BDSM is several different often erotic methods or roleplaying involving bondage, self-discipline, dominance and submission, sadomasochism, together with other similar interpersonal dynamics. Given the big selection of tactics, many of which can be engaged in by individuals that never take into consideration them selves being practising BDSM, inclusion from the BDSM Local community or subculture typically is claimed to rely on self-identification and shared expertise.

The initialism BDSM is very first recorded inside a Usenet publish from 1991, and is interpreted as a mix of the abbreviations B/D (Bondage and Self-control), D/s (Dominance and submission), and S/M (Sadism and Masochism). BDSM is now used to be a capture-all phrase covering a wide range of things to do, sorts of interpersonal associations, and distinct subcultures. BDSM communities frequently welcome everyone by using a non-normative streak who identifies With all the community; this will likely incorporate cross-dressers, entire body modification fans, animal roleplayers, rubber fetishists, and Some others.

Routines and interactions in BDSM will often be characterised from the members' taking on roles which have been complementary and entail inequality of energy; Consequently, the idea of educated consent of the two the associates is crucial. The conditions submissive and dominant are frequently made use of to tell apart these roles: the dominant husband or wife ("dom") will take psychological Command above the submissive ("sub"). The conditions leading and base are also utilised; the best may be the instigator of the action although The underside will be the receiver on the motion. The two sets of phrases are subtly unique: for instance, an individual may decide 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 massage their dominant partners. Although the bottom carries out the motion and the highest gets it, they have not necessarily switched roles.

The abbreviations sub and dom are regularly utilised instead of submissive and dominant. Occasionally the female-certain phrases mistress, domme, and dominatrix are applied to explain a dominant female, instead of the occasionally gender-neutral term dom. Individuals who modify amongst prime/dominant and base/submissive roles—irrespective of whether from relationship to partnership or inside a offered connection—are referred to as switches. The exact definition of roles and self-identification is a common topic of debate among BDSM participants.