Slavery
Type of BDSM relationship in which the submissive individual gives ultimate authority over them to dominant. Also known as total power exchange, slavery is a relationship usually entered into on a consensual basis, unlike historical or modern non-consensual slavery. It does not require any specific acts, although sexual aspect is almost always present. Slaves usually wear a collar, get included in a slave register, adopt a name chosen by the owner and even sign slave contract with explicit details regarding future slavery (no legal weight!). Participants involved may be of any gender or sexual orientation.
Sadism
Term derived from the author Marquis De Sade, describing derivation of pleasure as a result of inflicting pain. Unlike nonsexual sadists, persons enjoying sadistic practices in BDSM are exercising it for (in)direct sexual pleasure. For instance, a sadist may enjoy the feeling of power and control that comes from his/her dominant role or receive indirect pleasure from watching a masochist suffer. However, psychologists still debate on what connects these emotional experiences to sexual gratification.
Rope
Length of braided or twisted fibers put together to improve strength for pulling and tying. Rope is thicker and therefore stronger than similarly constructed string, cord or line. It’s usually made of natural fibers such as hemp, cotton or linen. Rope can endure heavy weight thanks to its great tensile strength, so it is most popular implement used for erotic bondage.
PVC
A widely used material that found its place in fetishistic wardrobe due to its sheen, availability and low price. It is also waterproof and commonly used in jackets, coats and bags. Unlike leather and latex, PVC isn’t highly appreciated among fetishists but it is widespread among goth, punk and other alternative scenes.
Perverse
In a sexual context, perverse is opposite of what is generally considered to be normal and non-deviant sexual behavior. Orthodox people use this term to describe controversial practices that seem abnormal and repulsive to them. Of course, concept of perversion is subjective and dependable on society, culture, individual preferences etc. Psychologists, however, prefer to use the word paraphilia.
Pain
An unpleasant feeling commonly consisting of negative affect and aversity, also with specific duration, location, intensity and distinctive quality. Pain threshold completely depends on person’s capacity and varies individually. Also, pain is almost always described as unpleasant. However, when pain turns to source of sexual pleasure involving stimulation of an erogenous zone, it’s called algolagnia. Term refers to sexual tendency distinct from BDSM, because unlike masochism which is a psychological reaction, algolagnia remains strictly physical reaction caused by motor functions.
Paddle
A widespread BDSM tool designed for spanking, specifically buttocks. Paddle is a wooden or leather implement with a long, flat face and narrow handle. Due to its large surface, inflexibility and flatness, paddle cannot cause stripes like a cane or a whip, but it may cause bruises.
OTK (over the knee)
An abbreviation for “over the knee”, which is one of the numerous spanking poses. When a submissive is placed in this pose, his/her buttocks are fully exposed and available to dominant person for spanking.
Mummification
A sexual bondage practice consisting of restraining a submissive person’s body in a non-damaging way by wrapping it head to toe in materials such as saran wrap, rubber strips, duct tape, plaster bandages, bodybags or straitjackets. Final result is a completely immobilized person resembling to Egyptian mummy, which can then be left in a state of sensory deprivation for a certain time or exposed to sensory stimulation. Mummification should be done on arms and torso first, so the submissive can stand steadily and later safely lowered. Prolonged mummification may cause sweating or dehydration, especially when done with materials like latex or saran wrap.