The Greek neuter adjective aischron (αἰσχρόν) means shameful, base, or dishonorable — used as a noun ('a shameful thing') or as an adjective describing conduct or speech that brings disgrace. It belongs to the aischros word family, which consistently marks what is morally base, indecent, or contrary to proper honor.
Paul uses aischron in 1 Corinthians 11:6 (it is shameful for a woman to be shorn) and Ephesians 5:12 (it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret). Both uses appeal to a sense of moral propriety rooted in creation order and covenant life.
The New Testament's use of shame-language is notable in a culture where honor and shame were primary social currencies. Paul leverages this cultural framework to make theological arguments: what God calls holy, let no one call shameful; what God calls shameful, let no one normalize.
Ephesians 5:12 is particularly striking: 'For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.' This verse challenges the modern tendency to desensitize believers through constant exposure to sin's details. Paul suggests that some things are so degrading that the community of light should not normalize discussing them at all. The call is not to ignorance but to maintaining a culture of holiness and honor within the church.