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 never consider 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 inside of 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 functions, types of interpersonal interactions, and unique subcultures. BDSM communities typically welcome anyone which has a non-normative streak who identifies Together with the Neighborhood; this could include things like cross-dressers, human body modification enthusiasts, animal roleplayers, rubber fetishists, and Many others.

Pursuits and relationships in BDSM in many cases are characterized via the individuals' taking over roles which might be complementary and include inequality of ability; Hence, the thought 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 when The underside will be the receiver of the action. The 2 sets of conditions are subtly various: by way of example, someone 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 top receives it, they've not automatically switched roles.

The abbreviations sub and dom are commonly made use of rather than submissive and dominant. At times the feminine-distinct 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—irrespective of whether from relationship to partnership or inside a provided connection—are named switches. The exact definition of roles and self-identification is a common topic of debate among BDSM participants.