Searchable lexicon

Clear language, organized by category.

Definitions focus on adult communication, consent, privacy, community, and wellbeing. Educational content is not medical or legal advice.

Quick reference

Terms, not activity guides.

The Lexicon answers “what does this mean?” in a short, searchable format. It does not assess readiness or explain how to practice an activity.

Explore the in-depth Kink Catalog

Rimming / anilingus

Sexual Activity

Oral stimulation of the anus between consenting adults. Also called anilingus, analingus, or a rim job. It is a sexual practice that requires explicit consent and attention to hygiene and STI risk.

Also known or searched as: anilingus, analingus, rim job Explore context in the Kink Catalog

Spanking

Kink & BDSM

Open-hand impact play using the hand to strike a consenting adult’s buttocks or, less commonly, other fleshy areas, often for sensation, rhythm, or power-exchange play.

Also known or searched as: hand spanking, butt spanking Explore context in the Kink Catalog

Paddles

Kink & BDSM

Impact play using a paddle, hand paddle, or similar blunt tool to deliver negotiated sensation, from light thuds to firmer strikes, within clear consent and limits.

Also known or searched as: paddle play, paddling Explore context in the Kink Catalog

Flogging

Kink & BDSM

Impact or sensation play using a flogger, usually across padded or otherwise lower-risk body areas, with agreed-upon intensity and pacing between consenting adults.

Also known or searched as: flogger play, impact play with a flogger Explore context in the Kink Catalog

Caning

Kink & BDSM

An impact-play practice in which a cane is used to deliver sharp, focused sensation, usually in a carefully negotiated scene between consenting adults.

Also known or searched as: cane play Explore context in the Kink Catalog

Slapping

Kink & BDSM

A form of consensual impact play using an open hand on negotiated body areas, with clear limits, intensity agreements, and aftercare.

Also known or searched as: open-hand impact, face slapping, butt slapping Explore context in the Kink Catalog

Rough body play

Kink & BDSM

A high-energy form of kink play that uses vigorous physical contact, pressure, grappling, positioning, or controlled restraint sensations rather than tools like paddles or floggers.

Also known or searched as: Roughhousing play, Body wrestling, Rough physical play Explore context in the Kink Catalog

Voyeurism

Kink & BDSM

Consensually watching other adults engage in erotic or intimate behavior, or being invited to observe, with clear permission and privacy boundaries.

Also known or searched as: being a watcher, spectator play, observing Explore context in the Kink Catalog

Public play

Kink & BDSM

Consensual erotic teasing, display, or flirtation in semi-public or public-adjacent settings where the point is the thrill of being seen, almost seen, or discreetly noticed.

Also known or searched as: Exhibition play, Voyeurism-adjacent play, Public-adjacent play Explore context in the Kink Catalog

Consensual taking, sharing, or keeping of sexual or kink-related photos, audio, or video, with clear agreements about who can record, who can view it, where it can be stored, and when it must be deleted.

Also known or searched as: photo play, video play, media consent, content capture Explore context in the Kink Catalog

Roleplay

Kink & BDSM

Using agreed-upon characters, scenarios, or power dynamics to shape a scene between consenting adults.

Also known or searched as: Fantasy play, Scenario play, Character play Explore context in the Kink Catalog

A consensual adult roleplay involving instruction, guidance, evaluation, or authority themes, often using the social dynamics of a classroom or mentorship setting without involving actual minors or real-world coercion.

Also known or searched as: professor/student, tutor/pupil, instructor/learner, mentor/student Explore context in the Kink Catalog

Strangers

Kink & BDSM

A roleplay or fantasy about meeting as unfamiliar adults, flirting anonymously, or emphasizing novelty, distance, or social surprise while staying within clear consent agreements.

Explore context in the Kink Catalog

Consensual roleplay involving a person or dynamic framed as having status, command, expertise, office, or formal authority. For consenting adults only.

Also known or searched as: boss/employee roleplay, teacher/student roleplay, uniform fantasy, command dynamic, status play Explore context in the Kink Catalog

Medical play

Kink & BDSM

Clinical- or examination-themed roleplay between consenting adults, often involving a doctor/patient, nurse/patient, or examiner/model dynamic, with negotiated boundaries and no actual medical treatment.

Also known or searched as: Doctor/patient roleplay, Clinic play, Exam play Explore context in the Kink Catalog

Latex / leather

Kink & BDSM

A fetish or aesthetic interest in the look, feel, scent, shine, or sound of latex or leather clothing and gear. For many adults, it is more about sensory appeal, style, and identity than any specific act.

Also known or searched as: rubber, leather fetish, latex fetish, rubber and leather Explore context in the Kink Catalog

Toys

Kink & BDSM

Erotic toys are objects used by consenting adults to add sensation, novelty, or control to sexual play. They can be used alone, with a partner, or as part of a kink scene.

Also known or searched as: sex toys, adult toys Explore context in the Kink Catalog

Strap-ons

Kink & BDSM

Using a harness-and-dildo or similar wearable toy for consensual penetration, role exploration, or embodied play between consenting adults.

Also known or searched as: strap-on sex, harness play, wearable dildo play Explore context in the Kink Catalog