BDSM is several different often erotic methods or roleplaying involving bondage, self-discipline, dominance and submission, sadomasochism, together with other similar interpersonal dynamics. Specified the big selection of tactics, many of which can be engaged in by individuals that never take into consideration them selves to generally be 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 first recorded in a Usenet write-up 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 pursuits, types of interpersonal relationships, and unique subcultures. BDSM communities typically welcome anybody which has a non-normative streak who identifies Along with the Neighborhood; this may include things like cross-dressers, human body modification enthusiasts, animal roleplayers, rubber fetishists, and Other people.

Things to do and associations in BDSM are often characterised from the contributors' taking up roles which have been complementary and entail inequality of energy; Consequently, the idea of knowledgeable consent of each the companions is essential. The phrases submissive and dominant are often applied to distinguish these roles: the dominant associate ("dom") requires psychological Regulate more than the submissive ("sub"). The phrases major and bottom also are utilized; the highest is the instigator of an motion while the bottom could be the receiver of the action. The 2 sets of conditions are subtly various: by way of example, anyone could opt to work as bottom to another particular person, such as, by becoming whipped, purely recreationally, with no implication of staying psychologically dominated, and submissives may be ordered to massage their dominant companions. Even though the base carries out the motion and the best gets it, they've got not automatically switched roles.

The abbreviations sub and dom are commonly used rather than submissive and dominant. At times the feminine-precise conditions mistress, domme, and dominatrix are made use of to explain a dominant female, instead of the occasionally gender-neutral phrase dom. Individuals who modify amongst top rated/dominant and base/submissive roles—whether from relationship to partnership or inside a provided connection—are named switches. The exact definition of roles and self-identification is a typical topic of debate among BDSM participants.