(Note: I think Jerry is right that we should not assume the worst of people's motives, and I have edited this posting accordingly).

I think postings like this should go farther to make it clear that a) one meaning of the word has a sexual connotation, b) that meaning actually happens to be the more common meaning, and c) non-native speakers should not try to add this word to their active vocabularies for fear of being misunderstood.

As most native speakers are well aware, "intercourse" has <em>two</em> meanings:

<em>1. </em><em>Dealings or communications between persons or groups.</em>

<em>2. </em><em>Sexual intercourse.</em>

Actually, many native speakers are <em>not</em> aware of a double meaning, because they are <em>only</em> aware of meaning #2.

What neither you nor the dictionary makes clear is that nowadays, the second meaning is <em>by far</em> the most common.

There is a town in the United States named "Intercourse, Pennsylvania." It was given its name in 1754 and explanations vary. But, as Wikipedia notes:

<em>Intercourse is a popular site for tourists because of its location in "Amish country" and its sexually suggestive name.... the sign posts for the town are frequently targeted by thieves.... The village's name is often the subject of jokes relating to sexual intercourse.</em>

Volt Age, I’ve never used the word in this meaning, and I don’t see any need to because I can express my meaning in a variety of ways without it. I also don’t think I have ever heard someone say it. If I have it would have been on something like a formal news broadcast or in an academic setting. It is used in writing and it’s a good word to know so it’s not misunderstood. There’s nothing wrong with using it as long as you understand the dangers. Even if used correctly it may distract your audience while they are snickering.

The problem with this post is that it didn’t even hint that the mentioned meaning is uncommon and that the word has a much more common other use that is potentially dangerous. Someone would have to read the comments to understand that.

@ Guyomar,

Give me a break!

Humor? Agreed, but education? This post would be educational if it included all meanings of the word with its usage examples.

Let's say the truth - this is an exclusively humorous thread which has nothing to do with education and a word choice made by OP proves it and it has nothing to do with appreciation. After all this is a discussion and calling one's disagreement not appreciation is ridiculously childish.

By the way you as a teacher should have abstained from supporting this post IMHO.

OK, ladies and gentlemen, let's get to the point and come to a conclusion whether or not we can use this magic word as engagement in talks without looking like idiots but well rounded English learners.

Just out of curiosity are there some other native English speakers apart from Jerry and Guyomar who use this word of the day the way it was explained in this thread by OP?

I agree language learners should be aware of the meaning, and made to be be aware that the term for the other intercourse is "sexual intercourse" or for plants and some creatures "asexual reproduction". [for plants and creatures that do not require two sexes]

However the word sexual is often left off and the term "intercourse" is used to mean "sexual intercourse"

For this reason they need to know because it is common for non natives to totally misunderstand some higher educated speakers or intellectual debates when they get offended by hearing someone utter the word "intercourse". In the middle of an engaging debate involving lively intercourses between the debaters.