body odor, n.Definitions

Body odor is not appreciated — those who smell least, smell best.

Body odor is unavoidable — the body is a stairway of odors, each joint a landing.

Body odor is sensual — we need underarm acidity to prepare our own lazy sense of smell for the heady pleasures of our lover’s body. It’s the sting of her breath that prepares us for the sweet smells of the rest of her, just as the tang of vinegar in a salad brings out all its secret aromas.

Body odor is a meal in itself; we can taste acid armpits just as much in our nose as in our mouth. We can smell it on our palate as much as in our nose.