BDSM is several different often erotic methods or roleplaying involving bondage, self-discipline, dominance and submission, sadomasochism, and various related interpersonal dynamics. Given the wide range of tactics, many of which can be engaged in by individuals that never take into consideration them selves being practising BDSM, inclusion from the BDSM Local community or subculture typically is claimed to rely on self-identification and shared encounter.

The initialism BDSM is initial recorded in a Usenet post from 1991, and is particularly interpreted as a mix of the abbreviations B/D (Bondage and Self-discipline), D/s (Dominance and submission), and S/M (Sadism and Masochism). BDSM is now made use of for a catch-all phrase covering a variety of functions, types of interpersonal relationships, and distinctive subcultures. BDSM communities normally welcome anybody which has a non-normative streak who identifies Along with the Neighborhood; this may involve cross-dressers, human body modification enthusiasts, animal roleplayers, rubber fetishists, and Many others.

Pursuits and relationships in BDSM in many cases are characterized via the individuals' taking over roles which might be complementary and include inequality of electric power; Hence, the thought of knowledgeable consent of both of those the companions is critical. The terms submissive and dominant will often be employed to differentiate these roles: the dominant companion ("dom") usually takes psychological Handle around the submissive ("sub"). The terms prime and base may also be made use of; the top could be the instigator of the action even though The underside will be the receiver with the motion. The two sets of terms are subtly diverse: for example, an individual may perhaps choose to act as base to a different human being, as an example, by staying whipped, purely recreationally, with none implication of becoming psychologically dominated, and submissives could be requested to therapeutic massage their dominant associates. Although the bottom carries out the action and the very best receives it, they have got not essentially switched roles.

The abbreviations sub and dom are frequently utilized as an alternative to submissive and dominant. From time to time the feminine-unique terms mistress, domme, and dominatrix are used to describe a dominant woman, as opposed to the often gender-neutral expression dom. People who transform involving major/dominant and base/submissive roles—whether or not from partnership to connection or in a presented romantic relationship—are named switches. The exact definition of roles and self-identification is a typical matter of debate amongst BDSM participants.