  The one-dimensional spin-S $J_1-J_2$ XY model is studied within the
bosonization approach. Around the two limits ($J_2/J_1 \ll 1,J_2/J_1 \gg 1$)
where a field theoretical analysis can be derived, we discuss the phases as
well as the different phase transitions that occur in the model. In particular,
it is found that the chiral critical spin nematic phase, first discovered by
Nersesyan et al. (Phys. Rev. Lett. {\bf 81}, 910 (1998)) for $S=1/2$, exists in
the general spin-S case. The nature of the effective field theory that
describes the transition between this chiral critical phase and a chiral gapped
phase is also determined.
