We consider ourselves well-versed in the world of sex, but it turns out that there are quite a few sex terms we didn't know existed. Consider our interest piqued by these fetishes and sex terms!
Gender Identity Terms and Meanings
With sexual orientation becoming more fluid and accepted, the gender identity spectrum has expanded to include many new terms we aren’t as familiar with. Say goodbye to the antiquated binary system and say hello to many new gender identity terms.
1. Non-Binary A non-binary person is a gender identity term that means that they do not identify with the traditional sense of what a binary person would identify as and considers themselves to be gender fluid. To understand what non-binary means we must first define what binary means. Binary means “two” and traditionally in most cultures, this is defined as either a male or female gender expression. Sure, a person who is born male can express their gender as a female, but that doesn’t mean they are non-binary. A non-binary person would identify as neither male nor female and express their gender identity somewhere in between.
2. Transgender Transgender people are people whose gender identity does not correspond with the biological sex they are born with. Being transgender is a gender identity term and does not reflect a person’s sexual orientation.
3. Intersex Intersex refers to people who are born with a combination of biological sex features. In the past doctors would perform surgery to assign a biological feature to fit within the binary system. However, there are issues raised when an intersex newborn matures and goes through puberty and does not identify with the gender that was assigned to them by their doctor, parents of intersex children have argued that it should be up to the individual to decide later in life what they identify as.
4. Pronoun Pronouns include he/him, she/her, they/them to address someone in their preferred gender expression. He/him refers to those whose gender identity is masculine whereas she/her identifies as feminine. They/them pronouns are used by those who are non-binary or are transitioning between binary gender identities. There are many different types of pronouns that are evolving into the regular English vernacular. Make sure to ask if you’re not sure and to stay on top of the different identity expressions and pronouns.
18 Fetishes That Actually Exist
With so much hype surrounding a certain kinky book and film these days, fetishes involving handcuffs and blindfolds have become mainstream sexual behaviour. Meanwhile, countless sex enthusiasts are quietly enjoying a host of fetishes that many people might be surprised to learn actually exist. In our ongoing campaign of inclusivity, we thought it was only fair to shine a spotlight on some of these lesser-known fetishes that are just as real as BDSM to the people who partake in a variety of sexual desires.
1. Agalmatophilia
So you fancy yourself an art lover? If your attraction to statues extends into sexual fantasy, you might have agalmatophilia. This fetish also involves a lust for mannequins and dolls, which is a bit easier to appease with the realism of today’s modern sex dolls.
2. Autoplushophilia
Do you get aroused dressing up as a giant cartoon-like stuffed animal? You’re not alone. Many fine folks within the furry fandom community enjoy this fun fetish while only a small percentage of them also claim to be plushophiles (i.e., turned on by stuffed animals).
3. Formicophilia
Believe it or not, there are people who not only enjoy having insects crawl on them, but get their jollies from it. To each their own but, we have to be honest, this one sort of bugs us.
4. Gerontophilia
Although recent research shows that the number one term people search for on porn sites is “teen” followed by “milf” in third-place, the nubile college girls and sly cougars aren’t for everyone. Gerontophilia refers to those who prefer the sexual attraction of senior citizens. Score one for the Golden Girls!
5. Katoptronophilia
If you’ve ever fantasized about getting busy in the House of Mirrors at your local carnival, you may have katoptronophilia -- a condition that involves being aroused by having sex in front of mirrors. Then again, you may just be extremely vain -- like Patrick Bateman in American Psycho vain.
6. Knismolagnia
Do you consider being tickled torturous or titillating? If you chose the latter, you may be a knismolagniac. If you are, you might want to seek out playmates who have titillagnia (you guessed it, a sexual fetish for tickling others).
7. Nasolingus
While sex organs and occasionally fingers or toes are often thought of as the most erogenous appendages to nibble and suck on, people with nasolingus are far more turned on by sucking on their partner’s nose. This gives a whole new meaning to the term, nose job.
8. Nebulophilia
If you’ve ever wondered why you get excited on foggy mornings, it could be more than an affinity for John Carpenter’s 1980 horror classic -- you may actually be sexually attracted to the fog!
9. Podophilia
No, we’re not talking about a sci-fi fetish involving sex in a Matrix-like pod. Podophilia is an arousal to feet and it’s actually one of the more common kinks on our list. Don’t believe us? Google “foot fetish” -- we’ll wait. Just be sure to clear your browser history if you’re reading this at work.
10. Pubephilia
More than one recent report indicates that pubic hair is making a comeback. If you have pubephilia, this could be the dawning of a glorious new era in hair down there.
11. Oculophilia
Oculophiles are people who have a sexual attraction to eyes. This could be as mild as a proclivity for a certain shape or eye color, but more often oculophilia refers to those who actually prefer sexual contact with the eyeball. With this vision in mind, you’ll never look at your optometrist the same.
12. Osmolagnia
Some people need dirty talk to get their juices flowing. Others require a sexy visual. Osmolagniacs, on the other hand, are most stimulated by smells (particularly body odors). So take it easy on the Axe Body Spray and let your pheromones do their thing the way nature intended.
13. Pony Play
One of the most popular forms of human-animal roleplay is Pony Play. We’re not talking about the adult version of playing dollie with your My Little Pony figures. This is a real, underground scene and offshoot of the BDSM community in which one partner takes on the role of a pony. This often includes harnesses, brushes, costumes, and even rewarding good behavior with a carrot (though we’re not sure if that’s metaphorically speaking or refers to actual vegetable treats).
14. Retifism
Dr. Jess points out on her blog that retifism refers to sexual arousal that is derived from shoes. As she so eloquently explains “Since the foot is the most common fetish in North America, it’s no surprise that there are a ton of retifists in our midst. Here’s to sky-high heels in the bedroom!”
15. Salirophilia
Salirophiles enjoy dirtying, damaging, and defiling the appearance of others. If you’ve ever fantasized about smearing someone’s makeup or tearing their clothing to shreds, you may be a salirophile. If you plan to act on this urge, be sure to get consent (and the number of a good tailor).
16. Sapiosexual
If you find yourself coyly lingering around your professor’s podium after class or if crashing a MENSA meeting is your idea of the perfect singles club -- you may be a sapiosexual. This means you’re turned on by intelligence smarty pants.
17. Sacofricosis
While we consider this more a stroke of genius than a fetish, sacofricosis is when someone makes a hole in their pocket to allow handy access for stealth public masturbation.
18. Xylophilia
Does wood, well, give you wood? Xylophilia is an actual fetish and might just explain why some of your schoolmates spent so much time earning extra credit in woodshop class. Watch out for splinters!
So there you have it -- a glorious glossary to bookmark and share. As mature as we try to be, sex terms still have a way of making us giggle like school children telling dirty jokes at recess. There’s no shame in that because, in addition to providing the best lube for sex, ASTROGLIDE is committed to removing the stigma and taboo surrounding conversations about sex. We realise that humour is a major part of a healthy sex life and we’re not above a silly “that’s what she said” gag to lighten the mood. So if we omitted any of your favourite sex terms, please share them in the comment section below!