NAGAIKA:
a short, thick leather whip originating from the Nogai people of the North Caucasus region (also called a "kamci" or "nagaika"). Constructed of braided leather strips without a fall, the nagaika often features a weighted striking end. Because of this design, it functions as a heavy impact implement, unlike a quirt, which tapers to flexible falls that deliver a sting or slap.





NAME CHANGE:
the practice in which a dominant chooses a name for their submissive to symbolize the submissive's dynamic role or personal transformation. The assigned name often becomes the submissive's scene name or alias within the BDSM community.

See related SCENE NAME.



NEEDLE PLAY:
an activity in which medical or acupuncture needles pierce the outer layers of the skin. These needles are often placed in elaborate visual patterns and decorated with ribbons, paint, or flowers. Because it carries elevated risks and often involves blood, needle play is considered a form of edgeplay. The insertions are temporary, and the needles are removed at the end of the session.

See related BLOOD PLAY.





NECK SNAP:
the involuntary backward jerking of the head in response to a forceful strike, which can cause whiplash or other neck injuries.



NEWBIE:
a newcomer to BDSM. The term is sometimes used in derogatory ways, implying a person's worth depends on their level of experience or popularity. This dynamic can create a hostile environment that hinders a beginner's personal growth and may lead them to hide their inexperience, creating safety risks. More often, however, identifying as new to BDSM is met with respect and guidance from experienced members.



NEW LEATHER (NEW GUARD):
a movement within the BDSM leather community starting in the late 1980s that loosened many of the strict, military-derived protocols of the traditional Old Guard. The New Guard expanded community inclusion to encompass heterosexuals, women, lesbians, and other groups previously marginalized in early leather culture.

See contrast OLD LEATHER, and see related LEATHER COMMUNITY.



NIPPLE CLAMP:
any mechanical device designed to apply pressure to or pinch the nipples for sensory stimulation or pain play. Common varieties include clover clamps, tweezer clamps, and adjustable alligator clamps. Because continuous pressure restricts local blood circulation, wearing these devices for extended periods can cause tissue damage or nerve numbness.





NIPPLE TAPE:
adhesive tape, often vinyl or electrical tape, applied over the nipples for aesthetic effect, light sensory play, or to cover the areolae to comply with venue regulations or local public nudity laws.





NOMARETINE (NOMARET):
a person who believes in and lives the lifestyle of nomaretism.

See NOMARETISM.



NOMARETISM:
a type of 24-7 BDSM philosophy and lifestyle called Nomaret. Taken from the Greek root word "nom-" (nomos) meaning arrangement, law, or order, and the Greek root word "aret-" (arete) meaning virtue. Those who live the Nomaret lifestyle call themselves Nomaretines or Nomarets. Nomaretism is based on the philosophy that sadomasochistic power exchange relationships between a dominant and submissive are natural, innate in all living creatures, and should not be considered perverse, kinky, or indecent. Instead, Nomarets believe that what is considered normal in most modern societies regarding vanilla sex and marriage is the true perversion from what is natural.



NONCONSENSUAL (NON-CONSENT):
a BDSM activity that is not sanctioned by one or both participants. Such activities are not considered BDSM and are instead regarded as assault, abuse, rape, maltreatment, or some other deplorable action.

See BDSM ABUSE.



NOSE HOOKS (NOSE SHACKLE):
a set of hooks, about an inch long, inserted into a person’s nostrils. The hooks are usually attached to a string or chain, causing pain to the nose. When pulled, they force the person’s head up. These are sometimes held in place by a harness to keep the nostrils extended, making this device a form of bondage. Nose hooks are most often found in Japanese bondage.





NOSE TORTURE:
a Japanese form of BDSM that often involves nose hooks.





NURU MASSAGE:
a technique where a person, usually female, massages another person by using her entire body to rub against the other person while both parties are completely nude, usually with a massage gel called Nuru gel, which is made from brown seaweed extract. Most often, Nuru massages are finished with a sexual act. This practice is well known in commercial sex work and is popular in many massage parlors around the world.



NYOTAIMORI:
the practice of using the human body, typically female and usually nude, to present food (typically sushi or sashimi) for the consumption of others. This practice uses the body as a platter for food.










ADVERTISEMENTS:



































~