etymology - Origin of the word "cum"


What is the origin of the word cum? I'm trying to find the roots for its prevalent usage, especially in North America.



Answer



It's an informal way of spelling 'to come', which can mean having an orgasm. How exactly that verb has become associated with sexual acts is unclear (to me). My best guess would be that it was commonly used in a phrase similar to:



I'm coming to an orgasm!



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