All terms beginning with a number are found spelled out on the alphabetical page. 1 COLUMN TIE: see ONE COLUMN TIE. 180 CONDITION: see ONE-EIGHTY CONDITION. 1-10 (PAIN LEVEL SYSTEM): see ONE TO TEN. 369: see THREE-SIXTY-NINE. 24/7: see TWENTY-FOUR-SEVEN. 2 COLUMN TIE: see TWO-COLUMN TIE.  A-FRAME (FLOGGING TRIANGLE): uncommonly known as a caning rack; a type of bondage furniture with an upright, triangular piece where a person can be bound for flagellation. It is thought that an A-frame is more comfortable and supportive than an X-frame (St. Andrew’s cross). See also ST. ANDREW'S CROSS. 
ABRASION PLAY: sensation play involving stroking the skin of a person with sandpaper, emery boards, a wire brush, or any other material that brings about a scraping sensation. This can be done gently, simply to cause a mild sensation, or intensely to cause an abrasion. See also SENSATION PLAY. ABUSE: see BDSM ABUSE. ADULT BABY (ADULT-BABY): a person who engages in age play, primarily in the role of a very young child or baby. This sort of play sometimes involves the changing of adult diapers, as well as mock breastfeedings. Also see related INFANTILISM, AGE PLAY, or DIAPER PLAY. 
AFTERCARE: the time period after an intense BDSM session or activity in which the dominant provides a safe mental and physical space for the submissive to unwind; a time of recovery. This is considered to be the time when a dominant tends to the submissive's psychological needs in regard to the recent BDSM session or experience. 
AFTERSHOCK: see BOTTOM DROP. AGE PLAY: any form of role-play in which a submissive assumes the role of a child or has childlike qualities. Age play is a broad term that encompasses many forms and flavors of play, from infantilism to teen play. It refers to the sexual gratification one gets either from having the power and responsibility that a parent has, or from the powerlessness and the feeling of being cared for that a child has. It is not considered to be the same as pedophilia. Daddy/babygirl relationships, mommy/babyboy relationships, and relationships that involve much older partners all fall under the age play umbrella; however, not all such relationships are considered age play. Many people find that daddy/mommy titles are in name only, simply because their role mirrors the characteristics of a stern but loving and nurturing parent yet has no relation to role-playing as an actual parent to a child. Most often, the term age play is reserved for those who actually role-play as a parent or child. ALIPEDI (SLIDE): a term for inserting toes or the front part of a foot into someone's vagina or anus. This practice is loosely tied to a foot fetish or footing. It is very similar to fisting, but with the foot. It is also sometimes referred to as foot fisting or foosting. Also see related FOOT SEX (FLAMINGO). 
ALGOLAGNIA: the act of turning pain into sexual pleasure; a synonym for sadomasochism. It is a sexual tendency defined by deriving sexual pleasure and stimulation from physical pain, often involving the genitalia. ALLIGATOR NIPPLE CLAMPS: a common type of nipple clamp with tips that have teeth resembling an alligator's mouth. Most alligator clamps, sometimes called gator clamps, come with removable rubber tips that dull the teeth. Some such clamps have no teeth and instead have a smooth bill against the nipple. Alligator clamps are also sold with an adjustable screw with which the pressure on the nipple can be controlled. Sometimes an alligator nipple clamp is confused with an alligator clip sold for electronics, which has a much tighter grasp. Small alligator clips exert much greater pressure and should never be used on a nipple. 
ALPHA SUB: a structured hierarchy among submissives in a BDSM house or family, or in any relationship involving more than one submissive. The alpha sub is similar to the role of "first wife" in some cultures, in which the alpha sub is the submissive with the greatest power. Sometimes the alpha sub takes on a dominant role toward other submissives while maintaining the role of submissive to the dominant or master. Many believe that even though the role of alpha sub is of a higher stature than the beta sub, both roles are equally vital to the family structure. Not all relationships that involve more than one submissive include the role of an alpha sub. See related BETA SUB. ALTERNATIVE LIFESTYLE: see LIFESTYLE. ANAL BEADS: a sex toy consisting of multiple balls attached together in a series, inserted into the rectum, and then removed either slowly or quickly during orgasm to enhance climax. 
ANAL HOOK (BUTT HOOK): a metal hook with a small loop on one end and usually a smooth ball shape at the other end, designed for insertion into a submissive's anus. With rope tied to the loop, it can be rigged in ways that force the submissive into accessible positions for flagellation or intercourse. Sometimes the same hook can be inserted into the vagina in the same way for the same purposes. 
ANAL TORTURE: any practice in which one inflicts pain on the anus of another. ANAL TRAINING: preparation of the anus for anal play or anal sex, usually by dilating the sphincter with dildos or butt plugs. The term is also sometimes used as a catch-all for any play or sexual act involving the anus. 
ANILINGUS: an activity involving oral stimulation of another person's anus. See related RIMMING. 
ANIMALISM: role-play in which one takes on the role of an animal to be trained. This often addresses a person's sexual desire to be treated as less than human. Pony play, puppy play, and swine play are popular forms of animalism. 
ANKLE CUFFS: any sort of cuffs that are specially designed for use on a person's ankles. See related WRIST CUFFS. 
ANORGASMIA: the inability of a male or female to achieve an orgasm due to physical or mental issues. See sometimes related DRY HEAVES. ARMBINDER: any device that restrains a person’s arms behind their back, causing not only the wrists to be bound close together but also the elbows. See related MONOGLOVE. 
ARNICA: an herbal medicine, in pill or ointment form and made from the arnica plant, that reduces bruising and helps with sore muscles. 
AROMA PLAY (AUROMA PLAY): BDSM activities that involve the use of aromatherapy to induce relaxation. The term also refers to play using vapors or smells to create certain moods to intensify a play session. ASEXUAL PLAY: BDSM activities, such as spanking or flogging, that do not lead to sexual activity or sensual touching. This is a controversial notion, as many believe that even though not all BDSM activities are considered sex, they are all sexual in nature. ASMR (A.S.M.R.): an acronym for autonomous sensory meridian response, which is a physical response to specific sounds or visual stimuli. It is described as a positive tingling feeling that originates in the scalp and moves down the back of the neck or spine, often accompanied by goosebumps, as a direct triggered response to audio or visual cues. For example, the sound of rubbing cloth repeatedly while whispering into someone’s ear can bring about this tingling sensation in some individuals. ASS PLAY (ANAL PLAY): any form of sexual play with a participant's anus, including sodomy, anilingus, enemas, and the use of dildos or butt plugs. ASYMMETRIC BONDAGE: bondage in which a person is bound so that one of their legs or arms is positioned differently than the other, lacking symmetry. For example, one arm may be tied to the person's leg while the other arm is tied behind their back. 
AUTO-EROTIC ASPHYXIATION: asphyxia that results from intentionally strangling oneself, often with a rope or belt, while masturbating, in an attempt to heighten sexual pleasure by limiting the oxygen supply to the brain. This is considered to be a very dangerous practice. Many people die each year while engaging in it. See related EROTIC ASPHYXIATION. 
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