Introduction:
In the previous posting here, August Play-Day, 2025!, I broached the topic of referring to August Play-Month rather than “play-day” as the entire month of August appeared to be “fun oriented!” The higher the outside temperatures rise, the instances of excitement and playfulness climb (rise), too!
Aaron, my spouse and I both agree that there is simply no time for us to sit back and complain of “nothing to do.” It is, after all, summer and there’s always a body of water – somewhere – to remove all clothing and to dive into! Not only is the month of August here; it is also time to skinny-dip (swim naked) as a means of celebration! Skinny-dipping is relaxing, refreshing, rejuvenating and f-u-n!
The phrase, skinny-dipping (swimming naked), is an American colloquialism that the author, Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens, 30 November, 1835 – 21 April, 1910) popularized with his literary characters Tom Sawyer and also Huckleberry Finn in the days of Southern rural communities in the middle 1800s.
The term skinny-dipping is relatively new as it didn’t emerge for many until after World War II ended. The enormous numbers of young men enrolled in the armed services against Germany, Italy and Japan brought together millions from all geographical areas of this country. The traditional rural Southern term, skinny-dipping, began to gain and grow in comprehension and recognition once they were discharged from defence service and returned home. The majority of young men entering the armed forces once the war began grew up reading Mark Twain’s novels. Thus the nickname (slang) for swimming naked became popular.
The exact origins of the slang term, skinny-dipping, is unknown. The popular conjecture is that skinny is used to denote “naked” to describe the swimsuit (skin). Dipping is thought to refer to the entry into the natural body of water a person would dive (dip) into. Hence skinny-dipping instead of swimming naked.
Few, if any, of the rural Southern areas had the financial resources to construct (build) an outdoor pool. This resulted in the early post-war skinny-dippers only having access to natural bodies of water (lakes, oceans, rivers, etc.). Skinny-dipping was affordable for everyone. The only “cost” was the effort necessary to remove one’s clothes and jump into the natural body of water!
Marvelous Monday Mentality!
An aspect of skinny-dipping that is too frequently ignored and/or overlooked is the attitude that accompanies the pleasure! It is a mindset evolution the naked swimmers absorb that produces positive energy and perspective! A POV (point-of-view) that is almost exclusive to skinny-dipping enthusiasts and their outlook!
Throughout our modern world, there can be found an almost universal bemoaning and dread of the arrival of Monday and in particular, Monday mornings! It represents a “return to the routine,” especially regarding the “work week.” The mundane life is back into place with little or no chance of any change.
Yet in the lives and the perceptions of the swim clothes free population, quite the opposite is the reality. Their Monday is of the happy arrival of another full week – seven glorious days – skinny dipping! A repeat of all the aquatic antics and pleasures a person can enjoy minus the nuisance burden of wearing swimsuits! Among this community, naked swimming is in place for an “instant replay!” A substantial day in, day out existence to highlight their summer season!
A bonus for all of us who engage in swimming while bare, weather isn’t a major concern. If it happens to be a day of rain – no problem! Bodies of water, whether natural or man-made (pools), are both wet – as is the rain. Skinny dipping remains doable even during a rain shower. However, thunderstorms remain hazardous. Lightening and wetness are most definitely not compatible!
We are now living in our 21st century, some progress has been made regarding the skinny-dipping world. Man-made bodies of water – pools, whether enclosed or outside – are now possible locations for clothes free swimming activities!
We now have the option of removing our swimsuit once we gain access to the pool. Just take it off! Skinny-dipping is not a difficult chore to master!
The discarded swimsuit can be placed along the pool edge and now let all the “naked-fun-in-the-sun!” commence!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, August 8, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “The Bare/Dare Series! #1”
ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! 