educational

ABCs of BDSM

The BDSM niche has its own unique vernacular. That's not to say regular "straight" porn doesn't have its own dialect — it does — it's just that this genre of kink employs much more colorful terms. In order to familiarize our readership with some of the more obscure proclivities of the fetish and BDSM communities, we've decided to publish a glossary of commonly used terms. Think of it as the ABCs of BDSM.

ACOMOCLITIC — a preference for totally shaved genitals.

ACUCULLOPHILIA — sexual attraction to circumcised men.

ADULT BABIES — age play where the submissive is the baby.

ALGOPHILIA — sexual arousal derived from experiencing pain.

ALTOCALCIPHILIA — high-heel shoe fetish.

BDSM — acronym for bondage, domination/ submission/sadism & masochism.

BALL GAG — a device with a rubber ball and straps used to stifle screams.

BALL STRETCHING — stretching the scrotum using weights so that it hangs lower.

BASTINADO — foot torture using the soles of the feet.

CAT O' NINE TAILS — a whip containing nine strands.

CHASTITY BELT — a device used to keep the submissive chaste when the dominant is away.

COCA-COLA SUBMISSIVE — a submissive who only obeys easy commands, or when he/she feels like it.

DM — dungeon monitor: oversees a BDSM party to make sure house rules are followed.

D/S — popular abbreviation for a dominant/ submissive relationship.

DADDY — a role taken on in age play.

DOG TRAINING — role-playing that involves treating the bottom like a dog.

DOMME — a female dominatrix.

DUNGEON — a theatrical term for a bondage playroom.

EDGEPLAY — a practitioner of the more extreme BDSM elements, including fisting, asphyxia, knife play, etc.

EMASCULATION — when a dominant restricts certain actions typical of male behavior.

EXTREME RESTRAINTS — a very confining or restrictive bondage device.

FELCHING — drinking semen out of another's orifice.

FEMDOM — a female dominant.

FLAGELLATION — a BDSM-related whipping to induce sexual arousal.

FLOGGER — a multi-tailed leather whip.

HANKY CODE — old-guard leather community's color code of sexual preference.

HOBBLE SKIRT — a narrow skirt that restricts the wearer's ability to walk.

IMMOBILIZATION — extreme form a bondage that totally restricts movement.

INFANTILISM — role-playing as a young child.

M/S — master/slave.

MALACCA — a thick cane.

MANACLE — metal restraints.

MARTINET — small flogger.

MASOCHIST — one who derives pleasure from pain.

MERINTHOPHILIA — sexual arousal from bondage.

MUMMIFICATION — a unique kind of bondage in which the entire body is wrapped tightly in film (plastic wrap).

OTK — over-the-knee spanking.

PADDLE — a flat instrument used for spanking.

PAIN SLUT — popular expression for a submissive who loves pain.

PANSEXUALITY — BDSM activities encompassing all sexualities.

PONY PLAY — role-playing where the submissive takes on the role of a pony.

POWER EXCHANGE — dynamic whereby the dominant is consensually given power over the submissive, whether for just the scene or for a relationship.

QUIRT — a type of buggy whip.

RPG — role-playing games.

RACK — bondage device modeled after a torture device used in the Inquisition.

S&M — sadism and masochism. One enjoys administering pain, the other enjoys receiving it.

SAFE, SANE AND CONSENSUAL — a slogan in the BDSM community.

SAFE WORD — a word or phrase a submissive uses to stop the scene.

TPE — Total Power Exchange — a term used for 24/7 master/slave relationships.

WATTENBURG WHEEL — a medical pinwheel commonly used in BDSM play.

WHIPPING POST — a post that submissives are chained to in order to receive their lashings.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More Articles

opinion

Protecting Your Business With a Data Backup Strategy That Works

If the subject of backups sounds boring to you, maybe this will grab your attention: Without properly implemented backups, your business is vulnerable to partial or even catastrophic data loss, which could screw your company and tank your income.

Brad Mitchell ·
opinion

Examining the Obstacles of Operating an Adult Business in India

The sexual wellness market in India is projected to experience significant growth in the coming years, yet sex remains taboo in this country of 1.3 billion people. Legal and cultural barriers prevent open discussions around sex.

Raj Armani ·
opinion

How Pleasure Brands, Retailers Can Tap Into the Popularity of 'Romantasy' Erotic Lit

Fans of the “Bat Boys” and demon-born princes alike, rejoice! Sarah J. Maas took 2024 by storm, claiming the title of bestselling author of the year with her raunchy “romantasy” novels, partly thanks to BookTok. With millions of fans worldwide, Maas’ works aren’t just dominating bestseller lists; they’re also encouraging people to embrace role-play and fantasy in their own sex lives.

Scarlett Ward ·
opinion

Ariel Demure Branches Out With Girlsway Featurette 'The Dove Plea'

Oklahoma, 1899. In a makeshift courtroom, sex worker Minnie Stacey is on trial for prostitution. In a speech that will become famous as the “Soiled Dove Plea,” her lawyer implores the jury to have compassion for this “fallen woman” rather than condemn her for her sins.

Aleks Janovski ·
trends

Pleasure Purveyors Discuss Emerging Trends, Ambitions for 2025

2025 is upon us, and the pleasure industry is poised for another dynamic year. As brands realign their goals to satisfy shifting demand, seize new opportunities and capitalize on cutting-edge innovations, the focus for the new year is on delivering inclusive, accessible and technology-driven products that redefine pleasure and wellness.

Ariana Rodriguez ·
profile

WIA Profile: Jacqueline Macleod

To succeed in the lingerie industry, it’s imperative to keep one foot in the adult biz, another in the mainstream fashion world — and both hands spinning plates of trend reports, apparel design experience and customer support.

Women In Adult ·
profile

Awakening Boutique Co-Founder Tory Johnson Discusses Mission to Spread Sex Positivity in Colorado

For some customers, especially first-timers, entering an adult retail store can be a nerve-racking experience. That’s why Colorado pleasure chain Awakening emphasizes customer comfort, aiming to destigmatize conversations around adult products by providing a safe and respectful shopping experience.

Quinton Bellamie ·
profile

Dreamlove Distribution Aims to Keep European Retailers On-Trend

From new annual trade shows in Barcelona and Malaga to the expanding international reach of Spanish sex toy brands, distributors and retailers, Spain continues to establish itself as the up-and-coming European hotspot for the pleasure industry to conduct business.

Colleen Godin ·
profile

WIA Profile: Paulita Pappel

Raised in Spain, surrounded by a predominantly Catholic community, Paulita Pappel grew up being told porn was bad. When she became a feminist, she was told her fascination with porn was not in line with her desire to empower women. This inner conflict made her feel like there was something wrong with her.

Women In Adult ·
opinion

Complying With New Age Assurance and Content Moderation Standards

For adult companies operating in today’s increasingly regulated digital landscape, maintaining compliance with card brand requirements is essential — not only to safeguard your operations but also to ensure a safe and transparent environment for users.

Gavin Worrall ·
Show More