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 © 2026 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

Why Discretion Has Been the Defining Force in India's Sex Toy Market

One of Besharam’s earliest customers contacted us three times before placing an order. Not about the product, but about the packaging. “Will anyone know what’s inside?”

Raj Armani ·
profile

Julie Stewart on Leading Sportsheets While Honoring Its Family Roots

When Sportsheets founder Tom Stewart retired at the start of 2020, he left the company in the capable hands of his sister, Julie Stewart. Since taking over as CEO, she has guided Sportsheets through an era of transformation, resilience and renewed purpose.

Ariana Rodriguez ·
profile

Tracy Eagle Soars as Co-Boss of Betty's Toy Box

They say sisterhood is powerful. For proof, you need look no further than Tracy and Carolyn Eagle, two sisters who have built not just one but three online retail brands together.

Women In Adult ·
profile

Essence Protection Brings Specialized Coverage to Adult Retail

For adult businesses, swimming against the mainstream current makes it hard to find an insurance company that can keep up. One company is aiming to change that.

Colleen Godin ·
opinion

How Retailers Can Get the Most Out of Trade Shows

Trade shows offer something that catalogs and online browsing can’t match. Seeing, touching and discussing products in person gives you a better sense of how they might perform in your store.

Rin Musick ·
opinion

How Promoting Wellness Fuels Retail Growth in Uncertain Times

My PR and marketing work helping adult brands, performers and platforms reach audiences has made one thing very clear. The brands most likely to succeed in the current economic, political and social climate are the ones marketing more than just sex.

Hail Groo ·
profile

Chaturbate's Emely Zuniga Talks Show Floor Magic and Creator Care

During industry events, you’ll likely find Zuniga gliding through the room, greeting creators, checking details and making sure everyone around her feels taken care of. With her colorful red hair, perfectly done nails and an easygoing, “work bestie” demeanor that instantly puts people at ease, she thrives in the fast-paced environment of conferences and trade shows.

Jackie Backman ·
opinion

How Pleasure Brands Can Capture Attention Through Press Trips

In many industries, press trips are considered desirable but optional — a bonus rather than a core element of a brand’s marketing strategy. In sexual wellness, however, they are essential.

Bryony Lees ·
opinion

What to Know About Deepfakes, Likeness Rights, and Digital Consent

AI is reshaping virtually every sector of the global economy, and the adult industry is no exception. Many adult companies have already explored or adopted AI in content production, and surveys indicate that around 65% have considered implementing AI technologies in their operations.

Christoph Hermes ·
opinion

Key Strategies for Adapting to Stricter PCI Compliance Standards

When it comes to PCI compliance, the days of simply filling out some paperwork and answering a few questions are gone. A casual approach is just not viable anymore.

Jonathan Corona ·
Show More