Glossary of BDSM

Glossary of BDSM is a comprehensive list of terms and jargon used in the BDSM community. BDSM is a variety of often erotic practices or roleplaying involving bondage, discipline, dominance and submission, and sadomasochism. The following are some of the most common terms used within the BDSM community:

BDSM_Company_on_Taiwan_Pride_2005

Villiot_being_spanked

Aftercare: The time after a BDSM scene or play session in which the participants calm down, and slowly come back in touch with reality. Aftercare may involve cuddling, discussion, reassurance, and expressions of love and affection. Dominant: A person who exercises control in a BDSM scene or relationship. A Dominant can be of any gender and the term is not exclusive to BDSM. Vanilla: A term used in the BDSM community to refer to non-BDSM sexual activity or relationships. Vanilla can also refer to anything that is considered normal or mainstream. Bondage: A sexual practice that involves the tying up or restraining of one partner. Bondage can be performed with everyday objects or specially designed BDSM equipment. Edgeplay: A form of BDSM that involves activities that push or cross boundaries of what is considered safe, sane, and consensual. Edgeplay may involve risk of serious physical harm. Fetish: A sexual attraction to objects, body parts, or situations not traditionally viewed as sexual. A fetish can be almost anything, from feet to leather to balloons. Submissive: A person who gives up control in a BDSM scene or relationship. A Submissive can be of any gender and the term is not exclusive to BDSM. Switch: A person who enjoys being both Dominant and Submissive in a BDSM scene or relationship. A Switch can be of any gender and the term is not exclusive to BDSM.

• Algolagnia - A sexual tendency which is characterized by deriving pleasure, and sometimes sexual arousal, from physical pain. It can be divided into two subcategories: masochism, where an individual enjoys receiving pain, and sadism, where pleasure is derived from inflicting pain on others.
• Amber Rayne - An American pornographic actress known for her work in BDSM-themed adult films. Her career and performances have contributed to the visibility and understanding of BDSM practices within mainstream adult entertainment.
• Anal hook - A curved metal hook, often with a ball at one end, that can be inserted into the anus and connected to ropes or other bondage equipment. It is used in BDSM activities for control, restraint, and stimulation.
• Andreas Spengler - A researcher known for conducting one of the first significant sociological surveys on BDSM practices and the BDSM community, contributing valuable data on the prevalence and nature of BDSM interests among the general population.
• Armbinder - A type of bondage equipment designed to bind the arms together behind the user’s back, restricting movement. Armbinders are made from various materials like leather or latex and are used in BDSM play for restraint and discipline.
• Autosadism - A form of Algolagnia where an individual derives pleasure from inflicting pain on themselves. It is often considered a subcategory of masochism within the BDSM spectrum.
• BDSM - An umbrella term encompassing a wide range of activities, interpersonal dynamics, and subcultures involving bondage and discipline (BD), dominance and submission (DS), and sadomasochism (SM). BDSM can include a vast array of practices, from light, consensual role-playing to more intense physical and psychological interactions.
• BLUF (fetishism) - BLUF stands for "Breeches and Leather Uniform Fanclub," an organization with a focus on the appreciation of leather uniforms and related attire. It highlights the significance of dress and material culture within certain BDSM and fetish communities.
• Babeland - A sex-positive retail chain in the United States that specializes in sex toys, erotic books, and accessories, including BDSM gear. It is known for its educational approach to sexuality and sex positivity.
• Backlash (pressure group) - A UK-based organization that advocates for the rights and freedoms of adults to participate in consensual sexual activities, including BDSM. It has been active in opposing legal restrictions that impact consensual sex practices.
• Berkley Horse - A piece of furniture used in BDSM play, designed for spanking or flogging, with the spankee positioned over it. The design allows for varying positions and can be adjustable to accommodate different activities and intensities.
• Billions (TV series) - An American television series that includes depictions of BDSM relationships and practices as part of its narrative, reflecting BDSM's presence in mainstream media and entertainment.
• Black Leather Jesus - An experimental noise music project known for themes that explore aspects of gay culture, BDSM, and fetishism. Their work demonstrates the intersection of BDSM culture with other artistic and cultural expressions.
• Blindfold - A common BDSM accessory used to cover the eyes, depriving the wearer of sight. This sensory deprivation tool can enhance the psychological aspects of BDSM play, increasing anticipation and vulnerability.
• Body belt - A piece of BDSM equipment, similar to a harness, that wraps around the torso or waist, often with attachments for ropes or restraints. It is used for bondage and decorative purposes within BDSM scenes.
• Body worship - A BDSM activity that involves expressing reverence for a partner’s body part by kissing, licking, or otherwise physically adoring it. It can be a form of domination and submission play, emphasizing power dynamics and erotic appreciation.
• Bondage (BDSM) - The practice of physically restraining a partner for erotic, aesthetic, and/or psychological effect. Bondage can involve the use of ropes, cuffs, bondage tape, and other devices to limit mobility or to position the body in specific ways.
• Bondage corset - A specially designed corset used in BDSM activities for both its aesthetic appeal and its functionality in restricting movement. It may be tighter and more structured than fashion corsets to enhance the sensation of restraint.
• Bondage cover - A type of covering or overlay featuring images or themes related to bondage, often used on books, magazines, or albums. It signifies the content's exploration of BDSM themes, serving both as an aesthetic choice and a marker of genre.
• Bondage cuffs - Restraining devices designed specifically for BDSM play, typically made from leather, metal, or heavy-duty rubber, used to secure a submissive's wrists or ankles.
• Bondage harness - A piece of BDSM equipment made from straps that wrap around the body, often used for restraint and aesthetic purposes within scenes. Harnesses can also serve as anchor points for other bondage gear.
• Bondage hood - A hood, often made of leather, latex, or spandex, used in BDSM activities to cover the head of the submissive, restricting vision and hearing to heighten sensory deprivation.
• Bondage pants - Fashionable pants, inspired by the BDSM culture, that include straps, chains, and zippers. While not used for actual restraint, they symbolize an affiliation with BDSM aesthetics.
• Bondage pornography - A genre of adult entertainment that showcases consensual bondage activities. It spans various forms of media, including films, photography, and literature.
• Bondage suit - A full-body garment designed to restrict movement, often used in BDSM play. Made from materials like latex, leather, or neoprene, it may also include built-in restraints.
• Bondage tape - A non-sticky, reusable tape used for binding or gagging in BDSM scenes. Its self-adhering property makes it safe for use on skin without the risk of sticking or hair pulling.
• Bonding (TV series) - A dark comedy series that explores BDSM themes, relationships, and the personal growth of characters involved in the BDSM community.
• Boot worship - A BDSM activity involving the adoration of boots through actions such as kissing, licking, or cleaning, often symbolizing submission to a dominant partner.
• Bound & Gagged (magazine) - A defunct magazine that catered to the gay male BDSM community, featuring stories, photography, and articles related to bondage and fetish themes.
• Breast bondage - The act of tying or binding breasts in BDSM play, often with ropes, to enhance visual appeal or induce pleasure through restraint and mild discomfort.
• Breast torture - BDSM activities involving the application of pain or pressure to the breasts, using hands, implements, or bondage techniques.
• Caning - A form of impact play in BDSM, where a cane is used to strike a person, typically across buttocks or thighs, for erotic stimulation, discipline, or punishment.
• Chap boot - Tall leather boots that extend to the thighs, reminiscent of those worn by cowboys. In BDSM, they are often associated with dominance and fetish wear.
• Charles Guyette - Recognized as the "Godfather of American Fetish Art," Guyette was a pioneer in providing fetishistic clothing and photography in the early to mid-20th century.
• Chastity belt (BDSM) - A device used in BDSM play to prevent the wearer from engaging in sexual activity or masturbation, symbolizing control by the keyholder, often within a consensual power exchange relationship.
• Cock and ball torture (CBT) - BDSM activities that involve pain or constriction applied to the penis or testicles, including practices such as bondage, wax play, or spanking.
• Collars in BDSM - Symbols of submission or ownership within BDSM relationships. Collars can signify a particular BDSM dynamic, relationship status, or role within the community.
• Coming to Power - A collection of essays and photography by the lesbian S/M group Samois, which was pioneering in discussing feminist and BDSM identities.
• Consensual tickling - A BDSM activity where tickling is used as a form of erotic play, sensory stimulation, or punishment between consenting partners.
• Consent in BDSM - The mutual agreement to the terms, conditions, and limits of a BDSM activity or relationship. Informed consent is foundational to ethical BDSM practices.
• Conversio Virium - The oldest university student-run BDSM education group in the United States, based at Columbia University, highlighting the educational aspect of BDSM culture.
• Criminal Girls: Invite Only - A video game known for its controversial use of BDSM themes and punishment mechanics, sparking discussions about the portrayal of BDSM in media.
• Crop (implement) - A riding crop adapted for BDSM use, often used for striking to induce pain or pleasure. Its impact is more localized than other implements like paddles.
• Crotch rope - A bondage technique involving a rope tied around the waist and then between the legs, used to stimulate the genital area. It can be worn under clothing for discreet public play.
• Crush fetish - A fetish that involves arousal from watching objects (sometimes living creatures) being crushed.
• Cuckold - A term used to describe a person, usually a man, who derives masochistic pleasure from knowing or watching their partner engage in sexual activity with someone else, often tied to themes of humiliation and submission within a BDSM context.
• Cynthia Slater - A pioneer in the BDSM and sexual freedom movements, co-founder of the Society of Janus, one of the first BDSM education and support groups in the United States, emphasizing education, safety, and consent in BDSM practices.
• Denkianma - A Japanese term for a prank involving vibrating foot contact with the genital area, reflecting cultural variations in erotic and BDSM-related activities.
• Discipline (BDSM) - A fundamental aspect of BDSM involving the use of rules, punishment, and corrective actions to train or control a submissive's behavior, often integral to dominance and submission (D/s) dynamics.
• Dominance and submission - A set of behaviors, customs, and rituals relating to giving and accepting control of one individual over another within BDSM activities or relationships, highlighting the psychological aspects and power exchange dynamics in BDSM.
• Dominatrix - A woman who takes the dominant role in BDSM activities, often providing professional services that involve BDSM play and power exchange, showcasing the role of professional practitioners within the BDSM community.
• Dungeon monitor - A person assigned to supervise BDSM play parties to ensure safety, consent, and adherence to the event's rules, illustrating the community's emphasis on safe, sane, and consensual practices.
• Edgeplay - BDSM activities that are considered to have higher risks or are on the edge of what is considered safe, sane, and consensual, involving practices such as breath play or blood play, reflecting the importance of informed consent and risk-aware BDSM practices.
• Enema - The introduction of liquid into the rectum and colon via the anus, often used in BDSM medical play scenarios for domination, humiliation, or preparation for anal play, underscoring the diverse range of activities within BDSM.
• Erotic asphyxiation - A practice that involves constricting or controlling the breath of a partner during sexual activity to enhance erotic pleasure, considered edgeplay due to its inherent risks.
• Erotic electrostimulation - The use of electrical current for sexual stimulation as part of BDSM play, utilizing specialized equipment to deliver controlled shocks to the body, highlighting technological innovations in BDSM practices.
• Erotic humiliation - A BDSM activity involving verbal or physical actions intended to humiliate or demean a consenting partner, often within a negotiated scene or dynamic, emphasizing the psychological dimensions of BDSM.
• Erotic hypnosis - The use of hypnosis in a BDSM context to enhance or alter the mental state of the submissive, creating feelings of submission, arousal, or altered consciousness, showcasing the mental and psychological aspects of BDSM interactions.
• Erotic sexual denial - A form of power exchange where a dominant controls the submissive's access to sexual gratification, emphasizing the control dynamics within D/s relationships.
• Erotic spanking - The act of spanking another person for sexual gratification, one of the most common forms of impact play within BDSM, illustrating the integration of pain and pleasure.
• Exotic Erotic Ball - An annual event that celebrated sexual diversity, eroticism, and BDSM culture, demonstrating the community and celebratory aspects of BDSM and sexual freedom movements.
• Facesitting - A form of erotic activity or body worship in which one person sits on another's face, often as a form of domination or erotic humiliation, reflecting the variety of practices that can be part of BDSM dynamics.
• Fear play - BDSM activities that involve the consensual use of fear or psychological distress in a scene, such as through threats, simulated danger, or horror scenarios, showcasing the exploration of psychological edges within BDSM.
• Female submission - The act of a woman submitting to the control or authority of a partner within a BDSM scene or relationship dynamic, illustrating the diverse expressions of power exchange and submission.
• Feminist views on BDSM - The range of perspectives within feminism regarding BDSM, with debates focusing on issues of consent, empowerment, and the reproduction of patriarchal structures, reflecting the intersection of BDSM with broader social and political discussions.
• Feminization (activity) - A practice within BDSM where a male submissive is dressed or treated as a woman, often involving elements of humiliation or role-reversal, as part of a negotiated scene or dynamic, illustrating the exploration of gender roles within BDSM.
• FetLife - A social networking website for the BDSM, fetish, and kink communities, providing a platform for individuals to explore their interests, connect with others, and learn more about various BDSM practices and events.
• Fetish club - A nightclub, bar, or other venue that hosts events specifically for individuals interested in BDSM and fetish culture. These clubs often feature themed nights, equipment for play, and a dress code to create a safe environment for exploration and socialization.
• Fetish model - A model that primarily appears in fetish photography, videos, or performances, often specializing in specific fetishes or BDSM activities, contributing to the visibility and normalization of BDSM culture.
• Figging - The practice of inserting a piece of skinned ginger root into the anus or vagina. It is used in BDSM for its pain-inducing properties, showcasing the creative and diverse range of sensory experiences within BDSM play.
• Fisting - A sexual activity that involves inserting a hand into the vagina or anus. Within BDSM, it can signify trust and deep connection between partners, as well as the exploration of intense physical sensations.
• Folsom Street Fair - An annual event in San Francisco celebrating BDSM and leather subculture. It is known for its public displays of BDSM activities and its role in promoting sex positivity and community solidarity.
• Foot binding - A historical practice primarily in China, unrelated directly to BDSM but sometimes referenced in discussions about body modification and the extreme lengths to which societies will go to conform to beauty standards or ritual practices.
• Foot fetishism - A pronounced sexual interest in feet. In a BDSM context, foot fetishism can be integrated into dominant/submissive dynamics through activities like foot worship or trampling.
• Footjob - A sexual act that involves using the feet to stimulate a partner's genitals. It can be part of fetish play or BDSM scenes that incorporate foot fetishism.
• Forced orgasm - A BDSM activity where a dominant brings a submissive to orgasm against the submissive's will or beyond their control, often using vibrators, restraints, or other methods, highlighting consent and control dynamics within BDSM.
• Gag (BDSM) - A device used in BDSM play to muffle speech or create a sense of helplessness through mouth restraint. Gags can vary in style, including ball gags, bit gags, and more, chosen for comfort, aesthetics, and effectiveness.
• Gayle Rubin - An American cultural anthropologist and activist known for her scholarly work on BDSM subcultures, sexual politics, and gender studies, contributing significantly to the academic understanding of BDSM and sexuality.
• Genital jewellery - Decorative items specifically designed to adorn the genital area. In BDSM, such jewellery can also serve practical purposes, such as providing stimulation or being part of genital torture activities.
• Genital torture - BDSM activities involving the application of pain or pressure to the genitalia of a submissive, which can include the use of clamps, weights, or other devices, emphasizing the consensual exploration of pain and pleasure.
• Genitorturers - An industrial metal band known for their BDSM-themed performances and music, highlighting the intersection of BDSM culture with other forms of artistic expression.
• Go Arisue - A Japanese rope bondage artist renowned for his contributions to the art of kinbaku (紧缚), showcasing the global diversity and cultural specificity within BDSM practices.
• Greenery Press - A publishing company that specializes in books on BDSM, sexuality, and alternative relationships, playing a crucial role in providing educational resources and literature for the BDSM community.
• Guy Baldwin - A therapist, author, and BDSM practitioner who has contributed extensively to the dialogue on BDSM culture and ethics, emphasizing the importance of consent and psychological well-being in BDSM practices.
• Handkerchief code - A system of color-coded cloth squares or bandanas worn in the back pocket, used primarily within the gay leather subculture to indicate preferred sexual fetishes, roles, and interests, showcasing the nuanced communication within BDSM and fetish communities.
• Hannah Cullwick - A Victorian-era maid whose diaries detailed her consensual slave-master relationship with Arthur Munby, shedding light on the historical presence and complexity of BDSM dynamics.
• Hardy Haberman - A filmmaker, author, and BDSM community leader known for his educational work on BDSM safety and psychology, highlighting the role of community advocates in fostering safe and informed BDSM practices.
• Healslut - A term originating from gaming culture, used in BDSM contexts to describe individuals who derive pleasure from being in a submissive, service-oriented role, often blending fantasy role-play elements with BDSM dynamics.
• Human furniture - A BDSM practice where a submissive is used as a piece of furniture, such as a table or footstool, emphasizing objectification and the dynamics of power and control within a scene.
• Human pony harness - Gear used in pony play, a BDSM activity where participants emulate horses and riders. The harness is part of the costume for the "pony," facilitating role-play and power exchange dynamics.
• Impact play - BDSM activities that involve striking the body for sexual gratification. Common implements include hands (spanking), paddles, whips, and canes. It's a form of sensory play that can range from light taps to more intense hits.
• Insex - An infamous BDSM and fetish pornographic website known for its extreme content. It played a significant role in the online distribution of BDSM imagery and discussions on consent and ethics in BDSM porn.
• Japanese bondage - Also known as Shibari or Kinbaku, a form of artistic rope bondage that originated in Japan. It emphasizes not just restraint but also the aesthetic and emotional aspects of tying.
• Kajira - A term used in the Gor book series by John Norman to refer to female slaves. It has been adopted by some in the BDSM community to denote a female submissive or slave within a Gorean lifestyle.
• Killing of Sharon Lopatka - A notable criminal case involving consensual homicide fantasies that ended in the actual murder of Sharon Lopatka. This case has sparked discussions on the limits of consent and the darker aspects of sexual fetishes.
• KinK - A Canadian documentary series that explored the lives of people involved in the BDSM lifestyle, offering insights into personal experiences, community dynamics, and the diversity within BDSM practices.
• Kink (sexuality) - Refers to unconventional sexual preferences or behaviors, which can include but are not limited to BDSM activities. Kinks can vary widely in nature and intensity, encompassing a broad spectrum of practices.
• Kink.com - A San Francisco-based company known for producing BDSM and fetish pornography. Its content has been influential in bringing BDSM practices to a wider audience and sparking discussions on sexuality, consent, and performance.
• Knife play - A form of BDSM play that involves the use of knives to create physical and psychological stimulation. It can involve the threat of cutting or actual, controlled cutting, considered edgeplay due to its inherent risk.
• Ladykiller in a Bind - An erotic visual novel game known for its exploration of themes like consent, power dynamics, and BDSM. The game has been praised for its handling of complex sexual interactions and consent negotiation.
• Larry Townsend - An author and pioneer in the leather and BDSM communities, known for his publications, including "The Leatherman's Handbook," which offered guidance and insight into gay leather culture and BDSM practices.
• Latex clothing - Clothing made from latex rubber, often worn in the fetish and BDSM communities for its tight fit and sensual appeal. It's popular in BDSM scenes for its aesthetic and sensory experiences.
• Leather Archives & Museum - A library, museum, and archive located in Chicago dedicated to the preservation and dissemination of leather, BDSM, and fetish cultures, highlighting the importance of historical preservation in understanding BDSM community evolution.
• Leather pride flag - A symbol of the leather community, which includes those into BDSM. The flag represents leather pride worldwide and is a common sight at BDSM events and gatherings.
• Leather subculture - A subculture that emerged within the gay community, characterized by a strong interest in leather clothing and gear. It has strong ties to BDSM practices and aesthetics, emphasizing a distinct identity and community solidarity.
• Legality of BDSM - The legal status of BDSM practices varies significantly around the world, with some activities being criminalized or restricted. Legal challenges often revolve around issues of consent and the distinction between consensual BDSM activities and abuse.
• Lesbian Sex Mafia - A support and information group founded in New York City for lesbian and bisexual women interested in BDSM, emphasizing safe, consensual, and feminist-aligned practices within the BDSM community.
• Limits (BDSM) - The boundaries set by individuals participating in BDSM activities. Limits can be "hard," indicating activities that are off-limits, or "soft," for activities that may require caution or negotiation, underscoring the importance of communication and consent in BDSM dynamics.
• Macho Sluts - A collection of erotic fiction by Pat Califia that explores BDSM themes and lesbian sexuality, recognized for challenging norms and expanding the representation of queer BDSM experiences in literature.
• Madonna - While not exclusively associated with BDSM, Madonna has incorporated BDSM aesthetics and themes into her music, videos, and performances, contributing to the mainstream visibility and conversation around BDSM practices.
• Male dominance (BDSM) - Refers to BDSM relationships or scenes where a male takes on the dominant role, exerting control over a submissive partner. This dynamic can involve a variety of practices, including bondage, discipline, and erotic role-play.
• Male submission - The practice of a male adopting a submissive role in BDSM activities or relationships. Male submission can challenge traditional gender roles and offers a spectrum of experiences from light bondage to total power exchange.
• Mark Leno - A politician known for his advocacy on issues relevant to the LGBTQ+ and BDSM communities, among other civil rights issues, reflecting the intersection of BDSM culture with broader social and political movements.
• Master/slave (BDSM) - A deep, consensual power exchange relationship in BDSM where the "master" has complete authority over the "slave." These relationships can be highly structured and involve specific protocols and rituals.
• Max Mosley - A former Formula One racing executive who became associated with BDSM due to a public scandal involving his participation in BDSM activities. The incident sparked discussions about privacy, consent, and the public perception of BDSM.
• Medical fetishism - A fetish that involves sexual interest in medical practices, procedures, or equipment. In BDSM, this can manifest in role-play scenes that mimic medical examinations or treatments, often involving power dynamics and exploration of vulnerability.
• Mighty Jill Off - An indie video game inspired by BDSM themes, particularly the dynamics of dominance and submission. The game is noted for its challenging gameplay and metaphorical representation of a BDSM relationship.
• Mosley v SARL Google - A legal case involving Max Mosley that addressed issues of privacy and the unauthorized dissemination of images depicting BDSM activities, highlighting legal challenges faced by individuals participating in consensual BDSM.
• Munch (BDSM) - A social gathering of BDSM practitioners that usually takes place in a public venue like a restaurant or cafe. Munches provide a casual environment for people interested in BDSM to meet, discuss their interests, and share knowledge.
• Murder of Elaine O'Hara - A criminal case in Ireland that involved elements of BDSM relationships. The case brought attention to the importance of safety, consent, and communication within BDSM communities.
• Muscle worship - A form of body worship in BDSM where one individual admires and stimulates the muscles of another person, often incorporating elements of power exchange and erotic admiration.
• Namio Harukawa - An artist known for his femdom art depicting women dominating men, often in scenarios involving face-sitting and body worship. His work is celebrated in BDSM and fetish art circles for its explicit portrayal of female dominance.
• Nawashi - A Japanese term for a person skilled in the art of rope bondage, particularly Shibari or Kinbaku. A nawashi's expertise lies in their ability to create both aesthetically pleasing and structurally secure ties.
• Nipple clamp - A device used in BDSM to apply pressure to the nipples for the purposes of pain or pleasure. Clamps can vary in intensity and design, and are often used as part of sensory play.
• Nose hook - A BDSM device intended to be hooked into the nostrils, pulling the nose upwards. It is often used in humiliation play, restricting the submissive’s movement and altering their appearance.
• Nose torture - A form of BDSM play focusing on inflicting pain or discomfort to the nose through pinching, pulling, or using specific devices like nose hooks, emphasizing the diversity of sensory play.
• Other World Kingdom - A large commercial BDSM facility in the Czech Republic that operated as a matriarchal micro-nation, fantasy resort, and femdom community, showcasing an extreme example of BDSM lifestyle and community organization.
• Outline of BDSM - An overview of the principles, practices, and culture of BDSM, including terminology, roles, activities, and ethical considerations, providing a foundational understanding for those interested in or studying BDSM.
• Pandora's Box (BDSM) - A metaphorical or sometimes literal reference to a BDSM dungeon or play space that offers a variety of experiences, highlighting the exploration of hidden desires and the discovery of BDSM activities.
• Panic snap - A quick-release device used in bondage and suspension play, allowing for rapid release of restraints in case of emergency, underscoring the importance of safety and risk management in BDSM practices.
• Patrick Califia - A writer and therapist known for his extensive work on sexuality and BDSM, particularly within the queer and transgender communities. Califia's writings have played a significant role in the discourse around BDSM ethics, practices, and community.
• Pegging (sexual practice) - A sexual practice where a person, usually a woman, performs anal sex on a man by penetrating the man's anus with a strap-on dildo. Within BDSM, pegging can be part of dominance and submission dynamics.
• People v. Jovanovic - A landmark legal case in New York that highlighted issues around consent in BDSM. The case raised important discussions within legal and BDSM communities about how consent is understood and legislated.
• Piquerism - The sexual interest in penetrating the skin of another person, often with sharp objects. Within BDSM, this can be a form of edgeplay that requires clear consent and understanding of risks.
• Play (BDSM) - The term used to describe a wide range of BDSM activities or scenes. "Play" can encompass anything from light bondage and sensory play to more intense forms of impact play and power exchange.
• Play party (BDSM) - A social event where individuals interested in BDSM can engage in play scenes in a safe and consensual environment. Play parties often have rules and guidelines to ensure participants' safety and consent.
• Play piercing - Temporary piercing done for the duration of a BDSM scene as a form of body modification play, emphasizing the aesthetic, sensual, or painful aspects of needle insertion.
• Posture collar - A type of collar designed to restrict movement of the neck and maintain the wearer's neck and head in a specific position, often used in BDSM as a symbol of submission and control.
• Predicament bondage - A form of bondage where the bound person is put in a position that creates a dilemma or choice between two or more uncomfortable positions, emphasizing the mental and psychological aspects of bondage play.
• Professional submissive - A person who is paid to take the submissive role in BDSM activities, offering services to dominant clients in a professional setting, highlighting the diversity of roles within the BDSM community.
• Ring of O - A distinctive ring worn by those in the BDSM community, often as a symbol of their interest in BDSM and sometimes indicating an involvement in a power exchange relationship.
• Rope bondage - The art of binding or restraining someone using rope, as practiced in various forms including Shibari or Kinbaku. Rope bondage combines aesthetic, emotional, and sensual elements.
• Rubber and PVC fetishism - A sexual fetish that involves a specific interest in rubber, PVC, or similar materials, often integrated into BDSM play through clothing, accessories, or other items made from these materials.
• SMJG - An abbreviation for "Schwelle, Junge SMler, Junge Gays" (Threshold, Young SMers, Young Gays), a German youth group providing education and support for young adults interested in BDSM, highlighting the importance of youth outreach and education within the BDSM community.
• Sadomasochism - The aspect of BDSM that combines both sadism (pleasure in inflicting pain) and masochism (pleasure in receiving pain), exploring the complex dynamics of pain and pleasure within consensual relationships.
• Safeword - A predetermined word or signal used in BDSM play to communicate the need to slow down, pause, or stop the scene, ensuring all activities are consensual and safe.
• Samois - Considered one of the first lesbian-feminist BDSM organizations, founded in the late 1970s in San Francisco. Samois played a crucial role in advocating for safe, consensual BDSM practices within the lesbian community.
• Scrotal inflation - A form of body modification and BDSM practice that involves injecting saline solution or air into the scrotum to temporarily enlarge it, highlighting the extreme end of genital play and modification within the BDSM spectrum.
• Seiu Ito - Considered the father of modern Kinbaku (Japanese rope bondage), Ito's early 20th-century work in painting, photography, and illustration explored themes of bondage and eroticism, significantly influencing BDSM art and practice.
• Self-bondage - The practice of binding oneself for pleasure. It carries higher risks than bondage performed with a partner due to the potential for being unable to release oneself in an emergency, emphasizing the importance of safety measures in BDSM activities.
• Sensation play - BDSM activities focused on creating intense physical sensations, which can range from the use of feathers and ice to impact play, designed to heighten sensory experience and pleasure.
• Sensory deprivation - A practice in BDSM that involves reducing a person's ability to use their senses, such as with blindfolds or earmuffs, to enhance other sensations or create a sense of helplessness and vulnerability.
• Service-oriented submission - A dynamic in BDSM where the submissive derives pleasure and satisfaction from performing services for their dominant partner, highlighting the psychological aspects of power exchange relationships.
• Session wrestler - An individual who participates in wrestling sessions for a fee, often incorporating elements of domination and physical control, blending athleticism with BDSM dynamics.
• Sex machine - A mechanical device designed to simulate sexual intercourse or masturbation. Within BDSM, sex machines can be used for forced orgasm and control play.
• Sexual Attitude Reassessment - A process or workshop designed to help individuals explore and understand their sexual preferences, boundaries, and attitudes, often used in professional sex education to challenge preconceptions and promote open-mindedness.
• Sexual roleplay - A form of roleplay that involves erotic or sexual scenarios, where participants act out specific roles or fantasies. It's a common practice in BDSM, allowing exploration of dynamics, power exchange, and specific fetishes in a controlled environment.
• Sexual slavery (BDSM) - A consensual exchange of power where the submissive person gives over sexual control to the dominant partner, distinguished by the negotiated limits and the consensual nature of the arrangement.
• Sheree Rose - An influential figure in the BDSM and art communities, known for her photography and performance art that explores themes of BDSM, aging, and body politics, often in collaboration with her late partner, Bob Flanagan.
• Sleepsack (BDSM) - A type of bondage gear resembling a sleeping bag, designed to restrict movement. Made from materials like leather or latex, it's used in BDSM for immobilization and sensory deprivation.
• Small penis humiliation - A BDSM practice that involves humiliating a male submissive by mocking the size of his penis. It can be a form of erotic humiliation that plays on insecurities and submission.
• Society of Janus - One of the earliest established BDSM organizations in the United States, dedicated to educating people about BDSM and providing a safe community for exploration and support.
• Something Leather - A novel by Alasdair Gray that intertwines themes of sexuality, fetishism, and personal discovery, reflecting the broader cultural penetration of BDSM and fetish themes into literature.
• Southport Sockman - While not directly related to BDSM, instances of fetishism, like those attributed to the "Sockman," highlight the diversity of sexual kinks and fetishes that can intersect with BDSM interests.
• Spreader bar - A bar with cuffs at each end, used in bondage to keep the legs or arms apart, facilitating vulnerability and accessibility, and used in various BDSM scenarios for restraint.
• Suspension bondage - A form of bondage where the bound person is hung from one or more overhead points, creating a feeling of weightlessness and helplessness, and requiring careful attention to safety and technique.
• Tamakeri - A Japanese term referring to a fetish and subgenre of BDSM focused on testicular pain, where the submissive male's testicles are subjected to pain for erotic stimulation or humiliation.
• Tawse - A leather implement used for corporal punishment, consisting of a handle with one or more tails. It's used in BDSM for impact play, emphasizing discipline and pain induction.
• Temperature play - A BDSM activity that involves the application of hot and cold stimuli to the body to provoke sensations, using items like ice cubes or wax candles, enhancing the sensory experience.
• The Backstreet - A historic gay leather bar, symbolizing the importance of physical spaces in the development and sustenance of BDSM and leather subcultures, fostering community and shared identity.
• The Eulenspiegel Society - One of the oldest BDSM organizations in the United States, founded in the early 1970s. It serves as an educational and social resource for individuals interested in consensual BDSM activities and lifestyles.
• The Gerogerigegege - A Japanese noise and experimental music project known for its provocative performances and recordings, which often explore themes of sexuality, including BDSM.
• The Maids - A play by Jean Genet that delves into the complex dynamics of power, identity, and sadomasochism through the lens of two maids who enact rituals of domination and submission.
• Tickle torture - A BDSM activity where tickling is used as a form of punishment or play, exploiting the physical vulnerability of the tickled person to provoke laughter, discomfort, or arousal.
• Tom of Finland - The pseudonym of Touko Laaksonen, an artist renowned for his stylized and idealized illustrations of gay men, which often depicted leather culture and BDSM themes, significantly influencing gay and BDSM aesthetics.
• Top (BDSM) - In BDSM, the person who takes the dominant role in a scene or relationship. The top is responsible for initiating and controlling the activity, often requiring skills in negotiation, safety, and technique.
• Top, bottom, switch - Terms used to describe individuals' roles and preferences in BDSM. "Top" refers to the dominant partner, "bottom" to the submissive, and "switch" to those who enjoy both roles.
• Trampling (sexual practice) - A BDSM activity involving one person walking on another's body, which can range from light stepping to more forceful walking. It explores themes of power, humiliation, and pain.
• Uniform fetishism - A sexual fetish that involves being aroused by individuals wearing uniforms, such as military, police, or medical uniforms. Within BDSM, uniform play can be part of role-playing scenarios that incorporate power dynamics.
• Vacuum bed - A BDSM device designed for total body restraint and sensory deprivation. The user is placed between two sheets of latex with a vacuum pump removing the air, immobilizing the person.
• WIITWD - An acronym for "What It Is That We Do," often used within the BDSM community as a shorthand to refer to the range of BDSM activities and practices in a non-judgmental manner.
• Wartenberg wheel - A medical device repurposed for BDSM play, consisting of a wheel with radiating spikes, rolled over the skin to produce sensations ranging from light tickles to pain, used in sensation play.
• Wasteland (event) - One of the largest fetish and BDSM events in Europe, known for its elaborate performances, themed areas, and dress code, celebrating BDSM, fetish fashion, and subcultural identity.
• Wax play - A form of temperature play in BDSM that involves dripping hot wax onto the skin of the submissive partner. The sensation can vary from warm and stimulating to slightly painful, depending on the wax temperature and type.
• Whip - A tool used in BDSM for impact play, capable of producing a range of sensations based on its design, the force applied, and the area of the body it's used on. Whips require skillful handling to ensure safe and consensual play.
• X-cross (BDSM) - Also known as a St. Andrew's Cross, it is a piece of BDSM furniture in the shape of an X. It is used to restrain a person by their wrists and ankles, allowing for various forms of play, including flogging and teasing.
• Zipper (BDSM) - A string of clothespins or clips attached to the body and then removed quickly, often in a 'zipping' motion, used in BDSM for pain play and sensory stimulation.