BDSM is various often erotic methods or roleplaying involving bondage, self-discipline, dominance and submission, sadomasochism, and various similar interpersonal dynamics. Specified the big selection of tactics, several of which can be engaged in by folks who will not look at by themselves to get practising BDSM, inclusion while in the BDSM Neighborhood or subculture frequently is said to count on self-identification and shared expertise.

The initialism BDSM is initially recorded in a Usenet post from 1991, and it is interpreted as a mix of the abbreviations B/D (Bondage and Discipline), D/s (Dominance and submission), and S/M (Sadism and Masochism). BDSM has become applied like a catch-all phrase masking an array of actions, varieties of interpersonal associations, and distinct subcultures. BDSM communities generally welcome everyone using a non-normative streak who identifies Using the Group; this might consist of cross-dressers, physique modification fanatics, animal roleplayers, rubber fetishists, and Other individuals.

Pursuits and associations in BDSM will often be characterized by the members' taking on roles which have been complementary and contain inequality of energy; Therefore, the concept of knowledgeable consent of the two the companions is critical. The phrases submissive and dominant are often utilized to differentiate these roles: the dominant companion ("dom") can take psychological Manage about the submissive ("sub"). The terms best and base can also be utilised; the best will be the instigator of the motion whilst the bottom could be the receiver from the action. The 2 sets of conditions are subtly various: by way of example, anyone could opt to work as base to another individual, one example is, by being whipped, purely recreationally, without any implication of getting psychologically dominated, and submissives may very well be purchased to massage their dominant partners. Although the bottom carries out the action and the highest gets it, they have got not essentially switched roles.

The abbreviations sub and dom are often employed as an alternative to submissive and dominant. From time to time the feminine-specific terms mistress, domme, and dominatrix are utilized to describe a dominant girl, as opposed to the sometimes gender-neutral term dom. Individuals who alter among prime/dominant and bottom/submissive roles—no matter if from marriage to marriage or inside of a provided connection—are named switches. The exact definition of roles and self-identification is a typical topic of discussion between BDSM participants.