Erossimo: Glossary of Sex Terms

Anal Sex most often refers to the sex act involving insertion of the penis into the anus. The term anal sex can also sometimes include other sexual acts involving the anus, including but not limited to anilingus and fingering.

Anal Toys:

• Anal Beads are balls or bumps on a string or a semi-rigid wand. They are inserted into the rectum and then removed with varying speeds. The beads can be uniform or vary in size and number from three to as many as eight.
• Anal Vibrator is a sex toy meant for sexual stimulation of the anus. Basically, all anal vibrators have one common feature - they produce a vibrating effect in the anus for pleasurable sensations. As other anal toys, anal vibrators differ from other types of vibrators by having a flared base to prevent its possible loss in the rectum. The average size of anal vibrator is smaller than vibrators intended for vaginal penetration and may vary from 4-6 inches long and about 1 inch wide. As well as other vibrators designed for external and internal stimulation, anal vibrators are usually battery operated: the batteries may be inside the unit or connected by wire to a power pack. Unlike anal dildos, such as butt plugs, anal probes and anal beads, vibrating anal toys may produce various stimulating effects; rotating, vibrating or pulsating and can have different speed or vibration levels to regulate and adjust the vibrator to various sensations.
• Butt Plugs are often shorter dildos intended for anal insertion. They tend to have a flared base to prevent the device from becoming lodged in the rectum. There are butt plugs that "ejaculate" by squirting water or other viscous fluids into the rectum. There are also vibrating butt plugs, butt plugs that can inflate and expand and butt plugs with rotating beads and thrusting functions. Butt plugs can be moved in or out for pleasure; for this type of activity ribbed butt plugs can increase pleasure.
• Prostate Massage Toys are specially curved toys that are designed to stimulate the prostate gland, such as the Aneros.

Anilingus; also referred to or described as anal–oral contact or spelled analingus is a form of oral sex involving contact between the anus or perineum of one person and the mouth (lips) or tongue of another. Non-clinical slang terms include rimming, rim-job, salad tossing, butt licking and eating ass. It is performed by people of all sexual orientations. Depending upon the context in which it is performed, this sex act can either be used for personal pleasure among consenting parties or as a form of erotic humiliation.

Autoeroticism is the practice of stimulating oneself sexually. The term was popularised toward the end of the 19th century by British sexologist Havelock Ellis, who defined autoeroticism as "the phenomena of spontaneous sexual emotion generated in the absence of an external stimulus proceeding, directly or indirectly, from another person. The most common autoerotic practice is masturbation and the two terms are often used as synonyms, although masturbation can also occur with a partner. Many people use dildos, vibrators, anal beads, Sybian machines and other sex toys whilst alone.

Autofellatio is the act of oral stimulation of one's own penis as a form of masturbation. Although this act is often thought of sceptically as an urban myth, it is indeed physically possible for people who are exceptionally flexible, well endowed or a combination of the two.

BDSM is a complex acronym derived from the terms bondage, discipline or dominance, submission or sadism and masochism. BDSM includes a wide spectrum of activities, various forms of interpersonal relationships and distinct subcultures. While not always overtly sexual in nature, the activities and relationships within a BDSM context are almost always eroticised by the participants in some fashion. Many of these practices fall outside of conventional sexual activities and human relationships. BDSM encompasses many activities; including forms of dominance, submission, discipline, punishment, bondage, sexual role-playing, sexual fetishism, sadomasochism and power exchange, as well as the full spectrum of mainstream personal and sexual interactions.

Ben Wa Balls, also known as Burmese Bells or Geisha Balls, are small, marble-sized metal balls, usually hollow and containing a small weight that rolls around and used for sexual stimulation by insertion into the vagina or anus. Some may also be solid, or contain clappers or chimes within; other larger versions made of plastic encasing lesser balls are called Duotone balls.

Bondage refers to the use of restraints for the sexual pleasure of the parties. Bondage is usually, but not always, a sexual practice. It may be used in the context of BDSM or in its own right, as in the case of rope bondage and breast bondage. The paraphilia of being sexually aroused by bondage is sometimes known as vincilagnia (from the Latin vincio; to bind or fetter with chains and lagneia; meaning lust).

Butt Plugs are sex toys designed to be inserted in the anus and rectum for sexual pleasure. In some ways they are similar to a dildo, but they tend to be shorter and to have a flared end to prevent the device from being lost inside the rectum.

The Butterfly Vibrator is a clitoral sex toy featuring a vibrator body in the shape of a butterfly and straps attached to it for wearing on the waist and thighs. The name of the vibrator was taken from the shape of a butterfly with wings providing the stimulation of clitoris and labia. Butterfly style has become a quite popular sex toy design, since the shape of a butterfly allows the stimulation of the entire area of the female genitalia. Other designs such as birds, flowers and dolphins have the same function. Butterfly strap-on vibrators can be divided into several main groups:

• Traditional Butterfly - This is a hands-free vibrator with stretchable straps attached to the wings of a butterfly with the purpose to hold it in place. Attached to the clitoris, the butterfly is held by straps on the waist or thighs of the user for a stable fit. The device is controlled with the help of a control panel with a wire or the control button or switcher on the body of the sex toy. Once being worn by the user, the device is activated and vibrates against the clitoris delivering the sexual pleasure.
• Remote Control Butterfly - This is a wireless butterfly strap-on that is turned on and off and regulated from the remote control panel operated by batteries. This type of clitoral stimulator is widely used in sexual foreplays. The partner can control the vibrations from the remote place in the room while choosing the different intensities of vibrations.
• Butterfly with Anal and/or Vaginal Stimulators - This is a butterfly vibrator with a dildo or butt plug attached to the body. In some cases there are both stimulators attached giving a user the double penetration of the most sensitive erogenous zones; clitoris, anal and vaginal walls.

A Clitoral Pump is a sex toy designed for women's pleasure that is applied to the clitoris and/or labia creating the sucking effect and increasing the blood flow to the genitals. The invention of this device derives from the male prototype - penis pump, which appeared in the early 1900s and intended for sexual stimulation delivering the sucking effect. A clitoral pump may be used on the clitoris, clitoral hood, labia minora and majora, the entire genital area and, in some cases, nipples.

The Clitoris is a sexual organ that is present only in female mammals. In humans the visible button-like portion is located near the anterior junction of the labia minora; above the opening of the urethra and vagina. Unlike the penis, which is homologous to the clitoris, the clitoris does not contain the distal portion of the urethra and functions solely to induce sexual pleasure.

A Cock Ring or Cockring is a ring that is placed around a man's penis, usually at the base, primarily to slow the flow of blood from the erect penile tissue; thus maintaining erection for a longer period of time. Cock rings can be worn around just the penis or penis and scrotum or just the scrotum alone, though this is usually designated as a testicle cuff. Rings can be made of a variety of different materials; most commonly leather, rubber or silicone, though nylon and metal are also used either as the main component or part of the closure.

Cross-Dressing is the act of wearing clothing commonly associated with another gender within a particular society. Nearly every human society throughout history has distinguished between male and female gender by the style, colour or type of clothing they wear and has had a set of norms, views, guidelines or even laws defining what type of clothing is appropriate for each gender. Cross-dressing is a behaviour which runs significantly counter to those norms and therefore can be seen as a type of transgender behaviour. It does not however, necessarily indicate transgender identity; a person who cross-dresses does not always identify as having a gender different from that assigned at birth.

Cunnilingus is the act of using the mouth, lips and tongue to stimulate the female genitals. Derived from a Vulgar Latin word for the vulva (cunnus, whence the English slang cunt) and the Latin word for tongue (lingua), the term literally means "cunt-tongue". A person who performs cunnilingus may be referred to as a "cunnilinguist".

A Dildo is a sex toy, often explicitly phallic in appearance, intended for bodily penetration during masturbation or sex with a partner or partners.

A Double Dildo is a sex toy that allows for the simultaneous penetration of two bodily orifices at the same time. It is designed in the form of two penis-shaped stimulators that come separately or fixed on the single shaft. Some of them include a vibrating motor that turns them into double penetration vibrators.

An Erogenous Zone is an area of the human body that has heightened sensitivity; the stimulation of which would normally result in sexual arousal. There is individual variation in sensitive areas, but the majority of men and women have common erogenous zones; especially the penis in men and clitoris in women.

Erotic Massage is the use of massage techniques to achieve or enhance sexual arousal. Massages have been used for medical purposes for a very long time. Its use for erotic purposes also has a long history. Today it is used by some couples on occasions as part of lovemaking; either as foreplay or as the final sex act. Erotic massages typically feature massages in erogenous zones of the body to increase sexual arousal.

Erotica includes works of art including literature, photography, film, sculpture and paintings that deal substantively with stimulating or sexually arousing descriptions, such as the portrayal of the human anatomy and sexuality with high-art aspirations differentiating such work from commercial pornography.

Fellatio is oral sex performed upon the penis. It may be performed to induce orgasm and ejaculation of semen, or it can be used as foreplay prior to vaginal or anal forms of intercourse. Fellatio is commonly referred to as a blow job. Fellatio is also sometimes referred to as "giving head" or "going down", although both of these terms can be used for cunnilingus.

The Fleshlight is a line of male sex toys masturbators and is named for the flesh-like material used in its inner sleeve as well as the plastic case that houses the sleeve, which is fashioned to look like an oversized flashlight. The inner sleeve is available with vagina, anus, buttocks, mouth and a more discreet slot-shaped orifice (stealth). All inner sleeves also come in a choice of various colours and internal textures.

Glass Sex Toys are commonly made from clear medical grade borosilicate glass ("hard glass") of which Pyrex is a brand. This material is completely non-toxic and will withstand extreme temperatures as well as physical shock without compromising its structural integrity. Glass dildos are also non-porous and can be sterilized to help prevent infection with reuse. These types of sex toys are not only durable, but also visually appealing and often considered by some to resemble works of art. Glass sex toys are a long lasting alternative to less expensive toys and can be heated or chilled before use.

The Gräfenberg Spot or G-spot is a controversial term used to describe the area of the female vagina that might contain an erogenous zone which when stimulated can lead to high levels of sexual arousal and powerful orgasms. Although research on the g-spot has taken place since 1981, arguments over its existence, the actual definition of the term and its location continue to control discussions in the medical field as well as in studies of sexuality.

G-spot Vibrator is a sex toy which varies depending if it is being used by a male or female. In females the device is built to massage the g-spot; a sensitive collection of nerves inside the vagina and in males; for massaging the prostate for both sexual and health-related reasons.

A Love Egg is a type of sensual vibrator that is egg or bullet shaped that can be completely inserted into the vagina or anus due to their small size. They can also be referred to as egg vibrators or bullet vibrators depending on their shape. Egg vibrators are included in the group of the small and discreet sex toys that measure 2–3 inches in length and ¾ inches in width. Though less popular than wand-shaped vibrators, they are a common sex toy and widely available.

Masturbation refers to sexual stimulation, especially of one's own genitals (self masturbation), often to the point of orgasm. The stimulation can be performed manually, by other types of bodily contact (short of sexual intercourse), by the use of objects or sex toys, or by some combination of these methods. Masturbation is a common form of autoeroticism and the two words are often used as synonyms, although masturbation with a partner (mutual masturbation) is also common.

Nipple Toys

• A Nipple Clamp is a clamp used to stimulate the nipples by applying varying degrees of pressure. Its basic principle relies on restriction of blood flow to the erect nipple. They are often used in certain BDSM activities and on both men and women. The use of nipple clamps is often portrayed in the media as deviant or kinky sexual behaviour. The main types of nipple clamp are the clover clamp and the tweezer clamp. For self-use successful application requires the user to find a personal balance between the amount of pain and pleasure by fine tuning the degree of pressure exerted by the clamp. The clamps are typically used in pairs and connected by a chain.
• Suction Devices are generally either rubber or glass, fit around the nipple, and cause nipples to become more sensitive due to engorgement. Glass suction devices may use either heat or a pump to create suction.

An Orgasm (sexual climax) is the peak conclusion of the plateau phase of the sexual response cycle and may be experienced by both males and females. Orgasm is characterised by intense physical pleasure, controlled by the involuntary or autonomic limbic nervous system. It is accompanied by quick cycles of muscle contraction in the lower pelvic muscles, which surround the primary sexual organs and the anus. Orgasms are often associated with other involuntary actions including muscular spasms in multiple areas of the body, a general euphoric sensation and frequently body movements and vocalizations are expressed.

Pegging is a sexual practice in which a woman penetrates a man's anus with a strap-on dildo. The neologism "pegging" was popularised when it became the winning entry in a contest in Dan Savage's ‘Savage Love’ sex advice column; held after an observation was made that there was no common name for the act

Penile Toys

• Pocket Pussies or "vaginas" or "masturbators" are modelled to accept a penis for simulated intercourse. They can be shaped like vaginas, anuses or anything with a hole for penetration.
• Cock Rings prolong male erection by withholding blood inside the penis. A man may wear a cock-ring to combat erectile difficulties, or because for the sensation of tightness and engorgement that wearing one provides. Some models include a protruding clitoral stimulator, designed to stimulate the clitoris during sex. Others vibrate either vibrating the ring itself or, in a popular 'Dolphin' variant, by using two removable bullet vibrators to provide stimulation to both the testicles and clitoris. Some cock rings also have vibrators attached which can be worn to stimulate a partner during sexual intercourse; especially in the scrotum or perineum.
• A Triple Crown is a special cock-ring that has additional rings for restraining the testicles. In orgasm the testicles usually retract toward the body before ejaculation. A triple crown changes and intensifies the sensation of orgasm by forcing the testicles to stay away from the body.
• A Cock Harness is a more elaborate harness designed to be worn around the penis and scrotum. Its function is similar to that of a cock ring. These devices are often associated with BDSM activities such as cock and ball torture.
• A Penis Sleeve is a cylindrical device that is placed on the shaft of the penis with the aim of increasing stimulation for the person being penetrated. They often have soft bumps intended to provide further stimulation.
• A Penis Extension is a partially hollow device, like a very short dildo, with the hollow end placed on the end of the penis thus intended to increase the effective length of the penis; again for the benefit of the person being penetrated. These are generally worn with condoms to prevent them from falling off during use.
• A Docking Sleeve is a cylindrical device similar to a penis sleeve, but is open at both ends so that two men can dock.
• A Penis Pump is a cylinder that is fitted over the penis with a manual or motorised pump to create suction. As the apparatus creates a vacuum around the penis, blood is drawn into the penis, helping it to become engorged.

Pornography or Porn is the depiction of explicit sexual subject matter for the purpose of sexually exciting the viewer. Pornography makes no claim to artistic merit; unlike erotica which does.

Rabbit Vibrator or Jack Rabbit Vibrator is a vibrating and rotating sex toy made in the shape of a phallus with a clitoral stimulator attached to the shaft. The name of the device is derived from the fact that the clitoral stimulator looks like a pair of rabbit ears. In the history of sex toys, Rabbit Vibrators appeared relatively recently (within the last decade) in response to the growing female demand for more pleasurable sex toys and gained additional notoriety after it was the star guest in an episode of Sex and the City. Rabbit Vibrators are designed to give more intense sensations than the more traditional dildo or clitoral stimulator, since they are designed for simultaneous vaginal and clitoral stimulation. The device can be used for solo pleasure or as part of partner sex.

A Sex Doll, also Love Doll or Blow up Doll, is a type of sex toy in the size and shape of a sexual partner for aid in masturbation. Typically of human form, but models of animals do exist, the sex doll may consist of an entire body with face, or just a pelvic part with the accessories (vagina, anus, mouth or penis) for sexual stimulation. The parts are sometimes vibrating and may be removable or interchangeable.

A Sex Toy is an object or device that is primarily used to facilitate human sexual pleasure. The most popular sex toys are designed to resemble human genitals and may be vibrating or non-vibrating. The term can also include BDSM apparatus and sex furniture such as slings and sybians; however it is not applied to items such as contraceptives, pornography or condoms. Alternative expressions include adult toy and marital aid, although "marital aid" has a broader sense and is applied to drugs and herbs marketed to enhance or prolong sex.

A Strap-on Dildo (also Strap-on or Dildo Harness) is a dildo designed to be worn, usually with a harness, during sexual activity. Harnesses and dildos are made in a wide variety of styles with variations in how the harness fits the wearer, how the dildo attaches to the harness as well as various features intended to facilitate stimulation of the wearer or a sexual partner.

A Sybian is a device used by women for autoerotic purposes and sexual stimulation (i.e. masturbation). It consists of a saddle-like seat containing an electric motor connected to a rod that protrudes from a hole in the centre. Various phallic objects are specifically designed for the Sybian and can be attached to the rod. The Sybian is designed to vibrate when used while its attachment weaves around in a circle. This vibration stimulates the clitoris externally while the penetrative gyration (in a circular motion) stimulates the G-spot on females. The intensity of either of these actions can be increased or decreased through a control box attached to the Sybian's base with a cord. The combination of the different stimuli can produce much more intense orgasms than the user might otherwise be able to experience via more standard autoerotic or other sexual activities.

Tenga Onacups are a Japanese made brand of artificial vagina (called onacup in Japanese) with multiple models that feature different sensations for the user. It was first released in 2006 in Japan by its founder, Mr. Matsumoto, whose focus was to create a male sex toy with good design that didn't look cheap. By 2007 Tenga had sold over two million onacups and became the most popular male sex toy in Japan.

Transsexualism is a condition in which an individual identifies with a physical sex different from the one they were born with. A medical diagnosis can be made if a person experiences discomfort as a result of a desire to be a member of the opposite sex, or if a person experiences impaired functioning or distress as a result of that gender identification. Transsexualism is stigmatised in many parts of the world but has become more widely known in Western culture in the mid to late 20th century, concurrently with the sexual revolution and the development of sexual reassignment surgeries.

Transvestism is the practice of cross-dressing, which is wearing the clothing of the opposite sex. Transvestite refers to a person who cross-dresses; however, the word often has additional connotations. Magnus Hirschfeld coined the term transvestism (from Latin trans "across/over" and vestitus "dressed") to refer to the sexual interest in cross-dressing. He used it to describe persons who habitually and voluntarily wore clothes of the opposite sex. Hirschfeld's group of transvestites consisted of both males and females, with (physically) heterosexual, (physically) homosexual, bisexual, and asexual orientations.

Urolagnia (also Urophilia, Undinism) is a sexual activity in which participants derive sexual pleasure from urine or urination. The term has origins in the Greek Language (from ouron "urine" and lagneia "lust"). Those who enjoy urolagnia may enjoy urinating on another person or persons, or being urinated upon. Urolagnia enthusiasts may participate in urolagnia as part of a domination and submission scene, though not all sexual activity involving urine is so. These activities are often described with the slang terms golden showers, water sports or piss play.

The Vagina (from Latin literally "sheath" or "scabbard") is a fibro-muscular tubular tract leading from the uterus to the exterior of the body in female placental mammals and marsupials. In common speech, the term "vagina" is often used to refer to the vulva or female genitals generally; strictly speaking, the vagina is a specific internal structure and the vulva is the exterior genitalia only.

Vibrators are devices intended to vibrate against the body and stimulate the nerves for a relaxing and pleasurable feeling. Some vibrators are designed to be inserted in a body cavity for erotic stimulation. Vibrators often allow people to achieve orgasm rapidly and with relative ease as compared to other methods. In addition, vibrators are reported to provide stronger orgasms than those produced by manual stimulation alone.

• Penetrative Vibrators usually measure twelve to eighteen centimetres (five to seven inches) in length and two to five centimetres (one to two inches) wide often to mimic the size of a penis.
• Anal Vibrators are designed to be inserted into the rectum to pleasure the prostate in men and give a feeling of fullness to women.
• The G-spot Vibrator is curved at one end to facilitate stimulation of the female G-spot. Some are small and can fit on to a finger.
• Bullet Vibrators are small, bullet-shaped vibrators that can be used for direct stimulation or inserted into other sex toys to increase stimulation.
• Vibrator Wands, such as the Hitachi Magic Wand, are large vibrators that generally plug into a wall (versus operating on battery power) and are marketed as back massagers. They are typically used for clitoral stimulation.
• The Rabbit Vibrator, of which there are several variations, is a popular female sex toy popularised by the television series Sex and the City. It comprises of an insertable shaft which often has additional functionality, such as rotation and internal beads or a thrusting action. Attached to the shaft is a vibrating clitoral stimulator. For most rabbit vibrators this comes in the form of "bunny ears" which sit either side of the clitoris.

The Vulva (from Latin vulva, plural vulvae or vulvas) refers to the external genital organs of the female. In colloquial speech the term vagina is often used to refer to the female genitals generally although, strictly speaking, the vagina is a specific internal structure whereas the vulva is the whole exterior genitalia.