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| The term '''adult''' describes any mature ], but normally it refers to a ]: one that is no longer a ] and is now either a ] or a ]. ] is the event of becoming an adult, i.e. of entering '''adulthood'''. | The term '''adult''' describes any mature ], but normally it refers to a ]: one that is no longer a ] and is now either a ] or a ]. ] is the event of becoming an adult, i.e. of entering '''adulthood'''. | ||
| Legally it means that one can engage in a ]. The same or a different minimum age may be applicable for e.g. ], ], having a ], being a ], ], drinking ]s (perhaps different ages for different categories), ], sex, being a ] (if legal at all), being a client of a prostitute, being a model or actor in ], etc. | Legally it means that one can engage in a ]. The same or a different minimum age may be applicable for e.g. parents losing power over the person concerned, parents losing financial responsibility, ], ], having a ], being a ], ], travelling abroad, drinking ]s (perhaps different ages for different categories), ], sex, being a ] (if legal at all), being a client of a prostitute, being a model or actor in ], etc. | ||
| The legal definition of entering adulthood varies between ages 17-21, depending on the region in question. Some cultures in ] define adult at age 13, but most other civilizations consider this the ] stage. | The legal definition of entering adulthood varies between ages 17-21, depending on the region in question. Some cultures in ] define adult at age 13, but most other civilizations consider this the ] stage. | ||
Revision as of 10:37, 20 February 2004
The term adult describes any mature organism, but normally it refers to a human: one that is no longer a child and is now either a man or a woman. Coming of age is the event of becoming an adult, i.e. of entering adulthood.
Legally it means that one can engage in a contract. The same or a different minimum age may be applicable for e.g. parents losing power over the person concerned, parents losing financial responsibility, marriage, voting, having a job, being a soldier, driving, travelling abroad, drinking alcoholic beverages (perhaps different ages for different categories), smoking, sex, being a prostitute (if legal at all), being a client of a prostitute, being a model or actor in pornography, etc.
The legal definition of entering adulthood varies between ages 17-21, depending on the region in question. Some cultures in Africa define adult at age 13, but most other civilizations consider this the teenager stage.
Often the age is 18. Exceptions:
20: Japan.
"Adult" also means "not considered suitable for children", in particular as euphemism for being related to sexual behaviour, e.g. adult entertainment, adult video, adult magazine, adult bookstore.