BDSM is a variety of frequently erotic methods or roleplaying involving bondage, self-control, dominance and submission, sadomasochism, and various related interpersonal dynamics. Given the wide range of tactics, many of which can be engaged in by folks who never take into consideration them selves being practising BDSM, inclusion from the BDSM Local community or subculture usually is said to depend on self-identification and shared expertise.

The initialism BDSM is initial recorded in a Usenet write-up from 1991, which is 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 has become made use of being a catch-all phrase masking a wide array of pursuits, types of interpersonal interactions, and unique subcultures. BDSM communities usually welcome anyone that has a non-normative streak who identifies Together with the Neighborhood; this could include things like cross-dressers, entire body modification enthusiasts, animal roleplayers, rubber fetishists, and Some others.

Routines and relationships in BDSM in many cases are characterized via the individuals' taking over roles which might be complementary and involve inequality of electric power; Therefore, the thought of informed consent of both equally the partners is vital. The terms submissive and dominant in many cases are utilized to differentiate these roles: the dominant companion ("dom") can take psychological Manage about the submissive ("sub"). The terms prime and base may also be applied; the top would be the instigator of the action even though The underside will be the receiver on the motion. The two sets of phrases are subtly unique: for example, an individual may perhaps choose to act as base to a different person, as an example, by staying whipped, purely recreationally, with none implication of being psychologically dominated, and submissives could possibly be purchased to therapeutic massage their dominant associates. Although the bottom carries out the action and the very best gets it, they have got not essentially switched roles.

The abbreviations sub and dom are frequently utilized as an alternative to submissive and dominant. From time to time the feminine-specific terms mistress, domme, and dominatrix are utilized to describe a dominant lady, as an alternative to the often gender-neutral expression dom. People who transform concerning top/dominant and base/submissive roles—whether or not from connection to romantic relationship or in a presented romance—are identified as switches. The specific definition of roles and self-identification is a typical subject matter of discussion amid BDSM individuals.