Do you come across a term you don't know? This glossary explains all the important technical terms from the world of sex toys, materials, practices, and BDSM – clearly, factually, and without taboos.
A
Aftercare
Care and attention after intense sexual experiences, especially in a BDSM context. Includes physical contact, conversations, blankets, or quiet togetherness. Important for emotional well-being after intense scenes.
Anal Beads
A string of several balls of different sizes that are inserted anally and slowly withdrawn during climax. The sensation arises from the individual balls passing the sphincter.
Anal Plug (Butt Plug)
A sex toy specifically for anal stimulation with a conical shape and a wide base. Available in many sizes, materials, and shapes – from tiny for beginners to XXL for advanced users.
Anal Dilator
Toy for gradual stretching of the anal sphincter, often as a set with increasing sizes. Always use with plenty of lubricant and without pain.
ABS Plastic
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene – a hard, non-porous plastic for vibrator casings. Body-safe and BPA-free in high-quality products. Only for use with water-based lubricant.
Arousal
The state of sexual arousal – physiological (erection, lubrication) and psychological. Many sex toys are designed to increase or maintain arousal.
B
Ball Stretcher
A ring or weight around the scrotum that stretches it downwards. Creates an intense pulling and pressure sensation. Popular in BDSM and with men who enjoy testicular stimulation.
BDSM
Acronym for Bondage & Discipline, Dominance & Submission, Sadism & Masochism. An umbrella term for consensual practices involving power dynamics, pain, and control. Core principle: SSC (Safe, Sane, Consensual) or RACK (Risk-Aware Consensual Kink).
Ben-Wa Balls (Love Balls)
Small balls inserted vaginally. They train the pelvic floor and create a pleasant sensation through their movement. Also known as Kegel trainers.
Body-Safe
Term for materials that are safe for body contact: non-porous, phthalate-free. Body-safe materials: medical grade silicone, borosilicate glass, surgical stainless steel, ABS plastic.
Bondage
The act of tying a person with ropes, handcuffs, tape, or other means. Part of BDSM. Always with a safeword and scissors within reach.
Borosilicate Glass
High-quality, temperature-resistant glass (like Pyrex) for sex toys. Extremely robust, non-porous, body-safe, and suitable for temperature play. Check for cracks before each use.
Butt Plug
See Anal Plug.
C
CBT (Cock and Ball Torture)
BDSM practice involving targeted pressure, stretching, or stimulation of the genitals. Includes toys like ball stretchers, cock cages, and cock rings. Only consensual and with caution.
Chastity
In BDSM, wearing a chastity belt or cock cage that prevents sexual activity. Used in D/s relationships as a means of control.
Clitoral Stimulator
Sex toy specifically for clitoral stimulation: vibrators, suckers (Air Pulse), and tongue vibrators. The clitoris has over 8,000 nerve endings – targeted stimulation is the most direct path to orgasm for many women.
Cockring (Penis Ring)
A ring at the base of the penis that slows blood outflow, leading to a harder, longer-lasting erection. Available in silicone, metal, leather. Maximum wear time: 30 minutes.
Consensual Non-Consent (CNC)
BDSM practice where a non-consensual fantasy is consensually played out. Requires clear agreements, trust, and a safeword.
Cyberskin
Soft, skin-like material for sex toys. Porous, difficult to clean, often contains phthalates. Not recommended – better to choose silicone or high-quality TPE.
D
Dildo
A penetrative sex toy without vibration function. Available in countless shapes, sizes, and materials – from realistic to fantasy. Can be used vaginally and/or anally.
Double Penetration (DP)
Simultaneous penetration of two body orifices. Possible with toys (double dildo, vibrator + dildo) or with partners.
Dominance (Dom/Domme)
The leading, controlling role in a BDSM dynamic. Dom = male, Domme = female. Always within previously agreed-upon boundaries.
D/s (Dominance/Submission)
BDSM dynamic with dominant and submissive roles. Can extend to individual scenes or the entire relationship.
E
Stainless Steel
Surgical stainless steel (316L) – one of the highest quality sex toy materials. Non-porous, sterilizable, compatible with all lubricants. Ideal for anal plugs, dildos, and BDSM toys.
Glans
The tip of the penis with many nerve endings. Many toys (masturbators, vibrators) specifically stimulate the glans.
Electrostimulation (E-Stim)
Sexual stimulation through weak electrical impulses. Creates tingling, pulsating sensations. Not for people with pacemakers or epilepsy.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Inability to achieve or maintain an adequate erection. Can be supported by vacuum pumps, cock rings, or medical treatment.
Erogenous Zones
Body areas with increased sensitivity to sexual stimulation. Classic: genitals, breasts, neck, inner thighs. Highly individual.
F
Fetish
Sexual arousal from specific objects, body parts, or situations (e.g., shoes, latex, feet). A normal variation of human sexuality as long as it doesn't cause distress.
