BDSM theory: the history of the origin of culture and its basic terminology

Without knowledge of the theory, it is impossible to use BDSM practices. You need to understand how the movement began and study its main directions. BDSM theory contains many rules regarding appropriate relationships or sexual encounters. And the first thing to understand is that practice does not always mean intimacy.

History of the emergence of culture

Although the exact date of the emergence of sexual culture cannot be determined, cases of BDSM are mentioned in the history of the 11th century BC. Already at that time, people staged Khlestakovism in public places, where spectators enjoyed it. Since 1769, there have been references to brothels, especially those where weapons and ropes were used as sexual toys. The BDSM culture began to emerge in Europe, which became widespread thanks to Baron Mar. He was one of the most significant writers of the 18th century in terms of provocation. Baron Mar repeatedly mentions in his works various forms of unconventional and violent sexual relations. It is worth noting here that many writers of the time touched on this topic, but de Sade was more outspoken than others and in some ways a pioneer. Baron Mar did not hide his passion for cruelty, dominance and sadism. He wrote the book “120 Days of Sodom”, in which he described the story of four rich and powerful men and made fun of their 38 victims. More books on BDSM in our article here. Today”s BDSM culture is different from the one De Sade once described. It exists only within the framework of SSC rules. This is an abbreviation formed from three English words. Sexual practices do not involve violence or outright torture that leads to the infringement of the interests of other people.

Origin of the name

The name BDSM probably appeared in the early 1990s. It is formed from several words and is actually the main direction of the subculture. How BDSM stood for: The abbreviation BDDSM quickly shortened due to its familiarity and pronunciation. As a result, the name turned out to include the main components of the cultural part: submission and playing bondage games, unequal relationships between “master” and “subordinate”, sadomasochism — receiving pleasure from acquiring and/or causing pain. Each movement has its own representatives who can practice BDSM in whole or in part (using practices that bring pleasure). This means that the dominant does not have to be a sadist, and the submissive does not have to be a masochist. Bondage is also not practiced by all representatives of BDSM, but is considered very common. The most intimate details and incredible facts about BDSM culture are collected in the article about bondage.

Basic terminology

The subculture has “official” terms that are rarely used in informal communication. Abbreviations and loose (but generally accepted) interpretations are increasingly used in communication and life conversations. Representatives of the English-speaking and Russian-speaking communities communicate differently. This should also be taken into account when researching a topic.​

• Bondage — This term is commonly thought to mean bondage, but in fact it can mean any type of restriction of movement (chains, locks, cages);
• Submissive — a subordinate participant in the practice;
• Dominant is the dominant participant in the practice who leads the process;
• Action — designation of an action related to a specific topic (for example, spanking, tying up);
• Red is a common safe word, more often used by English-speaking members of the community;
• Green is a word that is said during practice and indicates that the submissive does not object to the action performed by the dominant;
• Yellow is a word indicating the submissive”s desire to interrupt the process;
• A pro is a supporter of a certain thematic trend (for example, bondage).

For those interested in the topic of dominance and submission, the following article will be useful. All these words (except bondage and adept) are rarely heard from true representatives of BDSM. For example, in Russian-speaking communities the following phrases are more often used

• Top — top, dominant;
• A leader is a dominant who has a constant follower;
• A bottom is a submissive woman or girl;
• A session is the direct process of implementing BDSM practices;
• Mistress (Dominatrix) — Top, female dominant.

BDSM should be explored gradually and carefully to avoid making common mistakes and falling prey to stereotypes. Only with a competent approach will you be able to participate in the process without harm to yourself and others.