also, most diplomats and spies behaved as minutely as possible, just to muffle the sense of danger among officers and officials.
So they say today?
In the 21st century, the word was thrown out of everyday vocabulary. There are more flowery but short synonyms. Moreover, as soon as you pronounce this “genital”, you will find yourself in the described category. Too significant and conspicuous expression. But if general attention is your goal, go for it! It will indicate your desire for excellence, the desire to master the history and all the richness of your native language, demonstrate a slightly deeper level of knowledge. The case when you can get out of the crowd can only be the ability to speak beautifully.