Glossary of BDSM
This glossary of BDSM (bondage, discipline, dominance, submission, sadism, masochism) terms defines terms commonly used in the BDSM community.
BDSM activities are described as play in BDSM terminology.
The BDSM term is a portmanteau acronym intended to take in all of the following activities:
Bondage and discipline play (B & D or B/D)
Dominance and submission (D & S or D/s) (including "master and slave" role-playing scenarios and ongoing relationship structures)
Sadism and masochism (S & M or S/M)
BDSM glossary
24/7: A relationship in which protocols are in place continuously.
Animal transformation fantasy: Fantasy in which the focus is on the sub entering the altered mindspace of a different species, often a dog, cat, or horse.
Abrasion: Using something rough (such as sandpaper).
Aftercare: The time after a BDSM scene or play session in which the participants calm down, discuss the previous events and their personal reactions to them, and slowly come back in touch with reality. BDSM often involves an endorphin high and very intense experience, and failure to engage in proper aftercare can lead to subdrop as these return to more everyday levels. In some BDSM relationships, such as D/s, aftercare may involve the Dominant caring for the submissive if physical pain was inflicted, such as applying baby oil to areas that were struck during play.
