Artifact. A chemical compound of ethylene (CH2CH) and chlorine, used as a basic ingredient in consumer products made of plastic.
Usage: Nonverbally, the chemical makeup of vinyl's ethylene resembles plant phytosterols found, e.g., in incense, and animal steroids found, e.g., in testosterone and female oestrodiol (Stoddart 1990). Vinyl components in athletic, computer, and automotive products have a hidden appeal many find mildly aphrodisiacal. Like rubber goods, vinyl products in footwear, keyboards, and floor mats have a subliminal appeal, recognized by none and yet understood by all.
See also AROMA CUE, NEW CAR
SMELL.
Copyright 1998 - 2016 (David B. Givens/Center for Nonverbal Studies)