celibacy

I blame the catholics for allowing these two terms to be confused, since "not married" in catholese equals "not getting any".

Now go ahead and shock your friends by telling them that you have decided so spend the next couple of years in celibacy. Doesn't sound nearly as intimidating now, does it? And boy, are they gonna be impressed by your willpower or what? Screw them! (Literally, even! It's perfectly within restrictions, y'know?)

Ce*lib"a*cy (?), n. [See Celibate, n.]

The state of being unmarried; single life, esp. that of a bachelor, or of one bound by vows not to marry.

Hallom.

© Webster 1913.