What is smut?

"Smut" can refer to a few different things, depending on the context. Here are the main interpretations:

1. Fungal Diseases in Plants: In agriculture and botany, "smut" refers to a group of fungal diseases affecting crops, particularly cereals like corn, wheat, and barley. These fungi belong to the order Ustilaginales. Smuts are characterized by causing black, powdery spores that can significantly damage crops and reduce yield. Common examples include corn smut caused by Ustilago maydis, which is often considered a delicacy in Mexican cuisine and is known as "huitlacoche."

2. Obscene or Pornographic Material: In literature and media, "smut" can colloquially refer to content that is considered obscene or pornographic. This can include books, films, and other media that contain explicit sexual material. The use of "smut" in this sense often carries a negative connotation, suggesting content that is crude or vulgar.

3. Literary Genre: In fan fiction and contemporary romance circles, "smut" is often used to describe stories or scenes that prominently feature explicit sexual content. These works can be targeted toward adult audiences and are sometimes referred to as "NSFW" (Not Safe For Work).

The appropriate interpretation of "smut" depends on the context in which the term is used.