BDSM is a variety of frequently erotic procedures or roleplaying involving bondage, self-discipline, dominance and submission, sadomasochism, and various related interpersonal dynamics. Given the big selection of tactics, many of which can be engaged in by individuals that do not consider themselves to generally be practising BDSM, inclusion during the BDSM Group or subculture generally is claimed to rely on self-identification and shared encounter.

The initialism BDSM is first 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 covering a wide array of pursuits, types of interpersonal interactions, 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 Some others.

Routines and interactions in BDSM are sometimes characterized because of the individuals' taking over roles which might be complementary and involve inequality of ability; As a result, 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 bottom may also be made use of; the very best could be the instigator of an action when The underside will be the receiver with the motion. The two sets of phrases are subtly unique: for example, an individual may perhaps choose to act as bottom to a different 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 have not always switched roles.

The abbreviations sub and dom are usually applied in lieu of submissive and dominant. Occasionally the female-certain phrases mistress, domme, and dominatrix are utilised to explain a dominant girl, in lieu of the in some cases gender-neutral term dom. Individuals who alter among prime/dominant and base/submissive roles—no matter if from marriage to relationship or within a given partnership—are known as switches. The precise definition of roles and self-identification is a common subject of discussion among the BDSM contributors.