BDSM and Sexually Oriented Definitions
This is by no means intended to be an absolute and definitive
glossary... nor is it intended to be used and an absolute
answer to any topic. A lot of these definitions are based
on my own opinion and experience and I am open to suggestions
and the opinions of others. If there is anything you feel
I can do to improve this glossary please write to me at MzSxySadist@aol.com.
Best wishes SS
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
A Back to Top
Abrasion - Activities that involve scraping or rubbing the
skin to sensitize it to touch
Acupressure- The art of stimulating the self healing and pleasure
centers of the body by direct pressure on specific areas.
Widely used in India for holistic care, it involves not only
manipulation of the muscles but also of the energy flow. Fascinating
stuff... can be used to heighten sexual energy and produce
more intense or even delay orgasm.
Adolescentilism-Paraohilic- Refers to people who derive sexual
pleasure from dressing like a teenager or acting in this role.
Agonophilia- (Pseudo-rape) refers to those who enjoy engaging
in pretended struggle before overpowering their sex partner.
Agoraphilia- Refers to arousal from being in public places.
Algophilia- A term used to indicate the use and transformation
of pain into a sexually arousing pleasure. An algophile may
be involved in SM but it seems the majority are not. According
to Kinsey’s report in 1953 about 50% of the people surveyed
reported feeling sexually aroused from being bitten during
intercourse. The Kama Sutra which is an ancient Indian text
on the how to’s of sex, recommends using various forms of
nibbling, scratching and other methods of inflicting small
amounts of pain to heighten sexual ecstasy.
On the more extreme side, there are numerous accounts of tribes
that use fire walking, scarification, piercing and other strange
often painful rituals for various purposes, but most commonly
they involve some sort of rite of passage or test of stamina.
Incredible almost super human accounts of endurance of pain
and strength have been recorded and the evidence of the pain
induced trances and euphoria has been be witnessed. (See also
Masochism and Sub space)
Anal Sex- The male prostrate, just like it's
female equivalent G-spot can have an orgasmic response to
pressure and/or manipulation. The prostrate is located about
two inches up the front wall of the rectum and is shaped like
an almond or small firm disc. Many males are embarrassed or
reluctant to discuss their fascination or desire to try bi-sexual
sex or dildo training. Another term relates to anal penetration
is fisting which is the act of inserting a hand, fist or forearm
into the vagina or rectum. Of course any play in this area
should be done careful and slowly and well lubricated. There
are also several terms related to oral sex in the anal area
which include the common term rimming and the lesser known
anolinctus and anolingus. Anolinctus refers to the act of
licking the anus and anolingus is used for when the tongue
is actually inserted into the anus. All of which are considered
unsafe sex practices with out use of a dental damn or plastic
barrier due to the possibility of the spread of diseases such
as AIDS and hepatitis. Also there are parasites that reside
in the intestinal tract that can be harmful if ingested and
allowed to relocate in the respiratory system.
Aphrodisiacs- Substances that increase or enhance sexual
desire and stamina. Many of the drugs and other products that
had attained popular status such as Spanish Fly and Cocaine
have been found to be quite dangerous and even lethal if used
incorrectly.
Autoerotic Asphyxia- This term refers to self induced restricted
breathing or strangulation especially during masturbation.
This is an extremely dangerous practice that claims the lives
of 250 to 1000 men a year. (See also Breath Play)
B Back to Top
B&D- Bondage and discipline- activities
which revolve around or involve making the submissive physically
helpless and applying stimuli that would be considered painful
outside of a scene.
BDSM- Bondage and Discipline/Domination and Submission/ Sado-Masochism
Bindings- A bondage activity that restricts movement but
is generally used on particular body parts or areas, such
as the breasts and genitals but can also be used in reference
to mummification. Ropes wrapped tightly around the breasts
and genitals can increase sensitivity for the first few minutes
but if applied very tightly numbness will follow and the bindings
should be released or repositioned to allow blood flow to
return to the bound areas. (See also Mummification.)
Bisexual- able to respond to sexually and enjoy a member
of either sex
Blood sports- a group of activities such as cutting, piercing,
extreme abrasion etc. that leads to the skin of the
submissive being broken. Although not considered to be safe
practices in most circles, precautions can be taken that minimize
risks of infection either to the submissive in the affected
area or to anyone else involved in the scene from blood borne
viruses. Such precautions naturally include the use of sterile
instruments, gloves and thoroughly cleaning and sterilizing
the area to be cut or pierced. Care must be taken in the practice
of cuttings and piercings that no nerve damage results.
Bondage- A group of techniques used to immobilize or restrict
movement of the submissive. It may be physical or symbolic,
and range from a simple silk scarf used to playfully bind
wrists to a headboard, to restricting the limbs completely
or even being ordered to hold still during a session
no matter what else is done. Bondage is used for a wide variety
of effects and purposes. It is a very effective tool for leading
someone into greater depths of submission or for overcoming
psychological barriers that sometimes prevent a person from
fully being able to enjoy certain activities if s/he were
not "bound and forced." Some people like to struggle
against their bounds and some just enjoy the feeling of helplessness
that it can create. It also serves as simple support,
it is much easier to relax and enjoy the sensations that are
being created if you do not have to concentrate on staying
on your feet. Many materials may be used such as; ropes, ties,
manacles, cuffs of leather or metal, even plastic wrap. Decorative
rope bondage such as rope dresses may or may not restrict
movement. Caution should be taken to insure that blood circulation
is not restricted for long periods of time and that the bondage
will not tighten to unbearable or dangerous extremes if the
submissive struggles. It is advisable to never leave a bound
person alone.
Bottom- the partner taking the submissive role. It's use is
becoming more popular today as not all "bottoms"
are submissive or masochistic and the neutral term can be
used in either case.
Branding- A form of body modification that leaves permanent
raised markings on the skin. Usually a piece of metal is heated
and quickly and pressed into the recipient's skin
in a pattern or design, often to show ownership.
Breath Play- Activities that involve the use of devices, ropes
or handholds to apply temporary pressure to the throat and
or neck area in an attempt to restrict breathing or blood
flow to induce an incredibly intense state of euphoria in
the submissive brought on by oxygen deprivation. It is known
that asphyxiation creates excitement and eventual euphoria
because of the adrenaline released when the body perceives
a life threatening situation and lack of oxygen to the brain
leads to light headedness. Yes, this is very scary and
dangerous stuff and many say there is no safe way to do any
of these activities. I have personally polled several scene
friendly Drs. and gotten various mixed reactions, that I intend
to post on a web page eventually. Most of the concerns that
were mentioned had to do with the possibility of a stroke
or embolism due to applying too much pressure on the arteries
or dislodging bloodclots residing in that area. I was also
informed that the police use a procedure called a “sleeper
hold” with a similar effect to incapacitate unruly suspects.
Of course I may be guilty of picking and choosing answers
that I wanted to hear but it seems that the risk is much less
in a person of relatively good health and young age. I have
not suffered any ill effects after several years of enjoying
it’s effects, call me crazy but it is still one of my personal
favorites and have no intention of ceasing it use. Even so,
I strongly suggest you NEVER practice this alone and only
ever with someone that has a great deal of experience in this
area.
Butt plug- a piece of rubber or similar material designed
for insertion into the anus. These devices usually have a
flared base which distends the sphincter muscles and prevents
it from sliding all the way up into the rectum. A pleasure
for some, a punishment for others, it is also used as a training
device preliminary to anal intercourse
C Back to Top
Caning- a fairly severe form of corporal play in which the
implement of choice is a cane or flexible rod made of materials
ranging from bamboo to fiberglass to metal
Castration- is the removal of the testicles, scrotum, penis,
ovaries or clitoris.
Catheters- A hollow tube inserted into the urethra and as
far as the bladder t o allow urine to pass through.. Potentially
very dangerous play and considered invasive, it is very important
to use nothing but sterile equipment and should be done only
by qualified medical personnel or under supervision of such.
CBT- cock and ball torture (See genital torture)
CD /Cross Dresser- a person who adopts the dress, and often
the behavior, of the opposite sex
Chastity Devices- A device that is generally worm around
the waist to prevent a person from having intercourse. Originally
designed for women but male versions have become available.
Collaring- the manner in which a dominant identifies a submissive
as his property. This could be anything from a removable item
such as a bracelet or a leather collar to a more permanent
markings such as piercings, tattoos or brands. It is the ultimate
form of commitment in a D/s relationship.
Coprolagnia- erotic stimulus derived from witnessing the act
of defecation
Coprophilia- erotic stimulus derived from viewing or being
covered with human feces (also known as brown showers, scat)
Not generally considered safe play.
Corporal- A wide range of activities usually involving striking
the skin of the submissive with either the hand or various
instruments.
Cropping- corporal play where the implement of choice is a
crop, a long, study handle that holds a flexible, narrow shaft
usually covered with a leather tip
Cunnilingus- genital kissing, sucking and licking (oral sex)
performed on a female
Cupping- The use of suction cups or devices on the skin to
increase sensitivity by drawing the blood closer to the skin's
surface. This can be accomplished with glass cups by heating
them in water or by using an alcohol damped cotton ball to
heat the inside of the glass before applying to the skin,
the resulting vacuum pulls the skin into the cup if there
is a seal between the flesh and the glass. Caution must of
course be used so as not to burn the skin. There are also
commercial products available that use vacuum pumps to achieve
a similar effect.
Cutting- A practice in which incisions are carefully made
in the skin of the submissive. The goal may be to produce
a decorative pattern in the skin once it heals and if scar
tissue forms. Some view it as a ritualistic almost religious
experience and an ultimate sign of trust on the part of the
submissive to allow the Dom/me to place his mark on them permanently.
D Back to Top
Dacryphilia- Refers to people that aroused by seeing tears
in the eyes of their partners
Dildo play/ training- The use of strap-ons, dildoes or other
phallic objects for anal or vaginal penetration and stimulation.
Training usually begins with fingers or very small dildoes
and gradually increase in size over time or successive sessions.
(See also Anal play)
Discipline- May involve either psychological stimuli in which
the Dom/me compels the submissive to act or perform in a particular
way (including deference, obedience, humiliation play, and
service to the dominant) or physical stimuli given to the
sub that can range from mild to severe(spanking, paddling,
whipping, caning, waxing, etc.)
Dom- a male dominant
Dominant- An individual that accepts the power given by the
submissive and uses it for the purposes of mutual enjoyment
and pleasure. Generally the one actively controlling the scene.
Domme- a female dominant -- also know as a Dominatrix, Mistress
or Domina
Dom/me- Dom or Domme
D/s- Domination and submission
Dungeon Master- a person who is designated to maintain decorum
and watch out for the safety of participants in scenes at
a private play party or a public D/s club
E Back to Top
Edge play- Activities that are generally viewed as inherently
dangerous by most members of the Ds community: i.e. blood
sports, and breath play. Of course what is considered very
dangerous, distasteful or even sick by some people
is many times what another individual craves and enjoys most.
It is up to each the individual to decide what is right for
them to experiment with and how heavily but common sense still
should be used and adequate safety procedures followed or
taken. In an ideal world, members of an already maligned community
such as ours would be inclined to try and be more tolerant
of each others preferences rather than shunning those with
tastes that differ slightly from our own. After all dont
we all get enough of that from the vanilla people who dont
understand us? (OK I will get off the soapbox now)
Enema- to inject liquid into the intestine by way of the anus,
usually soapy or plain water, enemas cause cramping and force
the evacuation of the bowels. Some find them a source of erotic
stimulation, enemas are also used for punishment and/or humiliation.
Erotic- something which tends to arouse sexual desire
Exhibitionist- a person who enjoys showing his/her genitals
to others or other embarrassing public scenes.
F Back to Top
Fellatio- genital kissing, sucking and licking (oral sex)
performed on a male
Fetish- An object that replaces another human being as the
primary love object. There are almost as many different types
of fetishes as there are people, but the most common fetishes
involve body parts (foot, leg, breast) or clothing items (shoes,
boots, panties, latex, rubber, leather) etc. The term
has become synonymous with the leather community in many circles.
Fisting- a sexual act where the dominant slowly works first
fingers and then hand into either the anus or vagina of the
submissive
Flagellation- the act of whipping or flogging
Flail- an whipping implement consisting of long thin straps
on a handle or the act of using it
Flogging- Corporal play using multi stranded, usually soft
to moderately coarse whips on a submissive
G Back to Top
Gags- Used to prevent a person from speaking, or making other
sounds. Gags come in many forms such as adhesive tape, scarves,
ball gags, bars, bridles, dildoes or the even the bottoms
panties. (My personal fave) They can have a very
psychologically powerful effect but caution must be taken
not to interfere with breathing. Also if safe words are in
use remember to set a safe signal instead.
Genital torture- includes such things as the use of bondage,
clamps, compression devices, attaching weights to cause distention
and discomfort, and whipping the genitals
Genny- born a woman, as opposed to a transvestite or transsexual
Golden showers- An activity considered to be humiliation by
most that involves the dominant urinating on the submissive.
Many male submissives crave this as a reward from their Mistress
and may even desire to drink the fluid. Generally not considered
to be a safe practice due to the danger of passing disease.
(See also Toilet play, Scat)
H Back to Top
Humiliation- to lower the pride or dignity of someone, in
the D/s sense, the dominant accentuates the submissive's feeling
of defenselessness and exposure while avoiding making the
submissive feel any less worthwhile as a human being
I Back to Top
Impalement- a penetration of the body that to those who restricts
the ability to move. The most common form used in SM play
involves passing needles through flesh (usually the genitalia)
into an object or board generally called a "butterfly"
board. Another form of impalement utilizes a dildo nailed
or fastened to a floor or chair then binding a submissive
in place with it penetrating the vagina or rectum.
Infantilsm- refers to people who enjoy role playing child
and infant scenarios.
J Back to Top
K Back to Top
Klismaphilia- the eroticization of enemas, whether giving
or receiving
L Back to Top
Lacing- is sometimes used in conjunction with piercings for
decorative effect or bondage. Once the needles are in place,
string is wrapped either from needle to needle or tied to
an immobile object. Lacing can be done on almost any part
of the body but it especially attractive across the breasts.
Leather sex- generally refers to the gay D/s subculture
Limits- boundaries established by a dominant and his/her submissive,
some limits are meant to be exceeded over time by the dominant,
some are established as absolute boundaries that are never
to be surpassed. D/s couples tend to find that limits decrease
as the level of trust in the relationship increases
M Back to Top
Masochism / masochist- The ability to derive excitement or
pleasure from physical pain, named for the author Leopold
von Sacher-Masoch.
Master- A male dominant with a higher gradient of control
than a Dom; a Master generally has a slave as opposed to a
submissive
Mentor- A trusted counselor or guide; in the D/s community
a mentor is generally a Dom/me who is training someone else
to be a Dom/me
Mistress- A female dominant
Mummification- Restrictive bondage technique that entails
wrapping the entire body. The most common materials used for
mummification bondage are plastic wrap, damp sheets, elastic
bandages and duct tape. Remember that a person is unstable
on their feet if bound this way and must be assisted or stabilized
if kept in an upright position. The mummified person must
also be monitored carefully as the bondage materials will
cause the body to perspire a great deal and there is a chance
of hyper-thermia. Always keep a pair of safety scissors handy
for emergency use or for safely removing the bindings.
Munch Group - Generally a group of local people interested
in power exchange and BDSM that get together in a public place
to meet and socialize. Sometimes just for a meal other times
for discussions and demonstrations etc
N Back to Top
Necrophilia- erotic interest in or stimulation by corpses
Nipple clamps- used for the temporary compression or pinching
of this sensitive skin, from clothespins to elaborate adjustable
clamps, the key is use only for brief periods of time, to
maximize erotic stimulation and minimize the potential for
nerve damage - 15 minutes at a time is considered the maximum.
Just remember, they hurt more coming off.
O Back to Top
P Back to Top
Paddling- spanking with a paddle, just like the one the principal
used to have, or perhaps one with holes drilled in it to decrease
air resistant and increase the velocity of the blow
Pederast- a person that practices anal intercourse, most often
heard in reference to men who pursue anal intercourse with
young boys
Pedophile- a person who prefers children as sexual objects
Piercing- inserting needles into the skin sometimes followed
by the insertion of a ring or other metal adornment. Very
few parts of the body cannot be pierced, but body protrusions
are preferable to flat areas for jewelry. Popular sites for
erotic piercings include nipples, navels, in males; the glans
or frenum of the penis, the foreskin and/or the scrotum, in
females, the inner and outer labia, the clitoris, or the clitoral
hood. Temporary or play piercings are gaining popularity in
SM play despite it's classification as "edge play"
and it's inherent dangers due to the possibility of exposure
to blood (See Blood sports for safety precautions.)
Play party- social gatherings where D/s play may occur
Power exchange- process whereby the submissive cedes his/her
active, autonomous decision-exchange making qualities and
bows to the will of the dominant. The exchange could be limited
only to the sexual aspects of a relationship all the way up
to a 24/7 situation where the exchange carries through to
all aspects of the relationship
Punishment- punishments run the gamut from a harsh look or
word to forbidding a submissive to achieve climax to spankings,
croppings and whippings to enemas, butt plugs, nipple clamps
and movement restrictive bondage. Of course, these same things
can be used to increase erotic pleasure, the difference being
the intensity, duration and whether it is perceived as enjoyable.
Q Back to Top
Queening - face sitting of a female on a male for the purpose
of oral sex sometimes even forced.
R Back to Top
Role-playing- a means of enabling D/s players to experience
the erotic thrill of an extreme fantasy within safe limits,
including those fantasies which, if made into reality, would
be truly horrifying (for example, a fantasy involving rape
or concentration camp type tortures)
RT / Real Time- live and in person as opposed to an on-line
or phone relationship
S Back to Top
S&M- Sadism and Masochism- A term often used to describe
people and activities that use pain to produce pleasure as
an ultimate goal.
Sadism / sadist- Tough one... depends on who you talk to but
I will give you my opinion, definition and reasoning. The
word comes from the name of the infamous writer Marquis de
Sade who according to his writing practiced very non consensual
activities involving torturing and often killing his victims
for his own sexual satisfaction. Hence the words sadist and
sadism conjure up images of cruel and unspeakable tortures
inflicted on unwilling often innocent victims. Psychologists
have for many years deemed Sadists and masochists as being
psychologically dysfunctional, even dangerous to themselves
and others. Even some of our respected community members still
view this term as distasteful and try to discourage its
use.
The issue as I see it in defining the word has nothing to
do with the motives of the sadist or the consent of the victim.
All preconceived notions and opinions aside, sadism simply
defined is deriving pleasure from inflicting pain. This concept
is neither good or evil, right or wrong. What makes such a
person good or bad is what he does with it and why. If the
motives behind the actions are for mutual satisfaction rather
than selfish reasons and if the well being and safety of the
masochist are always kept in mind then there is no problem.
As the principles of Yin and yang that govern the universe
prove; opposites are inevitable, necessary and attract. It
stands to reason that an intelligent and self assured masochist
needs a loving and imaginative sadist just as a conscientious
and responsible sadist needs a responsive masochist to explore
with. Isn't life grand?
Safe/sane/consensual- the universally accepted credo and philosophical
core of D/s used almost to the point of becoming trite in
many circles. Safe: safe sex, consensual protection of vital
organs, and no meaningful damage. Sane: any given activity
is done for the pleasure of everyone involved and that partners'
limits are to be respected. Consensual: clear, informed, and
verbalized consent of both partners.
Safeword / signal- A word, phrase or gesture that allows the
submissive to let the dominant know that the activities have
either approached or surpassed his/her limits and must be
ceased, changed or discussed. There may be several words used
to either slow, stop or even signal that all is well and please
proceed with that activity. A popular method is to have a
series of words with "red" meaning stop immediately,
"yellow" meaning slow down or stop so we can reconsider
this and "blue" meaning watch out, this is an emotionally
sensitive area -- in cases where the submissive is bound and
gagged, the dominant usually proves another means for the
submissive to express distress, such as a scarf to drop or
a bell to ring. The safeword does not have to be blatantly
obvious to on-lookers and can be a silent or secret communication
between play partners. It is strongly suggested that new partners
use safe words in the getting to know you stage. As time goes
on and experience establishes points of reference, practiced
play partners often find the need for safe words becomes unnecessary.
SAM / Smart Ass Masochist- generally a submissive or bottom
that enjoys "sassing" a Dom/me into greater punishment
Scarification- making cuts or scars, usually with a knife
(See also Cutting)
Scat- Slang term for scatophilia, taking pleasure from playing
with and sometimes ingesting feces. Generally like golden
showers scat is viewed as humiliation play, but there are
many males submissives that crave such activities. Once again
not considered safe practice due to health risks. (See also
toilet play, Golden showers)
Scene (A)- An individual session of various lengths where
the parties involved are in their D/s roles. Example: I
did a scene that involved very heavy corporal play and piercing
last night.
Scene (The)- Overall term used for the people, activities,
organized or social aspects of BDSM including support groups,
clubs, or other social activities
Sensory deprivation - to increase sexual intensity and/or
to punish by temporarily limiting a person's ability to use
their five senses (touch, taste, hearing, sight, smell.) This
could range from earplugs and blindfolds to elaborate sensory
deprivation chambers
Session- an erotic D/s episode, also known as a scene (as
opposed to "the Scene' see above)
Sexurophilia- erotic stimulus from viewing, being showered
by, or ingesting urine (golden showers)
Shackles- Restraints made of metal strips that surround the
ankles, wrists or neck.
Shaven- a submissive who has had his/her public hair shaved
off .... Dom/mes often require their submissives to shave
their pubic hair either because that is their personal preference
(they like the way it looks or don't care for the way pubic
hair interferes with some sexual acts) or for humiliation
and/or punishment
Slave- Often used interchangeable with sub, but more often
to denote a deeper level of submission or commitment. A slave
may for example live in role as a house servant to his or
her dominant and be responsible for all of the cleaning and
care of the home. I have heard discussions in chat rooms rage
for days about the differences between a sub and a slave with
a wide range of opinions. According to the a scary number
of AOLers there is a general understanding that a sub may
withdraw consent at any time but a slave may not and must
do what ever the Master or Mistress says no matter what that
may be and thus a slave is somehow a better or a truer
sub by their degree of commitment. My personal response
to that is: Bullshit!! If a human being allows him or herself
to be placed in a position of complete subjugation to someone
else that is still their choice and since slavery was legally
abolished long ago the individual will always have the right
to change their mind and refuse to do something they do not
wish to do, even if it means ending the relationship with
the dominant. As far as a slave showing deeper
commitment than a sub I feel that no one can judge
the level of commitment between play partners based on what
title they go by or how far they will go to prove
their devotion to their Master or Mistress. The only ones
that can judge that are the individuals themselves based on
their feelings for each other and their needs.
Spanking- a form of corporal punishment in which blows are
inflicted almost exclusively on the buttocks. Paddling and
caning are considered types of spankings
Speculum- A medical device used to dilate the vagina in a
pelvic exam commonly used in medical scenes on either sex.
Can be a great tool for humiliation scenes.
STD - Sexually Transmitted Disease
Stigmatophilia- the eroticization of tattooing, scarification,
branding or piercing
Stocks- Restraint device that is usually made of two hinged
boards that had cut outs just large enough to hold the head
and wrist in place can also be made to hold the ankles while
in a sitting position. Designs have also been made that squeeze
the breasts or male genitals in a vise like manner.
Sub / submissive- Someone who gives up his/her power to the
dominant for the purpose of mutual enjoyment. This may be
on a casual basis such as just for the duration of a scene
at a party or in a committed relationship of various depths.
(See also Slave)
Sub space- the point in a D/s session when a certain level
of pain causes the endorphins to kick in bringing the submissive
to a state of euphoria which can be both physical and spiritual.
According to "Encyclopedia of Unusual Sex Practices"
by Brenda Love published by Barricade Books the way this works
goes as follows, "The registration of pain is caused
by the release of chemicals such as bradykinin, substance
P, and prostaglandins and can be divided into two types, somatic
and visceral. Somatic pain occurs most often in the muscles
or skin. This pain is relatively mild compared to visceral
pain which radiates from internal organs, causing nausea and
weakness. The testes are part of the visceral system and injury
to the testicles is traumatic.
We detect somatic pain by stimulation of
the free nerve endings that lie near the surface of the skin.
Once activated they transmit a signal to the brain, however,
this is not a guarantee that the sensation will be perceived
as painful. The message may be thwarted in several ways. First,
certain nerves, the ones that transmit the sensation of deep
pressure, vibration, heat and cold, can override pain signals.
this is why cold compresses, heating pads, and chemicals seem
to help reduce discomfort. Second, a person's mood affects
this process and if he is anxious the pain will be sharper,
whereas if he is sexually aroused, feels safe, in control,
and submits to the partner, the sensation may even seem pleasant.
In a
study conducted by Drs., Miczek, Thompson, and Shuster it
was discovered that in mice it was not the amount or length
of painful stimulus that triggered the analgesic response
but rather the mouse's resignation to defeat ("Analgesia
Following Defeat in an Aggressive Encounter: Development of
Tolerance and Changes in Opioid Receptors," Annals of
the NY Academy of Sciences, Stress-Induced Analgesia, Vol.
467, p.16) Extroverts are thought to require stronger tactile
and mental stimulation than introverts and will not register
pain as quickly. Once pain has been registered the body will
try to adapt in various ways. Steady pain require rapid firing
by our nervous system and the body's tendency is to adapt
to constant stimulus by slowing this process, meaning that
the intensity of pain dissipates accordingly. Once pain has
been registered for 20 - 40 mins the body will begin to produce
opiate-like chemicals to reduce pain sensations."
Suspension- Activities and techniques that involve hanging
the submissive from ropes, chains etc. so that no part of
their body has contact with the floor. Great care must be
taken so that no harm comes to the submissive.
Switch- Someone who enjoys both the dominant and submissive
roles associated with BDSM. A switch may be dominant and submissive
with different partners or even with the same partner at different
times.
T Back to Top
Top- A dominant
Topping from the bottom- when the submissive is directing
the action in a D/s session instead of the dominant
Toys- euphemism for items such as dildoes, butt plugs, nipple
clamps, paddles, crops, whips, canes, etc.
TS /transsexual - a person genetically of one sex with a psychological
urge to belong to the opposite sex, some believe they were
born the wrong sex and have surgery to correct the mistake
TV /transvestite- a person to adopts the dress, and often
the behavior, of the opposite
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Vanilla- Any activity or person not involved or related to
The Scene. Generally refers to conventional sex as opposed
to somewhat spicier activities.
Violet wand- static electricity generator, providing a sensation
akin to a vibrating pinprick
Voyeur- a person who prefers sex as a non-participatory, spectator
sport
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Water sports- erotic interests in elimination, either artificially
induced, as with enemas or catheterization, or occurring naturally
Waxing- the dripping of hot wax onto the body to achieve erotic
pain
Whipping- the striking of flesh, usually but not exclusively
on the back, with a whip, flail, or other stinging device
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