10 Comments
User's avatar
Mark's avatar

I think the words are often used interchangeably. However, they could potentially be used to describe when and why a person is nude. For example, a naturist may be interested in being nude as a way to be closer to nature. They may want to be nude while performing activities in nature, such as hiking, swimming, camping…. But does their desire to be nude end there? Do they want to be nude indoors? Some might argue that a nudist would prefer to be nude at all times. While at home, at the movies, while bowling, grocery shopping, plus the outdoor activities. Either way both words describe those who prefer at least some time spent sans clothing.

Bill Daugherty's avatar

I don’t know which I am. I just like to be naked

Joshu Ziggy Mercury's avatar

128724/: that nudism is an attitude, and naturism is a practice

David Kramer's avatar

I echo Mark's sentiments. I classify myself nudist because I ike to be naked regardless of the setting, insude or out. Being nude in nature, especially with others, feels different, and in my view, qualifies for a different term to describe the experience. I also remember first hearing the term "naturist" from the beginnings of the Naturist Society/Lee Baxendall days. I think the term was promoted to encourage those who found enjoyment being nude outside, but shied away from the term "nudist" because of what some perceived as being a little weird.

I do get a chuckle out of the misuse of the term "naturalist" when some want to avoid using the term "nudist". Naturists like to be naked outside. Naturalists can explain the birds and the bees to you 😉.

Paul Bergstresser's avatar

Nudist and naturist have the same meaning. When I want to appear more refined, I use the word naturist, but there is no difference. The word nudist is more abrupt. But. There. Is. No. Difference.

Jim Wallace's avatar

That. Is. Your. Opinion. Mine is that there is a difference, albeit subtle. I live in the boonies and am certainly a nature lover. Being outdoors gardening or doing other outdoor chores to me feels great - getting some sun, and feeling the breeze, or going for a walk in the hay fields. But I don't spend every moment that I can in the nude, as some do, so I don't think of myself as a nudist as much. In the end, I don't really care which word gets used; it's just words.

JoeNJ's avatar

The words mostly mean the same in practical, everyday use once you know the difference. Yes, I understand that "naturism" carries the additional elements of social sensitivity and environmental responsibility. That's fine if one has been introduced to its broader definition. For most people though, "naturist" sounds like "naturalist'. While I might bird-watch while I'm naked, that's not the primary goal. As such, I use "nudist" as that make things fairly clear. If the subject somehow comes up, I tell people I'm a nudist. If I'm asked how I spent my weekend, I'll tell them I was at my nudist club. I always happy to explain going to a club is not some bacchanal but regular people doing ordinary stuff just doing things naked if you want to be.

Jim Wallace's avatar

That. Is. Your. Opinion. Mine is that there is a difference, albeit subtle. I live in the boonies and am certainly a nature lover. Being outdoors gardening or doing other outdoor chores to me feels great - getting some sun, and feeling the breeze, or going for a walk in the hay fields. But I don't spend every moment that I can in the nude, as some do, so I don't think of myself as a nudist as much. In the end, I don't really care which word gets used; it's just words.

Charles W. Merritt's avatar

Nudism , public nudism of course !

mike's avatar

For me, it depends on my situation. My current situation, I can only practice in my room. When I was growing up, I lived in Joshua tree CA and there was some empty space between my school and home so I'd strip down to nothing but socks and shoes. I moved to the Adirondack mountains in northern NY at 18 and would spend time in the woods nude. Now, I am in Colorado and can only practice in my room. In Joshua tree and NY, the term was naturist. Since my step dad retired, I can only be nude in my room so the term is nudist.