BDSM is a variety of frequently erotic methods or roleplaying involving bondage, self-discipline, dominance and submission, sadomasochism, and various related interpersonal dynamics. Given the wide range of practices, many of which can be engaged in by individuals that do not consider them selves to generally be practising BDSM, inclusion during 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 masking a variety of functions, kinds of interpersonal relationships, and distinctive subcultures. BDSM communities normally welcome any person with a non-normative streak who identifies While using the Local community; this will involve cross-dressers, human body modification fanatics, animal roleplayers, rubber fetishists, and others.

Functions and relationships in BDSM will often be characterized by the members' taking on roles that happen to be complementary and include inequality of ability; As a result, the idea of knowledgeable consent of both of those the companions is critical. The phrases submissive and dominant will often be employed to differentiate these roles: the dominant spouse ("dom") usually takes psychological Handle around the submissive ("sub"). The terms top rated and base may also be made use of; the very best could be the instigator of an action even though The underside will be the receiver on the motion. The two sets of terms are subtly unique: for example, a person may elect to work as base to a different individual, by way of example, by remaining whipped, purely recreationally, without any implication of getting psychologically dominated, and submissives can be purchased to therapeutic 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 in place of submissive and dominant. In some cases the feminine-specific terms mistress, domme, and dominatrix are employed to describe a dominant lady, as an alternative to the often gender-neutral expression dom. People who improve concerning top/dominant and bottom/submissive roles—regardless of whether from romantic relationship to romantic relationship or in just a supplied romance—are termed switches. The specific definition of roles and self-identification is a standard subject matter of discussion amid BDSM individuals.