Encyclopedia of Kink & BDSM
Kink terms are wide-ranging, so the below is a very introductory list - as you learn more about the lifestyle, you’ll pick up more of the nuanced meanings behind some of these words.
Consider this the sort of definition for if you’ve never heard a term before.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 0-9
A
Abasiophilia - Sexual interest in people with impaired mobility.
ABDL (Adult Baby Diaper Lover) - Someone who dresses and/or roleplays as a baby or toddler, and wears diapers/nappies to relieve themselves. Both AB and DL can be exclusive of the other.
Abduction Play - A scenario, or Scene, in which the bottom is restrained and taken to another location.
Ablutophilia - Sexual interest in showers and baths.
Abrasion Play - The use of rough items, like sandpaper or wire brushes, to stimulate the skin. A form of sensory play, this may or may not involve Blood Play.
Acomoclitism - Deriving sexual pleasure from hairless genitalia.
Aftercare - Emotional and/or physical care given after a scene aid the return to a grounded state of mind. Both sides of the slash may require this.
Agalmatophilia - Sexual interest in mannequins or statues. Similar to Technosexuality.
Age Play - Mentally assuming an age different from one's actual age, ranging from infantilism through to - less commonly - old age. This form of play may or may not be sexual, and one partner might not assume a different age.
Algolagnia - Arousal caused by pain, particularly involving an erogenous zone; differs from masochism in that the pain itself causes arousal, rather than being subjected to pain.
Amychophilia - Sexual interest in being scratched.
Anal Torture - The infliction of pain exclusively on or in the anus, for example Figging.
Anal Training - A process that prepares the anus for easier, less painful, insertion of objects.
Andromimetophilia - Sexual interest in trans-men.
Anililagnia - Attraction of young men to older women.
Anti-humiliation - The act of using positive affirmation and kindness to cause arousal by discomfort.
Aptemnophilia/Acrotomophilia - Sexual interest in amputees.
Archnephilia - Sexual interest in spiders.
Asphyxiophilia - Sexual interest in asphyxiation or strangulation.
Auction (Slave) - An event hosting the 'sale' or loaning of a slave to the highest bidder. May be a form of role play.
Auralism - Deriving sexual pleasure from sound; often a particular voice, sound effect, or music.
Autagonistophilia - Sexual interest in being on stage or on camera.
Autassassinophilia - Sexual interest in being in life-threatening situations.
Autoandrophilia - Sexual interest of a biological female that imagines herself as a male.
Autoerotic Asphyxiation - Sexual interest in self-induced asphyxiation, often to the point of unconsciousness.
Autogynephilia - Sexual interest of a biological male that imagines himself as a female.
Autonepiophilia - Sexual interest in dressing as, or imagining oneself as, an infant.
Avisodomy - Sexual behaviour with birds.
B
Babyboy - Male form of an s-type with little tendencies; may prefer childlike mentality and activities, such as colouring, toys, etc. Often paired with a Daddy, Mommy, or Caregiver within a dynamic.
Babygirl - Female form of an s-type with little tendencies; may prefer childlike mentality and activities, such as colouring, toys, etc. Often paired with a Daddy, Mommy, or Caregiver within a dynamic.
Bagging - Form of suffocation for arousal (knows as Breath Play), generally using a clear plastic bag.
Banding - Form of cock and ball torture using tight binding around the testicles to severely restrict bloodflow. Often part of Castration Play.
Basoexia - Arousal caused by kissing.
Bastinado - Form of impact play on the soles of the feet, commonly using canes.
BBC (Big Black Cock) - Common acronym, often used in used in race play.
BBW (Big Beautiful Woman) - Common acronym used to describe curvacious women.
BDSM - Acronym representing Bondage, Discipline, Dominance, Submission, Sadism, Masochism.
Biastophilia - Sexual interest in the act or thought of raping a non-consenting person.
Big - Less commonly used term for one who is nurturing and/or parental in a Caregiver dynamic.
Blood Play - A scene involving the use of blood, from either side of the slash. This is a form of edge play, and as such, should be approached with additional care.
Body Modification - Making changes to the body, often permanently, such as tattoos, piercings, scarification, branding, hair removal, cosmetic surgery, etc.
Body Worship - Respect shown to every part of the body, often by kissing, licking, or sucking. May involve ritual components in some cases.
Boi - May refer to a female submissive who identifies as male, or for a male to avoid confusion with paedophilia. Occasionally refers to a vanilla 'tomboy'.
Bondage - The act of restraining someone through use of rope or similar means, such as cable ties, chains, cuffs, etc. Wide range of forms including practical, decorative, restrictive, predicament, etc.
Boot Blacking - The act of cleaning and/or polishing leather boots/shoes; predominantly a submissive act showing care, but can be a service provided.
BORK (Balls Out Risky Kink) - Less commonly used acronym for an approach to Play within kink/BDSM. Similar to edge play, with the acknowledgment of exceptional risk, even with proper equipment and maintenance.
Bottom - Someone who has things done to them during a scene or play. A bottom may not necessarily be a masochist, and could instead be a ‘service bottom’.
Branding - Scarring the skin using a heated element. Can be permanent, or temporary e.g. cell popping.
Brat - A variation of s-type who enjoys subverting rules and expectations, or someone who enjoys playful banter with their Dominant partner, while still respecting the given dynamic at play.
Breast Bondage - Restraining the female breasts through binding to flatten them, or until they bulge from blood restriction.
Breath Play - Controlling and limiting the breathing of another person in a given scene. This can involve restricting blood flow to the brain, leading to disorientation or loss of consciousness. This is a form of edge play and must be approached with additional care.
Breeding - Most commonly refers to a fantasy wherein women are used solely for impregnation. May also refer simply to ejaculation during unprotected sex.
Bug Chasing - The act of intentionally seeking to be infected with an STI or STD.
Bukkake - Japanese term for a woman having several men ejaculate on her face at once.
Bull - A man who engages in sex with a woman whose partner enjoys the cuckold dynamic.
Bullwhip - A type of singletail whip consisting of a woven or braided leather whip, usually longer than 4', with a short rigid handle.
Butch - Typically a female-identified whose social and relationship roles are perceived by many as being masculine, often with lesbian, gay, or queer orientation.
BYOT (Bring Your Own Toys) - Acronym often used for Play Party invites - this measure helps prevent the spread of disease.
C
Candaulism - Deriving sexual pleasure from watching one’s spouse have sex with or engage in sexual activity with another person.
Cane - A long thin rod used for impact play, commonly made from rattan, bamboo, carbon fibre, or hardwood.
Caning - The act of striking someone with a cane. Different forms of cane and impact zones will affect the sensation.
Capnolagnia - Arousal caused by watching others smoke.
Caregiver (CG) - Variant of a D-type role within a power dynamic, often with nurturing and gentle practices. Exerts control over one or more s-types, most commonly identifying as littles, middles, bigs, babygirls/boys.
Castration Play - A form of 'mental' BDSM, simulating the act and effect of castration. May involve elements of CBT (Cock & Ball Torture), infibulation, and/or banding.
Cat o' Nine Tails - A whip with nine tails/falls/lashes.
Catheter - A medical device specifically designed for insertion into the bladder via the urinary canal in order to drain the bladder. Use of sterile catheters is a must, and consideration should be given to the chance of serious infection.
Catheterophilia - Sexual interest in the thought, act, or watching the usage of a catheter.
CBT (Cock & Ball Torture) - The infliction of pain exclusively on the penis and testicles.
CD (Cross Dresser) - Someone who wears the clothing of the opposite sex.
Cell Popping - The use of a small heated poker to create a series of dots. Can be decorative in the form of a design. Considered a temporary form of body modification, which can last anywhere from 2-24wks. Also known as microbranding.
CFNM (Clothed Female Naked Male) - A scenario or dynamic which dictates the female (usually Dominant) wears clothing, whilst the male (usually submissive) must be unclothed. This creates a sense of vulnerability. Commonly, the naked male can be subjected to any range of treatments or tortures.
Chastity - The act of preventing access to or stimulation of sexual organs, often through a specific device. Most commonly used as a form of orgasm denial.
Checklist (BDSM) - Commonly a document containing someone's limits, preferences, experience level, and desired outcomes of a scene.
Chemical Play - The use of chemicals to produce sensations, such as ginger, cinnamon, cayenne, menthol, etc. Care should be given to patch test for allergies ahead of a scene.
Chremastistophilia - Sexual interest in being robbed or held up.
Chronophilia - Sexual interest in having partners of a widely differing chronological age range.
Cilice - A spiked metal belt worn around the thigh.
Cisgender - Presenting a gender identity matching one's physical sex.
Clan - A group of individuals in a relationship who may or may not live together. Open to many structures, a Clan is often headed by a Dominant, but may be Leather, age-playing, poly, or otherwise. Sometimes referred to as a Family, House, or Pack, depending on the dynamic in question.
Clit Torture - The infliction of pain exclusively on the clitoris.
Clover Clamp - Nipple clamps with a level mechanism, enabling increased pressure when the chain is pulled.
CMNF (Clothed Male Naked Female) - A scenario or dynamic which dictates the male (usually Dominant) wears clothing, whilst the female (usually submissive) must be unclothed. This creates a sense of vulnerability. Commonly, the naked female can be subjected to any range of treatments or tortures.
CNC (Consensual Non Consent) - A scene or dynamic in which someone grants blanket consent to their partner(s). Safewords are strongly recommended, but are not always used. This is a form of edge play and must be approached with additional care.
Cock Ring - A device worn around the shaft of the penis to prolong erections. Occasionally used for decorative purposes.
Collar - A symbol used to denote the s-type's relationship, often referred to as "Collared by". An actual collar is frequently used, but the couple may decide on any symbol; an anklet, a necklace, etc.
Collaring - An event wherein the commitment between a D-type and s-type is formalised. Some collaring events are similar to a wedding, others are simple acts between the two people.
Consent - The mutual agreement of all involved parties to the terms of a scene, dynamic, or relationship.
Consent Violation (CV) - The breaking of an established code of consent, which may include abuse, assault, rape, battery, doxing, etc. If you have been a victim of a consent violation, help is here.
Considering (Role) - A period of time during which a D-type is forming a decision on whether or not to take a dynamic to the next level, ie Collaring, enslavement, etc.
Contract - A written agreement between a D-type and s-type, used to outline the rules, structure, limits, etc of the relationship. This is not a legally-binding document.
Coprolalia - Arousal caused by the use of profanity (i.e. fuck, shit, bitch).
Coprophilia - Sexual interest in scat/faeces; also known as scat, scatophilia or fecophilia.
Corset Piercing - A form of body modification where piercings fitted with hoops or D-rings are placed up the back and laced to resemble a corset.
Cosplay - Short form of "Costume Play" referring to the used of attire and props during a Scene or Play, such as police, fantasy creatures, pop culture figures.
Creampie - The eating of semen from a vagina or anus.
Crop - A semi-flexible thin rod with a handle at one end and a leather loop at the other, as used with horses.
Crumbs - Short form of "breadcrumbs", used to highlight a post for other's attention by making it visible to your followers.
Cuckold - A man whose female partner has sex with other men, commonly involving some level of humiliation.
Cuckquean - A female whose male partner has sex with other women, commonly involving some level of humiliation.
Cunnilingus - The act of oral sex performed on a female.
Cupping - The act of using a suction device on the body; commonly with glass suction cups.
Cutting - The act of using a sharp implement to draw blood.
D
D-type - A universal term for the 'left side of the slash', including Dominant, Daddy, Domme, Owner, Master, Top, Sadist, etc. Usually presented with a capitalised letter.
D/s - Short form denoting a D-type/s-type relationship, dynamic, or activity, most commonly Dominant and submissive. Core element of BDSM.
Dacryphilia - Sexual interest in the sight of tears or crying.
Daddy - Variant of a D-type role within a power dynamic, often with nurturing and gentle practices. Exerts control over one or more s-types, most commonly identifying as littles, middles, bigs, babygirls/boys.
DDlg / DDlb - Short form denoting a relationship or dynamic between a Daddy Dom and little girl or little boy/boi.
Degradation - The act of treating someone with contempt or disrespect.
Dendrophilia - Sexual interest in trees.
Disciplinarian - Most commonly, a D-type preferring to use discipline (such as spankings, canings, etc) as a means of punishment or behaviour correction. Less commonly refers to a D-type responsible for instilling self-discipline within their charge, such as nutrition, exercise, self-care.
Discipline - Activities in which codes of conduct are enforced, or punishment is inflicted. May refer to the training of skills as well as behaviours.
Dogging - The act of sex, with spectatorship encouraged, such as in a car park or public woodland.
Dollification - The process of evolving into a living doll. The process includes mental transformation as well as physical, and may be an s-type's (doll) personal choice, or that of the D-type (Owner). Dollification is a complex process with a variety of preferences and presentations.
Dominant (Role) - Someone who accepts power and control in a power exchange dynamic. The extent of the Dominant's influence is between the D-type and their s-type.
Doraphilia - Sexual interest in leather, skin, or fur.
Doxing / Doxxing - The malicious publication of someone else's private and/or identifying information.
DP (Double Penetration) - The act of penetration occurring in more than one orifice simultaneously.
Drag - The act of dressing as the opposite of one's gender. Most commonly, males with exaggerated makeup, hair, and female attire, known as Drag Queens.
Dragon's Tail - A whip consisting of a handle, with a triangular piece of suede, leather, or similar. This forms a tapered hollow point at the striking end.
Drop (sub-, Dom-, Top-, etc) - An emotional state caused by the sudden drop of hormones after a Scene or Play. May involve anger, depression, guilt, feelings of inferiority, loneliness, or detachment. A key reason for Aftercare.
Dungeon - A room or space containing equipment for BDSM activities. May refer to a corner or the house or an entire building hosting BDSM parties.
Dungeon Master / Mistress (DM) - The owner, host, or monitor of a dungeon space. Generally the person in charge, setting the rules and safe practices one should respect when in attendance.
Dynamics - The relationships within BDSM lifestyles, often represented by acronyms like D/s, M/s, T/b, but entirely designed by those involved in the dynamic.
E
E-Play / Electrical Play - Play or a scene where electricity is used to create a variety of sensations on different parts of the body, ranging from 'tingling' to involuntary muscle contractions, or from mild shocks to pain.
Ederacinism - Sexual desire to remove one's own penis; often as a way to remove the parts that drive one to 'sin'.
Edge Play - Refers to a range of scene and play activities which are considered high-risk. The definition of 'edge play' can vary from person to person, but is widely used to refer to anything with the potential to be dangerous, damaging, or have long-lasting consequences. Not to be confused with Edging.
Edging - Similar to orgasm control and denial; involves bringing someone repeatedly to the brink of climax, but denying the payoff. Can be self-inflicted. Not to be confused with Edge Play.
Emetophilia - Sexual interest in vomit. Also known as Rainbow Play.
Enderacinism - Deriving sexual pleasure from the act or thought of tearing out sexual organs by the roots.
Erotic Asphyxiation - Sexual interest in the asphyxia of oneself or others, also known as Breath Play.
Erotophonophilia - Sexual interest in the thought or act of oneself or others committing murder.
Ethical Non-Monogamy - general term used to describe all consensually non-monogamous relationships wherein open communication and respect between all partners is observed, whether they are long- or short-term.
Eualgia - Known as "good pain"; as opposed to unbearable pain or agony.
Exhibitionism - Deriving sexual pleasure from exposing oneself sexually to others, with or without the consent of others or even the one being exposed.
F
Facesitting - The act of sitting on another's face, generally to facilitate oral-genital or oral-anal contact. Also known as Queening.
Failsafe - Used in bondage, allows the bottom to escape the arrangement in case of emergency.
Fall - The striking end of a whip or flogger.
Family - A group of individuals in a relationship who may or may not live together. Open to many structures, a Family is often headed by a Dominant, but may be Leather, age-playing, poly, or otherwise. Sometimes referred to as a Clan, House, or Pack, depending on the dynamic in question.
Fear Play - Form of psychological play, uses real fear in a controlled manner. This can be considered a form of edge play and should be approached carefully and consensually.
Feeder - A person who takes pleasure in feeding a bottom to encourage weight gain.
Felching - The act of licking or sucking bodily fluids from the anus.
Fellatio - The act of oral sex performed on a male.
Female Ejaculation - The expulsion of bodily fluids from the Skene gland via the urethra. This fluid is a different composition to urine, and is generally expelled during an orgasm or high stimulation. Not all females have the ability to ejaculate. Similar to Squirting.
FemDom - Short form for Female Dominant or Female Domination, typically refers to a dynamic between a male s-type and female Dominant, but can encompass any female Dominant-led activities.
Feminisation - The act of forcefully dressing someone in an overly feminine way, typically in an exaggerated manner with frilly dresses and makeup. Also known as Sissification.
Femme - A female-identifying person, usually in contrast to a Butch counterpart (such as in lesbian couplings), but also encompasses feminine gay, bisexual, or trans men.
Fetish - Sexual arousal and/or excitement caused by a specific thing, whether an object, person, body part, etc.
FFF - Common acronym denoting an all-female - male - male threesome.
FFM - Common acronym denoting a threesome involving two females and a male, where the females do interact with eachother.
FMF - Common acronym denoting a threesome involving two females and a male, where the females don’t interact with eachother.
Figging - The act of inserting prepared ginger root into the anus to illicit a burning sensation.
FinDom - Short form for Financial Dominant or Financial Domination, where an s-type will give sums of money to the Dominant, sometimes with nothing in return. This is a practice that left unchecked can lead to dire financial situations for the s-type, and should be considered carefully.
Fire & Ice - Activity using hot candle wax and ice cubes or iced water to create hot and cold sensations.
Fire Play - A scene involving the use of flammable liquid to create quick flashes of flame on the skin. This is a form of edge play, and as such, should be approached with additional care.
Flogger - A tool commonly used in impact play. Made from multiple lashes attached to a handle. Lashes, or falls, are usually made from leather, suede, rope, or rubber.
Flogging - The act of striking someone with a flogger.
Florentine - An artistic form of flogging, creating a figure-8 shape with a flogger in each hand.
FLR (Female Led Relationship) - Common acronym denoting a power exchange dynamic, where the authority lies with the female.
Fluid Bonding - The act of wilfully, and consensually, choosing to remove barriers (such as condoms) from sexual activity with a partner.
Fluid Exchange - Generally refers to any activity where fluid transfer may occur, such as penetrative sexual intercourse, kissing, oral sex, etc, as well as blood play.
Forced Orgasms - The act of inducing orgasm against a person's will, or in spite of their instruction not to climax (orgasm denial).
Formicophilia - Sexual interest in being crawled upon and/or bitten by bugs.
Forniphilia - Sexual interest in human furniture play.
Frenzy - A dangerous headspace experienced by many newcomers to kink and BDSM, where the person actively seeks out experiences and partners, without showing due care for their well-being.
Frottage - The act of rubbing one's body against someone for sexual arousal.
Frotteurism - Deriving sexual pleasure from rubbing against a non-consenting person.
FtM - A female to male transgender.
Funishment - A light-hearted form of punishment or discipline, often allowing the bottom to enjoy the sensations, as opposed to serious retribution.
G
Gag - 1) A device on or around the mouth to prevent speech. 2) The act of using such a device to prevent speech. Can be used as a form of punishment or control.
Gangbang - Historically, an act of raping someone committed by several people at the same time; the act of one person (most commonly female) having sex with several men at once.
Gerontophilia - Sexual interest in the elderly.
GGG (Good Giving Game) - Recently adopted acronym (mostly in online dating) to claim one is Good in bed, Giving in equal time and pleasure, and Game for anything.
Gimp (Attire) - Masks and suits, often leather, latex, or PVC, worn as a form of bondage to restrain the wearer.
Gimp (Role) - Someone who wears gimp attire; may be for the purpose of humiliation or objectification.
Glory Hole - A hole in a partition used to perform anonymous sex acts, often in public settings such as bathrooms.
Golden Shower - Colloquial term referring to urolagnia or watersports. The act of one partner urinating on another, or less commonly upon oneself.
Gorean (Gor) - Specific lifestyle choice based on the novels of sci-fi writer John Norman. Gorean slaves are referred to a Kajira/Kajirus. Some Gorean practitioners do so without the use of practices like bondage, discipline, etc.
Green Flag - A positive indicator about a potential partner, such as humility, understanding, patience, honesty. Green flags are subjective dependent upon the desired connection.
Gun Play - A scene involving the use of one or more guns, whether loaded or unloaded. Can be used as a prop, or for penetration. This is a form of edge play, and as such, should be approached with additional care.
Gynemimetophilia -Sexual interest in trans-women.
Gynephilic - Being primarily sexually, romantically and/or emotionally attracted to woman, females, and/or femininity.
H
Hair Bondage - Bondage technique involving securing the hair to limit mobility of the head or upper body.
Handler - A D-type with a preference for pet play, acting as a care taker. May also refer to a D-type who enjoys brat taming.
Hard Limit - Non-negotiable actions that a person will not do, and should never be coerced into. Limits may evolve over time with exploration, but nobody should ever agree to something they're not comfortable with.
Harem - A group of s-types in service to one D-type.
Harness - 1) Bondage attire used for suspension. 2) A piece of dress attire worn for show ie in pony play.
Hebephilia - Sexual interest in early pubescent children.
Hedonism - The pursuit of one's own pleasure.
Hierophilia - Sexual interest in religious/sacred objects.
High Protocol - The mutual practice of strict, almost militant, rules and expectations between a Dominant and a submissive in a power dynamic.
Hog Tie - Bondage technique binding the ankles and wrists together behind the back.
Homeovestism - Deriving sexual pleasure from wearing clothing of one's own gender. The opposite of transvestism.
Hood - A covering over the entire head. May or may not have an opening for the mouth and nose.
Hooks (Anal) - A metal hook with a plug for insertion into the anus, and a loop on the other end to be attached to the hair or rope for predicaments.
Hooks (Fish) - Small metal hooks with a barb, traditionally used in angling, but adopted into S&M practices in a similar manner to needles. Consideration should be given to the chance of serious infection.
Hooks (Suspension) - Weight-bearing metal hooks designed for suspension of the human form; placed in key points around the body to support the weight. This is a form of edge play, and as such, should be approached with care.
Hotwife - An attractive married female who participates in sex with other men, often whilst her husband watches or participates.
House - A group of individuals in a relationship who may or may not live together. Open to many structures, a House is often headed by a Dominant, but may be Leather, age-playing, poly, or otherwise. Sometimes referred to as a Clan, Family, or Pack, depending on the dynamic in question.
Human Pet - Often, a well-treated s-type with companionship and affection as their acts of service; often differs from pet play in that there are no animal behaviours involved.
Humiliation - The act of demeaning a person’s sense of dignity through expressions of contempt or disrespect. Often intentionally intensified through public acts.
Hybristophilia - Sexual interest in criminals, particularly for cruel or extremely violent crimes.
I
Ichinawa - Form of bondage using just one rope. Also known as ippon nawa.
Impact Play - Common form of activities involving one person striking another, such as spanking, flogging, caning, paddling. Can be a surface-level activity, or used for deep tissue bruising. May or may not be sexual to either party.
Infantilism - The act of dressing and/or roleplaying as a baby or toddler, also referred to as Adult Baby.
Infibulation - The act of 'closing' the genitals, rendering them useless, often through suturing, glue, or piercings.
Internal Enslavement - A mental state where a slave or 'property' will see the roles of a dynamic as integral and internal. The identity of the s-type is ingrained and considered 'total'.
Interrogation Play - A scenario, or Scene, in which the bottom is subjected to questioning, often in the form of torture or ruthless questioning from multiple sources.
Ippon Nawa - Form of bondage using just one rope. Also known as ichinawa.
Irrumatio - The act of thrusting one's phallus into a partner's mouth and throat. Commonly referred to as 'face fucking'.
J
JOI (Jerk Off Instructions) - Specific audio, video, or written content dictating how one is to masturbate.
K
Kajir - Gorean term referring to a group of slaves of either gender.
Kajira - Gorean term for a female slave.
Kajirus - Gorean term for a male slave.
Keraunophilia - Sexual interest in thunderstorms.
Keyholder - An individual holding the key to a chastity device, and therefore the power to grant or deny orgasm. Often shortened to KH.
Kidnapping Play - A scenario, or Scene, in which the bottom is restrained and taken to another location, often by force.
Kinbaku - Intentional form of bondage, translated as "tight binding", most commonly as form of restraint, or to cause pain. An emotional connection between the Top and bottom is often found.
Kink - An unconventional or unusual sexual preference or behaviour.
Kink-friendly - Term used to convey an acceptance of kink and BDSM preferences or lifestyles. Often in reference to doctors, therapists, craftsmen, etc.
Kleptophilia - Sexual interest in stealing; also known as kleptolagnia.
Klismaphilia - Sexual interest in the usage of enemas.
Knife Play - A scene involving the use of one or more knives, from either side of the slash. This is a form of edge play, and as such, should be approached with additional care.
Knismolagnia - Arousal caused by tickling.
L
Lactophilia - Sexual interest in breast milk.
LBGTQI+ - Standard inclusive acronym for Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay, Trans, Queer, and Intersex. The '+' is used to include any labels not covered.
LDR (Long Distance Relationship) - Acronym denoting a relationship over a significant distance, such as cross-country or overseas.
Leather (Lifestyle) - Considered the precursor of BDSM structures, Leather is widely categorised by wearing leather, but breaks down further into Old and New styles, which may include formal training, etiquette, and protocols.
Left Side of the Slash - Referring to those in Dominant, Master/Mistress, Daddy/Mommy, Top, Sadist, etc BDSM roles.
Limit - Practices someone doesn't wish to include, or requires additional negotiation around. Can be “Hard” (non-negotiable) or “Soft” (potentially negotiable in time).
Liquidophilia - Sexual interest in submerging one’s own genitals into liquid.
Little - A form of s-type who roleplays a younger age (typically up to 11). May involve the use of toys, pacifiers, clothing, and occasionally adapting their voice, as well as affectionate, nurturing, and disciplinary practices. Generally paired in dynamics with a Daddy, Mommy, or Caregiver.
Lolita - An ageplaying s-type typically fulfilling the role of a precocious 13-15 year old.
LTR (Long Term Relationship) - Acronym denoting a relationship spanning a significant amount of time. This is somewhat subjective.
M
M/s (Master/slave) - A dynamic between a Master and a slave.
Macrophilia - Sexual interest in giants, primarily domination by giant women or men.
Madame - Typically a woman who operates or owns a sex work operation. May refer to a female Dominant within a BDSM context.
Mammaphilia - Sexual interest in breasts; also known as mammagynophilia and mastofact.
Masochism - Deriving sexual pleasure from being subjected to pain, physically or emotionally.
Masochist - Someone who derives pleasure from being subjected to pain, physically or emotionally.
Master (Leather) - A person who has achieved expert proficiency in a particular skill set, or an indicator of how long someone has been involved in the community (kink or otherwise). Often entirely dependent upon how a given Leather family defines the term.
Master/Mistress (BDSM) - A variant of D-type role within a power dynamic. Most often exerts control over one or more submissives, who most commonly identify as slaves. This creates what is called an “M/s” or Master/slave relationship.
Mechanophilia/Mechaphilia - Sexual interest in machines or a particular machine. See Objectum Sexuality.
Menophilia - Sexual interest in menstruation.
Mental Bondage - A psychological form of bondage; remaining in position through instruction only.
Mentor (Role) - A trusted adviser or guide who has knowledge and experience. Most commonly, a mentor will be on the same side of the slash as the mentee, and the two will not play together. Unfortunately, this role is open to misuse, so a potential mentor should be considered carefully.
Merinthophilia - Sexual interest in tying someone up or being tied up with rope or similar material.
Metamour - The lover of a lover - consider the metamours to be the top of a V in a poly relationship,
Microbranding - The use of a small heated poker to create a series of dots. Can be decorative in the form of a design. Considered a temporary form of body modification, which can last anywhere from 2-24wks. Also known as cell popping.
Microphilia - Sexual interest in tiny men or women.
Middle - A form of s-type who roleplays a younger age (typically 11 to 17). May involve sexual curiosity, watching targeted TV shows, or clothing. Often deems themselves 'too old' to enjoy Little-specific activities. Generally paired in dynamics with a Daddy, Mommy, or Caregiver.
Milking - The act of forcing a male to ejaculate without necessarily experiencing orgasm. Commonly a form of humiliation.
Mindfuck - The act of toying with someone's mental state, causing confusion, delirium, or their perception of reality.
MFM - Common acronym denoting a threesome involving two males and a female, where the males don’t interact with eachother.
MMF - Common acronym denoting a threesome involving two males and a female, where the males do interact with eachother.
MMM - Common acronym denoting an all-male threesome.
Mommy - Caregiving variant of a D-type role within a power dynamic, often with nurturing and gentle practices. Exerts control over one or more s-types, most commonly identifying as littles, middles, bigs, babygirls/boys.
Mono/Poly - A relationship between one poly partner and one monogamous partner.
Monogamish - Colloquial term for a primarily monogamous relationship, where partners may partake in sexual encounters.
MtF - A male to female transgender.
Mucophilia - Sexual interest in mucus, i.e. consuming mucus.
Mummification - The act of immobilising the body through wrapping in multiple layers.
Munch - An informal social gathering of new and active members of a kink community. A munch can sound intimidating, but it’s important to understand that these events are purely social and intentionally do not involve kink or BDSM activity.
Mysophilia - Sexual interest in dirtiness, or soiled or decaying things.
N
Nantaimori - A Japanese practice of serving sushi or sashimi upon the naked body of a male.
Narratophilia - Sexual interest in dirty talk, usually with obscene words.
Nasophilia - Sexual interest in noses.
Necrophilia - Sexual interest in corpses.
Needle Play - A scene involving the use of needles, from either side of the slash. This can be done with the intention of causing pain, or for decorative purposes. This is a form of edge play, and as such, should be approached with additional care.
Negotiation - Crucial communication ahead of a scene, play, or dynamic where limits, expectations, and other key elements are discussed. Ranges from a quick conversation between the involved parties, or a formal written contract.
Nesting Partner - Denotes co-habiting partners, similar to the common setup of live-in a vanilla relationship, though they may not be primary partners in a Poly dynamic.
Newbie - Common colloquial term for someone new to the BDSM or kink lifestyle.
New Leather / New Guard - Based on the Old Leather lifestyle, New Leather / New Guard follows the tradition of leather subculture in a more modern and individual sense.
Nipple Clamps - A clamp device designed or adapted for use on the nipples to restrict blood flow or cause a 'tugging' sensation in predicaments.
Nipple Torture - The infliction of pain exclusively on the nipples.
Nose Hook - An uncomfortable two-pronged tool inserted into the nostrils, used in bondage and/or humiliation scenes.
NRE (New Relationship Energy) - The excitement and infatuation that comes from experiencing the beginning of a relationship. Also known as the honeymoon phase.
NSA (No Strings Attached) - An agreement between partners where the relationship is based purely on physical connection, with no emotional attachment.
Nyotaimori - A Japanese practice of serving sushi or sashimi upon the naked body of a female.
O
Objectification - The act of treating a person like an object, animate or otherwise. The level and frequency varies greatly depending on the individual. Because objectification is so varied, it is incredibly important to communicate limits and ensure mutual consent prior to engaging in this activity.
Objectum Sexuality - Sexual or romantic attraction of a person towards an object. Differs from Mechanophilia in that it usually describes a deep emotional attachment to the object, which may include a "relationship".
Oculolinctus - Sexual pleasure derived from licking someone's eyeball.
Oculophilia - Sexual interest in or pleasure derived from eyeballs.
Odaxelagnia - Arousal caused by biting, or being bitten.
Old Guard / Old Leather - Considered the precursor to the BDSM subculture, Old Leather / Old Guard is a formal practice involving training, etiquette, and a hierarchical structure. Often quite strict, the term New Leather follows a similar structure with less formality.
Olfactophilia - Sexual interest in different scents.
OPP (One Penis Policy) - An agreement between an open or poly couple where the woman may have multiple female lovers, but not male.
ORE (Old Relationship Energy) - The dynamic of an established relationship.
Orgasm Control - The practice of controlling whether or not, and when, someone is able to have an orgasm. Orgasm control involves one partner bringing the other up to, but not past, the point of climax. This building up to and then backing down is also referred to as edging, and can intensify the sensations of an orgasm.
Orgasm Denial - The practice of denying someone the ability to have an orgasm. Anything from touching to restraints to cages or chastity belts can be used to deny someone an orgasm.
Outing - The disclosure of someone's kinks, orientation, or identity against their will.
P
Pack - A group of individuals in a relationship who may or may not live together. Open to many structures, a Pack is often headed by a Dominant, but may be Leather, age-playing, poly, or otherwise. Sometimes referred to as a Clan, Family, or House, depending on the dynamic in question.
Paddle - An implement comprised of a broad flat surface with a handle at one end, often made of wood or leather. Used in the act of paddling during Impact Play, most commonly on the rear.
Pain Slut - A masochist who enjoys receiving a heavy degree of pain.
Paramour - Typically, an illicit lover of a married person.
Paraphilia - A desire for or enjoyment of something which may or may not be sexual.
Paraphilic Infantilism - Attraction to adult baby/diaper lover (AB/DL); similar to autonepiophilia.
Partialism - Deriving sexual pleasure from specific, non-genital body parts.
Pearl Necklace - The act of a man ejaculating onto a neck.
Pedovestism - Deriving sexual pleasure from dressing like a child.
Pegging - The act of, most commonly a female, using a strap on to anally penetrate a male.
Peodeiktophilia - Sexual interest in exposing one's penis.
Pet - Someone who engages in Pet Play; may also refer to a ‘human pet’, with no animalistic behaviours.
Pet Play - A kink involving one or more participants behaving as a pet, with or without the presence of one or more individuals playing the role of the "owner". Often involves ‘roleplay’ of animalistic behaviours, such as pony play, puppy play, kitten play, etc.
Pictophilia - Sexual interest in pornography or erotic art, particularly pictures.
Pinwheel - A small tool with a metal wheel lined with small needlepoint metal spikes around the outer edge, used for sensation play.
Piquerism - Deriving sexual pleasure from the thought or act of penetration of another person, most commonly by stabbing or cutting the body with sharp objects.
PIV - Common acronym for penis-in-vagina.
Play - Any engagement in a BDSM or fetish-based activity.
Play Party - A gathering of individuals for group engagement in a fetish or BDSM activity.
Plushie - 1) Someone who plays with stuffed animals. 2) Another name for a stuffed animal.
Podophilia - Sexual interest in feet.
Poly - Generally refers to someone who sustains multiple relationships at any given time. Generally, a poly relationship dynamic is consensual between all involved.
Poly/Mono - A relationship between one poly partner and one monogamous partner.
Pony (Role) - Someone who participates in pony play; a mental form of BDSM focused on being in the headspace of a pony, but often involving mouth bits, bridles, saddles, tails, and hoof boots. Ponies may be for show, for riding, or to pull their D-type in a cart.
Power Exchange (Dynamic) - A dynamic where someone consensually yields authority over to another individual. This is an identifying component of D/s and M/s relationships. Power exchange is often psychologically and emotionally intense, so clear guidelines to such a practice is key.
Predator (Primal) - Akin to a Dominant, but without the structure of protocols or rules that accompany it.
Predator (Warning) - Someone who preys on new and inexperienced kinksters, often causing real emotional and physical harm through abuse.
Predicament Bondage - Intentional bondage designed to put the bottom in an awkward or uncomfortable position, often as a challenge for them to overcome.
Preggophilia - Sexual interest in pregnant people.
Prey (Primal) - Akin to a bottom or submissive, but without the structure of protocols or rules that accompany it.
PRICK (Personal Responsibility Informed Consent Kink) - Acronym for one of the common ethical approaches to Play within kink/BDSM. Suggests every individual who engages should have a complete understanding of the risks associated with an activity, and full knowledge and acceptance of any potential consequences that may be incurred as a result.
Primal - A style of BDSM that emphasizes acting on base, instinctual feelings and urges. This can involve fighting, rough handling, ‘hunting’, acting as ‘prey’, or may refer to someone reaching a level of deep emotion where social graces no longer apply.
Primary - Someone within a poly dynamic given the most time and priority. This may be the spouse, the other parent of a child, or purely by choice of the involved parties.
Pro-Dom / Pro-Domme / pro-sub - A professional who dominates or submits to paying customers as a service. The arrangement may or may not be sexual.
Prostate Massage - The act of stimulating the prostate using the finger or another object, to either enhance orgasm, or force ejaculation without orgasm.
Protector (role) - Someone who acts as a mediator or screener for s-types. A hands-on approach may involve vetting and evaluating potential partners, or recommending safe practices. Online, a protector is often the first port-of-call before you message a user. Failure to do so may result in you being ignored.
Protocol - A set of rules consensually agreed upon and adhered to by two or more individuals. Can cover many situations, including membership within BDSM groups, clubs, Leather communities, and Gorean practice.
Psycholagny - The ability to reach orgasm without the need for physical stimulation, often through mental stimulation or fantasy.
Psychrophilia - Sexual interest in extremely cold objects and/or watching others freeze.
Punishment - A corrective measure, often inflicted as the result of rule breaking or disobedience.
Pup / Puppy - Someone who participates in puppy play, often with behavioural traits of a puppy, which may or may not involve the use of puppy masks, tails, bowls, cages, collar and leash, etc. Puppy play may or may not involve a sexual component.
Pygophilia - Sexual interest in buttocks.
Pyrophilia - Sexual interest in fire or arousal from intercourse with a burning corpse.
Q
Queening - The act of sitting on another's face, often to allow or force oral-genital/oral-anal contact. Also known as face-sitting.
Queer - An umbrella term to describe individuals who don't identify as straight or cisgender. Used historically as a derogatory slur, some members of the community are against its use, whilst others embrace it to try and reclaim ownership.
Quirofilia - Sexual interest in hands. Getting off on handjobs, fisting, fingering or massaging, as well as hands doing everyday things, such as typing.
R
Race Play - A scene or scenario rooted in racial stereotypes and power dynamics, such as slavery and segregation. This often involves humiliation and degradation.
RACK (Risk Aware Consensual Kink) - Acronym for a one of the common ethical approaches to Play within kink/BDSM. Suggests all parties involved in a given activity should be fully aware of the inherent risks prior to consenting to the activity.
Rack (Furniture) - Common item of BDSM furniture to which a bottom is bound by outstretched wrists and ankles, and then ropes are tightened to pull them further.
Ramenophilia - Sexual interest in rubbing noodles on one’s own or someone else’s genitals.
Rape Play - A scene or scenario in which the bottom is forced to have sex - performed consensually, but roleplayed as if not.
Raptophilia - Sexual interest in committing rape, consensual or non-consensual.
Red Flag - A negative indicator about a potential partner, such as breaking promises or limits, gaslighting, lack of accountability, dishonesty.
Retifism - Deriving sexual pleasure from shoes, feet, heels.
Reward - Positive reinforcement to condition behaviour, such as treats, positive affirmation, or preferred activities, dependent on the s-types preference.
Rhabdophilia - Sexual interest in being beaten; arousal from punishment.
Right Side of the Slash - Referring to those in submissive, masochist, bottom, slave, etc BDSM roles.
Rimming - Licking or inserting the tongue into an anus.
Role Play - A scene in which one or more participants assume a role, potentially involving costumes and/or props.
Rope Bottom / Rope Bunny - Someone who enjoys being tied up or restrained by rope.
Rope Top / Rigger - Someone who enjoys tying up or restraining others through use of rope.
S
S-type - A universal term for the 'right side of the slash', including submissive, slave, bottom, brat, masochist, doll, pet, etc. Usually presented in lowercase.
S&M - Acronym for Sadism & Masochism. Core element of BDSM.
Sacofricosis - The process of making a hole in one's pocket to masturbate in public.
Sadism - Sexual pleasure derived from inflicting pain, physically or emotionally.
Sadist - Someone who derives pleasure from inflicting pain, physically or emotionally.
Sadomasochist - Sexual pleasure derived from inflicting or being subject to pain, physically or emotionally.
Safecall - An arranged call with a close friend to check your wellbeing when meeting someone for the first time.
Safemark - Non-verbal cues such as writing/bandages to highlight areas of the body which a bottom can't or doesn't want to be hurt or marked. Especially useful on areas still healing, or publicly visible areas.
Safeword - A word or phrase used to slow down or stop a scene. During speech-restricted activities, an agreed upon motion or signal may be used as a form of ‘safeword’. A traffic light system of ‘Green’ (keep going), ‘Yellow’ (slow down, be gentle, ease up), and ‘Red’ (stop) is often used.
Safewording - The act of calling time on a scene or play by verbally or physically ‘tapping’ out. This may be due to distress, fatigue, fear, or any number of reasons.
Salirophilia - Sexual interest in the soiling/dirtying of others.
SAM (Smart Ass Masochist) - An s-type who wilfully talks back, or finds loopholes, in order to test a D-type's patience and/or integrity. Not meant to be malevolent, a SAM will tend to act out this way because a D-type likes it, or to get their attention.
Scat Play - A scene or play involving faeces.
Scene - A pre-negotiated, fully consensual timeframe in which a BDSM or kink activity is taking place.
Secondary (partner) - Someone within a poly dynamic given less time and priority than the primary partner.
Self Bondage - The practice of tying oneself up. May be decorative bondage only, but in the cases of full restraint, a failsafe or timer-release is crucial.
Sensation Play - A scene designed to limit or intensify a partner's senses. Common forms include heat/cold, textures, audio, sensory deprivation.
Sensory Deprivation - The use of various tools to inhibit sensory perception, such as earplugs, blindfolds, etc. This form of play can intensify other senses, or be tied into fear play.
Service - Activities performed by an s-type for the benefit of the D-type, ie chores, errands, sexual activity.
Service-Oriented - A person who enjoys performing acts of service, whether BDSM-related or not.
Service Top / Service Bottom - A Top or bottom who performs according to the partner's desires with less concern for their own. Often, there will be little to no emotional connection outside of the scene.
Shibari - A decorative form of bondage, literally meaning "to tie". Suspension, self-ties, performance rope, and aerial rope are most commonly forms of shibari.
Singletail - Any type of whip with only one lash.
Sissification - The act of forcefully dressing someone in an overly feminine way, typically in an exaggerated manner with frilly dresses and makeup. Also known as Feminisation.
Sitophilia - Sexual interest in eating food from one's own or another's body, or to food used in other ways for sexual gratification or arousal.
Sjambok - A heavy leather whip with a tapered length, resembling a crop but more flexible.
Slapper - A paddle formed from two patches of thick leather which are attached on one end, producing a 'slap' as they impact eachother against a surface.
Slave - A variant of an s-type, most commonly within a Master/slave power dynamic.
Sleepsack - A device similar to a sleeping bag used in bondage to restrict full body movement.
Snowballing - The act of transferring semen from one mouth to another through kissing.
Sock (Account) - A secondary account setup to be completely unaffiliated with a 'main' account, such as a 'kinky' social media profile which doesn't link to your real identity.
Soft Limit - Potentially negotiable actions that a person may be open to, but should never be pressured into. Limits may evolve over time with exploration, but nobody should ever agree to something they're not comfortable with.
Somnophilia - Sexual interest in watching other people sleep.
Sounding - The use of a thin rod, often metal, inserted into the urinary passage. Consideration should be given to the chance of serious infection.
Space (Sub-, Dom-, Top-, Bottom-, Little-, etc) - A state-of-mind of total embodiment of the role within BDSM.
Spectrophilia - Sexual interest in ghosts or spirits.
SPH (Small Penis Humiliation) - A form of degradation play wherein the male is chastised and mocked for having a small penis.
Spider Gag - A gag with a metal ring at the centre and outward-facing metal pieces to hold the lips out of the way, forming a wide 'O'.
Splanchnophilia - Sexual interest in entrails.
Sploshing - The use of copious amounts of food during play.
Spotter - A person charged with monitoring a bottom's safety within a scene, such as suspension.
Squick - Colloquial term for encountering something which causes discomfort or revulsion, often used in the context of "squicked out".
Squirting - The expulsion of bodily fluids of a similar composition to urine via the urethra. This fluid is not 'true' ejaculate as it shares many chemical components with urine. Not all females have the ability to squirt during an orgasm or high stimulation. Similar to Female Ejaculation.
SSC (Safe, Sane, Consensual) - Acronym for a one of the common ethical approaches to Play within kink/BDSM. Emphasis is placed on every individual's mental stability and full comprehension of the risks associated with a given activity prior to granting consent.
St Andrew's Cross - A common item of BDSM furniture in the form of an X, to which an s-type or bottom can be restrained.
Stag - A male who enjoys watching his female partner (Vixen) gain sexual gratification with another man. Differs from cuckolding in that humiliation usually doesn't factor.
Sthenolagnia - Arousal caused by muscles or displays of strength; often related to muscle worship.
Stigmatophilia - Sexual interest in body piercings, tattoos and scars.
Strap-on - A harness containing a dildo, designed for use by females with female partners, or for pegging male partners.
Stud - A masculine Black lesbian.
Stuffie - Colloquial term for a stuffed animal or toy, often used by littles.
Stygiophilia - Sexual interest in hellfire and damnation.
Subbie - A colloquial term for 'submissive'; often a term of endearment
Submissive (role) - Someone who gives up power and control in a power exchange dynamic. Range from domestic service only to strictly sexual to a total power exchange (TPE). The extent to which someone submits is between the s-type and their D-type. It’s important to note that a submissive may not be a masochist and the terms can be exclusive.
Subspace - A specific state of consciousness that many, though not all, submissives experience during a given scene. Often compared to feeling as if one is 'floating'.
Suspension - Form of bondage in which the bottom's weight is entirely or partially suspended. May refer to rope, or flesh hook suspensions.
Suturing - The act of temporarily sewing parts of the body. Often the genitals, mouth, or eyelids. Care should be given to the potential for serious infection and injury.
Switch - Someone who engages in both Dominant or Top and submissive or bottom roles. This can be with the same partner, or with multiple partners who draw out a particular aspect of their kink identity.
Symorophilia - Sexual interest in watching or staging disasters (i.e. car accidents).
T
Takedown - A scenario or scene in which a bottom is pursued and caught, followed by restraint. Often the opening element of abduction, rape, or kidnapping play.
Taphephilia - Sexual interest in being buried alive.
Tawse - A leather strap with a split down the centre to pinch the skin upon impact.
Technosexuality - Attraction to robots or people dressed as robots.
Teleiophile - A person who is attracted primarily to mature adults.
Telephone Scatologia - Sexual interest in obscene phone calls, particularly to strangers; also known as telephonicophilia.
TENS Unit - A device which applies electrical impulses to stimulate the nerves, commonly used to relieve pain.
Teratophilia - Sexual interest in deformed people.
Textophilia - Sexual interest in certain kinds of textiles, usually from the sensation of it rubbing against an erogenous zone.
Throuple - A poly dynamic consisting of three people sharing equal partnership. Also known as a Triad.
Toilet Play - A scene involving the control of a bottom's bathroom use, or of using the bottom as a human toilet.
Top - Someone who does kinky things to someone else. May apply to someone who works with rope or needles (known as a Rope Top or Needle Top), and can also include service topping. A Top may or may not be Dominant
Topping From The Bottom - An attempt by a submissive or bottom to manipulate a situation to have their own needs met. This may be playful and enjoyable for the Top in some dynamics.
Torture Play - A scenario or scene which mimics a torture situation, such as a dungeon, war prison, captivity, etc. Often involves significant inducement of physical or psychological pain.
TPE (Total Power Exchange) - The complete consensual transfer of power and control from an s-type to their D-type. Can be only a select few activities (what to wear or what to eat), or a complete handing over of all decisions. It is a common misconception that TPE means the micromanaging or ownership of someone else - Total doesn’t necessarily mean permanent.
Training (role) - 1) Similar to a mentor, instructing a less experienced member of the lifestyle in various aspects of BDSM principles. 2) A program of education and instruction between a D-type and s-type.
Transvestism - Deriving sexual pleasure from cross-dressing.
Transvestophilia - Sexual interest in transvestites.
Tribbing - The act of two females rubbing their genitals together; commonly referred to as scissoring.
Trichophilia - Sexual interest in hair.
Triskellion - A universally-recognised symbol representing BDSM.
Troilism - Deriving sexual pleasure from watching one's partner have sex with someone else, possibly without the third party's knowledge; also known as cuckoldism.
Twue / Twoo - A derogatory colloquialism used to mock those who profess there is only one 'true' way to participate in kink and BDSM. Whilst there are always safety considerations and many commonalities, there is no one true way to participate in kink and BDSM in a way that you enjoy. Your enjoyment is entirely subjective.
U
Unicorn - Most commonly refers to a bisexual female who is willing to join an existing couple for a threesome. May also refer to someone almost mythical in one's expectations.
Urethral Play - A scene involving the urinary passage. Consideration should be given to the chance of serious infection.
Urolagnia - Arousal caused by play with urine, particularly in public.
Ursusagalmatophilia - Sexual interest in teddy bears.
V
Vacuum Bed - A device used in bondage, similar to a bed within a latex envelope. A suction pump is used to remove the air, creating a skin around the bottom and bed. May have an opening for the head, or may require the use of a breathing tube.
Vampirism - Deriving sexual pleasure from blood play.
Vanilla - Umbrella term for anything conventional or plain; commonly considered the opposite of kinky.
Violet Wand - A device used in electrical play. A handle containing a high-voltage coil and interchangeable electrodes, most commonly made of glass and filled with a gas which glows a brilliant purple. Causes a static electric discharge which can be quite intense.
Vixen - A female whose male partner (Stag) enjoys watching her gain sexual gratification with another man. Differs from cuckolding in that humiliation usually doesn't factor.
Voice Play - A form of psychological play in which the Top uses particular turns of phrase or tone to illicit a response in the bottom.
Vorarephilia - Sexual interest in the thought or act of devouring others whole or being swallowed whole.
Voyeurism - Deriving sexual pleasure from watching others while naked or having sex, generally without their knowledge; also known as scopophilia or scoptophilia.
VWE (Very Well Endowed) - Often used in conjunction with SPH, talk of VWE partners is used to humiliate someone with a small penis by emphasising what they lack.
W
Wannabe - Derogatory colloquialism commonly ascribed to D-types that consider themselves knowledgeable and experienced, but are not.
Waterboarding - The act of restraining a bottom on their back and pouring water over their face, or leaning them back until they are submerged, which mirrors the sensation of drowning. This is a form of edge play, and as such, should be approached with additional care.
Watersports - Activities involving urine; most commonly one partner urinating on another in a Dominant/submissive context, or urinating upon oneself. May also include drinking a partner's urine.
Wax Play - A scene involving the used of molten candle wax to create sensations or designs. It's important the right kind of candles are used to prevent second-degree burns.
WAM (Wet and Messy) - A form of play involving liberal amounts of food-related substances being deliberately applied to the naked skin, face, or the clothes.
White Knight - A D-type with the desire to 'save' someone considered a damsel in distress. In online situations, a White Knight is someone who enters a conversation to defend someone against negative comments.
WIITWD (What It Is That We Do) - Acronym used to encompass most BDSM and kink activities.
Wooden Horse - A common item of BDSM furniture consisting of two wooden planks coming together at a sharp angle, with the intention creating pressure on a bottom's genitals when they are bound to it as their feet often can't touch the floor.
Worship - Form of play in which the bottom subjects a body part to kissing, licking, massage.
X
Y
YKINMK (Your Kink Is Not My Kink) - Common acronym meaning that an individual doesn't share another's preference for a kink. Often followed by BTO (But That's OK) or AINO (And It's Not OK).
Z
Zapper - A low-level tool, similar to a cattle-prod, used to cause mild pain and 'jumpy' responses in a bottom.
Zentai (Attire) - A skintight bodysuit, often made of nylon or Spandex.
Zoophilia - Sexual interest in the acts or thoughts of animals.
Zoosadism - Deriving sexual pleasure from inflicting pain onto animals or seeing them in pain.
0-9
1950s, 1960s, etc - A lifestyle choice based in the time period in question. Most frequently the 1950s - exemplified by attire, behaviours, and practices of that decade, with a kinky twist; the white picket fence with whips and chains in the basement.
24/7 - Most commonly a reference to a D/s dynamic which is in effect at all times.
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If we haven’t covered a term in the Kynklopedia and you think we should, please let us know!