Quick Definitions
Within the Kink & BDSM Lifestyle, there are some commonly heard & used terms; here is our take on a few of them.
TPE
Total Power Exchange:
A dynamic in which one person completely relinquishes control of every aspect of their lives to another person or persons.
24/7
Denotes the constant nature of a power exchange.
In contrast to play or power exchanges that last for a finite amount of time.
The "/" Slash
Derived from the actual “/” symbol that is used commonly to describe peoples roles within their various dynamics:
i.e. Top/bottom, Master/slave, Owner/property.
The “slash” denotes the concept of top and bottom in general and indicates the way in which people identify.
Those on the right side of the slash often identify as a bottom to or submissive in some way to those on the left side of the slash.
O/p
Owner/property
A dynamic in which one person in the relationship accepts complete responsibility for another individual and claims ownership of that individual, with consent, as always.
In this dynamic, the property is likely relinquishing a large amount of control to the owner.
As with all dynamics, this can mean many different things within all kinds of relationships.
Top
The motivating person responsible for implementing the activities of physical play and/or a power exchange interaction.
The responsibilities and expectations to be made of a Top are often limited to their ability to perform agreed upon activities in a play setting.
Additional expectations to make of a Top:
⋅ They trust and are trustworthy.
⋅ They maintain spaces and opportunities for healthy communication.
Bottom
The person responsible for receiving the activities of physical play and/or a power exchange interaction.
The responsibilities and expectations to be made of a Bottom are often limited to their ability to perform agreed upon activities in a play setting.
Additional expectations to make of a Bottom:
⋅ They trust and are trustworthy.
⋅ They are able to communicate their desires and fears with confidence and respect.
Dominant
Dom | The D in the slash
The motivating person responsible for the design of some, and the implementation of most, BDSM activities and interactions.
The privileges and power extended/offered to the Dom are often more broad and complex than those given to a Top and are expected to persist over longer periods of time.
The responsibilities and expectations to be made of a Dom involve a deepening sense of care for the continuing development and well being of themselves and those under them, as well as their ability to perform any agreed upon activities in the agreed upon manner.
Additional expectations to make of a Dominant:
⋅ They trust and are trustworthy.
⋅ They lead by example.
⋅ They maintain spaces and opportunities for healthy communication.
Submissive
Sub | The s in the slash
The person responsible for receiving BDSM activities and taking part in some power exchange interactions.
The requirements made and responsibilities of the Sub are often more broad and complex than those given to a Bottom and are expected to persist over longer periods of time.
The responsibilities and expectations to be made of a Submissive involve a deepening sense of care for the physical, mental, and social needs of themselves and those above them, as well as their ability to receive agreed upon play activities in the agreed upon manner.
Additional expectations to make of a Submissive:
⋅ They trust and are trustworthy.
⋅ They are able to communicate their desires and fears with confidence and respect.
Master
The M in the slash
The motivating person responsible for the design and implementation of most if not all BDSM activities and interactions.
The privileges and power extended/offered to the Master are vast with few or no reservations or limitations with regard to time or activities. The Slave may be required and permitted to make only one decision in their daily life, serve in complete submission or leave.
The responsibilities and expectations to be made of a Master involve their continuing commitment to the deepest sense of care for the ongoing development and well being of themselves and those under them, as well as their ability to perform any agreed upon activities.
Additional expectations to make of a Master:
⋅ They trust and are trustworthy.
⋅ They lead by example.
⋅ They maintain spaces and opportunities for healthy communication.
Slave
The s in the slash
The person responsible for receiving BDSM activities and taking part in power exchange interactions.
The requirements and responsibilities of the Slave are often vast with few or no reservations or limitations with regard to obedience and servitude. The Slave may be required and permitted to make only one decision in their daily life, serve in complete submission or leave.
The responsibilities and expectations to be made of a Slave involve their continuing commitment to the deepest sense of care for the mental, physical & social needs and well being of themselves and those above them as well as their ability to receive any agreed upon play activities in an acceptable manner.
Additional expectations to make of a Slave:
⋅ They trust and are trustworthy.
⋅ They are able to communicate their desires and fears with confidence and respect.
. The ability to function obediently and autonomously while away from their Master.
Purposeful Kink Experiences
Twin Hearts
Don’t Dream…Remember!