different between nymphet vs nymphetry

English

Alternative forms

• nymphette

Etymology

From nymph +? -et (“diminutive”), first attested 1612. The second sense was popularized by Vladimir Nabokov's 1955 novel Lolita.

Noun

nymphet (plural nymphets)

1. (obsolete) A small nymph. [17th-19th c.]
   • 1612 Michael Drayton, Poly-Olbion I. xi. Argt. 171:

     Of the nymphets sporting there In Wyrrall, and in Delamere.

2. A sexually attractive girl or young woman. [from 20th c.]

Usage notes

More common than the alternative spelling nymphette, which uses the more standard feminine suffix -ette.

Synonyms

• jailbait, lolita, nymph

Translations

References

• The changing English language, Brian Foster, 1968, pp. 185–186 – on spelling nymphet versus nymphette

English

Etymology

nymphet +? -ry

Noun

nymphetry (uncountable)

1. (nonce word) The state of being a nymphet.
   • 1955, Vladimir Nabokov, Lolita

     Of the rest, none had any claims to nymphetry except Eva Rosen. Avis was a plump lateral child with hairy legs, while Mona, though handsome in a coarse sensual way and only a year older than my aging mistress, had obviously long ceased to be a nymphet, if she ever had been one.