This was created for our experts, this resource outlines sexual terms, slang, and adult language. It has been regularly updated and enhanced to provide a clearer understanding of sexual vocabulary and concepts. Let's talk about sex. It's like its own language sometimes, with all the different terms and phrases for sexual activities, relationships, health, and everything else related to it. And it gets even more interesting when we bring sex toys into the mix.
A-spot
The erogenous zone near the prostate gland considered the male G-spot for the intense orgasms it can deliver with proper stimulation.
Airborne
Describes several sexual positions that involve someone picking their partner up and holding him or her in the air during intercourse.
All Sex
An adult movie genre consisting of titles that focus entirely on sexual intercourse without any plot or story elements.
Amateur
Adult movies featuring people who are new to the adult industry. It's common for experienced adult stars to appear in multiple amateur titles at the beginning of their careers.
Anal
Sexual penetration involving the anus, also called Greek style.
Anal Beads
String of beads made for anal insertion. The beads are attached to a strong cord and usually increase in size gradually from smaller to larger so users of all levels of experience can use them. The beads also typically include a cord or large pull ring at the end for safe and easy removal.
Anal Lube
A special kind of lube intended for anal penetration. Anal lube tends to be thicker and longer lasting than other kinds of lube, which can make it harder to clean up.
Anal Vibrator
A vibrator designed for anal use. Anal vibrators usually measure 3 to 5 inches long and 1 inch wide at the most, making them shorter and thinner than other vibrators.
Analingus
A formal term for performing oral sex on a partner's anus. The act usually involves licking in and around the anus itself and inserting the tongue inside the anus. Practitioners follow a simple motto: "Once you get past the smell, you've got it licked."
Aphrodisiac
Something believed to increase a person's sexual drive and lower inhibitions. For instance, most Americans believe oysters and chocolate are effective aphrodisiacs.
Aromatherapy
The practice of using specific scents such as vanilla or cinnamon to increase arousal and enhance your sexual experience.
Back Door
A reference to any form of anal penetration either by a sex toy or during sex itself.
Ball Gag
A large ball is attached to two straps and then tightened around the back of the head, holding it securely in the wearer's mouth. Usually made of soft plastic or rubber, a ball gag is often used in BDSM play to silence the submissive.
Bareback
Vaginal or anal penetration without a condom.
BDSM
An abbreviation standing for Bondage, Discipline and Sadomasochism, a sexual fetish that centers on the exercise of control between two or more partners by using restraints and punishment. In a BDSM relationship, one person will be the master or mistress while the other acts as their servant. Practitioners often dress up in exotic leather or vinyl costumes and incorporate exotic sex toys like whips, candles and restraints as they act out their fantasies.
Beads
A string of smallish spheres linked together on a string used for vaginal and anal penetration. There are usually six or seven beads of varying size on each string.
Beaver
1. Slang for vagina.
2. A special type of clitoral vibrator. Beaver vibes feature a long, thick tip for clitoral stimulation instead of the two smaller tips found on rabbit vibrators.
Benzocaine
A chemical commonly used in adult items to de-sensitize the nerves, making it harder for the user to have an orgasm. This delay allows the user to have sex for a longer period than usual without weakening the feeling behind the orgasm itself.
Ben Wa Balls
This adult toy is made up of several balls connected to a sturdy cord. Inside each ball is a small suspended weight that shakes and vibrates whenever you move the ball, similar to the way Chinese worry balls work. Naturally, physically active users will benefit the most from this toy. Ben-Wa balls can also be used in combination with Kegel exercises to strengthen vaginal and pelvic muscles.
Bisexual
Someone sexually attracted to members of both sexes.
Blowjob
Oral sex was performed on a male.
Blow-up Dolls
An adult toy is used to simulate having sex with a partner. These inflatable dolls include arms, legs, facial features, and hair, and can even be dressed like a large doll. Female blow-up dolls have as many as three openings suitable for sex, while male dolls feature a removable dildo or vibrator that doubles as a penis. Higher-end dolls often feature a special masturbator for improved stimulation. The term originally started to reference lower-end dolls that required the user to inflate them before use but is increasingly used to refer to love dolls in general.
Bondage
A sexual activity that involves restraining or being restrained. It typically involves using handcuffs or wrist and leg restraints to tie your partner to a bed.
Booty
Slang for a larger-than-average butt.
Box Munching
Oral sex performed on a woman.
Bulbous
A bulb-like shape or projection larger than the surrounding area. Many G-spot and prostate vibrators feature this kind of enlarged tip for more effective and easier stimulation. These largish features are often found on vibrators, dildos and dongs and butt plugs because of their special feel during penetration and removal.
Bullet Proof
Practicing safe sex by using a condom.
Bump and Grind
A common dance routine that involves rotating the hips and thrusting the pelvis forward to simulate sex.
Butt Plugs
Designed specifically for anal stimulation, these sex toys measure 3 to 5 inches long. They tend to have a conical shaft with a thin tip that flares out to about 1 to 2 inches wide near the bottom. Butt plugs have a large, flat base designed to prevent them from slipping in too far.
Butterfly Vibrator
A specialty vibrator lined with ticklers that's intended for clitoral stimulation only. Butterfly vibes often come with straps so the user can fit them into place over her clitoris and wear the butterfly vibe like a pair of panties. The inside is covered with ticklers for clitoral stimulation.
Chemise
a loose-fitting garment extending from the neck down to mid-thigh. Chemises are longer and looser fitting than Baby dolls.
Chute
Slang for the anus.
Climax
One of many phrases used to describe having an orgasm.
Clit
Short for clitoris, it is the small, erect part of the female genitalia located near the front of the labia. This button-like spot contains thousands of nerve endings, making it highly sensitive.
Clitoral Vibrator
Any kind of vibrator that provides clitoral stimulation, including rabbit vibes, butterfly vibes and more.
Clitoris
Located near the top of the vagina, this is the only part of the human body existing solely to provide pleasure.
Commando
Not wearing any underwear.
Couple-friendly
Adult movies or toys designed expressly for couples. Couple-friendly movies generally balance romantic story lines with chemistry-filled sex. Couple-friendly toys are often made to be used during sex, such as We-Vibes or penis rings.
Couples
Adult movies that contain scenes featuring just two people. The sex in couples adult movies is usually more lifelike and realistic than other adult titles.
Cowgirl
Sexual position where the recipient is on top and facing their partner.
Creampie
Adult movie term for when a man ejaculates inside his partner.
Cunnilingus
The formal term for oral sex performed on a woman.
Deep Throat
A special type of blowjob that involves swallowing a partner's penis up to the base. Successful deep throat requires the giver to suppress their gag reflex and open up their throat while developing a rhythm so they can breathe comfortably. Several adult products help suppress the gag reflex.
Desensitizing Agent
Frequently used in creams or sprays that promise to delay ejaculation or orgasm. The agent is used to dampen the nerves, making it harder than usual for the person to reach orgasm. Desensitizing agents are often used by men to delay ejaculation. They are also used to suppress the gag reflex in deep throat products and in some anal lubes.
Dildo
A sex toy meant for vaginal or anal penetration made to closely resemble a penis, often used interchangeably with the word dong. Dildos are more realistic than dongs.
Doggy-style Sex
A sexual position where the recipient is bending over facing away from their partner and looking downward.
Double Dong
A special type of dong measuring between 12 and 30 inches long featuring a head at both ends so two partners can use it at the same time.
Double Penetration
Position when a woman has a penis or sex toy in her vagina and her backdoor at the same time.
Dual Stimulator Vibrator
a vibrator designed to stimulate different erogenous zones at the same time. Rabbit vibrators, for instance, have a tickler to tease the clitoris while a separate vibrator provides stimulation in the shaft during penetration.
Edging
The act of coming to the brink of an orgasm before stopping for a few seconds to cool off. This goes on for several times, resulting in a stronger and more intense orgasm when the person simply can't hold it back any more. Edging is also a good way for men to increase their endurance.
Egg Vibrators
These specialty vibrators are roughly the size of large eggs and usually come with a remote control to regulate speed and store the batteries. While egg vibrators can be inserted and used for stimulation, they are most often used to enhance other sex toys like love dolls and some penis rings.
Erectile Dysfunction
The inability to get or maintain an erection for periods of time. This problem affects 30 million men in the US. This is also another term for impotence.
Erection Ring
A snug-fitting ring that fits around a penis to maintain the erection and delay ejaculation.
Erogenous Zone
A highly sensitive area that can be stimulated to bring about sexual pleasure. The nipples, clitoris and penis are common erogenous zones.
Erotica
Literature with a sexual focus, intended to arouse or provide pleasure. Erotica often concentrates on the act of sex itself.
Face Sitting
Adult movie slang for when a woman who is receiving oral sex kneels directly over her partner's mouth.
Fellatio
Stimulation of a man's penis using the mouth, tongue, lips, etc.
Fetish
An intense focus or interest in a specific activity, object or body part. Many fetishes center on activities that are considered unusual in mainstream society.
Fingering
Using one or more fingers for anal or vaginal penetration.
G-Spot
The nickname for an especially sensitive area located in the upper portion of the vagina. Stimulation of this area can create more intense orgasms and also lead to squirting orgasms – the release of a clear liquid while climaxing.
G-Spot Tip
The enlarged and sharply curved end at the tip of vibrators and sex toys designed for G-spot stimulation. The curve and larger-than-average tip make it much easier for the user to hit the G-spot.
G-spot Vibrator
A vibrator with a specially curved tip designed to make G-spot stimulation easier.
Glass Toys
Sex toys made from glass. Glass toys tend to be more expensive than average, but sex toy users prize glass for its many benefits, including: smoothness, easy-cleaning, and multiple sensations. Glass toys can be heated or cooled for extra stimulation and are often handmade. You can throw them in pot of boiling water to clean them or stick glass toys in the dishwasher.
Glory Hole
An adult movie term for anonymous sex; usually involves a male star sticking his penis in a hole in a wall to be pleasured by someone on the other side.
Harness
A type of sex toy used to hold a dildo or dong in place for strap-on sex.
Hypoallergenic
These special sex toys are less likely to produce an allergic reaction. This is a common selling point for adult toys made from silicone or glass.
Jolly Roger
Slang for a penis.
Joy Buzzer
Slang for the clitoris.
Kegel Exercises
A set of special exercises used to strengthen a woman's vaginal muscles.
Latex
A rubbery type of material that provides a curve-hugging fit. Latex is used in many different kinds of lingerie and fetish costumes.
Leather
Material made from cattle skin that ranges in texture and feel from smooth and flexible to stiff and rough; often used in lingerie and other clothing items like pants. Leather is a very popular material for making BDSM wear.
Leg Restraint
Used during bondage play to limit a consenting partner's ability to move their legs. Leg restraints are often attached to bedposts and used in combination with wrist restraints.
Libido
The level of sexual interest, drive or appetite by either a male or female.
Massage Vibrator
Designed to give a partner a soothing, relaxing muscle massage only, not safe for penetration.
Masturbators
Sex toys specifically designed for male masturbation, made from a soft material for comfort.
MILF
A popular phrase used to describe attractive middle-aged women.
Nipple Clamps
Sex toys that fit over and gently squeeze or pinch the nipple for enhanced sexual arousal.
Nipple Pumps
Sex toys that create a vacuum-tight seal over the nipples and increasing blood flow to the nipples. This results in larger nipples and can make them even more sensitive
Nubs
Small bumps on a vibrator used to provide additional clitoral and vaginal stimulation.
O-ring
A rubber ring used to create a watertight seal.
Oral Sex
When someone uses their tongue and mouth on their partner's genitals.
Pegging
A sexual act where a woman uses a strap-on dildo to penetrate her male partner during anal sex. Also known as role reversal.
Penis Pump
A sex toy used to increase the length and girth of a man's penis. The toy fits snugly around the penis and uses suction to increase the blood flow to the shaft. The increased amount of blood results in a larger overall penis. Results are often improved by using a penis ring immediately afterwards to restrict blood flow and to preserve the increased size.
Penis Ring
A sex toy that fits snuggly around the penis for enhanced endurance. The tight fit restricts blood flow, allowing the user to stay harder for a longer period of time while also making it more difficult for the user to have an orgasm. There are several major varieties of penis rings, including some that use bullet or egg vibrators to stimulate the user's partner and others have multiple straps for the penis shaft and to fit around the testicles to delay orgasm even longer.
Prostate
A special gland in the male body that can be stimulated to produce more intense orgasms. The prostate is often called the male G-spot.
Pumps
Any sex toy that creates a vacuum-tight seal over a body part to increase blood flow to it, resulting in increased size and improved stimulation.
Queef
A noise that occurs during sex when air trapped in the vagina is pushed out by the motion of intercourse.
Rabbit Vibrators
A special type of vibrator very much in demand for its intense clitoral stimulation and additional features. Rabbit vibrators are named for the two bunny ears that vibrate at high speeds against the clitoris.
Raised Veins
A series of raised bumps and ridges shaped like human veins and commonly found on vibrators, dildos and dongs. This feature is used to provide extra stimulation during penetration and thrusting.
Release Valve
Found in sex toy pumps to safely and quickly remove the suction. Pressing the release valve breaks the seal and fills the chamber with air for near-instant relief.
Realistic
Used to refer to any sex toy, vibrator, dildo and dong, or material that creates the appearance or feel of real human skin or body part like a penis or vagina.
Remote
Common feature found with egg vibrators, allows the user to control the device and often doubles as a battery compartment. Also found on some rabbit and G-spot vibrators and other sex toys.
Renewal Powder
A special item similar to cornstarch or talcum powder used in conjunction with Cyberskin and other realistic materials to preserve their unique feel and other properties.
Rimming
Performing oral sex on and around the anus.
Rotating Shaft
A special feature found on many Rabbit and G-spot vibrators that allows the shaft to slowly twirl in a complete circle.
Rotating Pearls
A series of beads that move independently found in a special chamber on a rotating shaft. This provides a unique and firm sensation with every use.
Safe word
An agreed upon word that signals the wish to end a sexual activity. The pre-determined word is usually one that would be out of place in a sexual situation. This way, either partner can use "no" or "stop" to heighten the experience.
Scissor Position
One of the more exotic sexual positions, the two partners have their legs interlocked with their genitals in contact with each other. This allows for a unique angle of penetration but some find it slightly uncomfortable.
Silicone
A high-quality material increasingly popular among sex toy users and makers. Silicone has several unique properties such as its ability to retain its shape despite hard use, durability, easy cleaning, superior hygienic features, softness, smoothness and more.
Silicone-based
Designation for lotions or lubes with silicone as the primary active ingredient. These lubes tend to be a little more expensive than most but their long-lasting effects, waterproof properties, and easy-to-clean features make them increasingly popular.
Sleeves
1. Sex toy feature that can be fit over vibrators similar to a condom fitting over a penis to provide new and enhanced stimulation. These sleeves are usually covered with ticklers and pleasure nubs to heighten the user's pleasure. 2. Hand-held toys with a small hole in the middle for male masturbation.
Spinner
Sexual activity that involves a petite-sized woman turning around in a circle while riding her partner in a cowgirl position.
Squirting
Adult movie term for when a female star secretes a colorless liquid from her vagina while having an orgasm. This is not the same as urination.
Stimulators
Any sex toy or feature that can be used to arouse a person and enhance their sexual experience.
Strap on
A special type of dildo or dong that can be substituted for a penis. The dildo or dong is usually attached to a kind of harness the user wears like a pair of panties and must be strong enough to hold up to penetration and thrusting.
Strokers
Slang for hand-held toys used for male masturbation. The user inserts his penis into the toy and then masturbates.
Spanish Fly
A special aphrodisiac made from a plant used to enhance male virility and stamina. The term is increasingly used as a general reference to any and all aphrodisiacs targeted to men.
Spooning
Two partners lying on their side while pressed together, also refers to the same sexual position.
Submissive
Also referred to as the sub, this individual has agreed to give up control to the dominant partner in the relationship. The sub must obey the rules given by the dom, and may be punished for failure to do so.
Talc Powder
Used on adult toys after cleaning to protect and preserve the special properties of Cyberskin.
Ticklers
Long, thin and highly flexible pieces of material made to stand out and transfer vibrations. Found on a wide variety of sex toys and vibrators, ticklers are useful for providing additional stimulation directly to the clitoris or during penetration. The bunny ears on a rabbit vibrator show how effective ticklers can be to helping someone reach an orgasm.
Tongue Banging
Using one's tongue during oral sex to stimulate thrusting penetration.
Vaginal Beads
A string of various sized balls made to be inserted into the vagina for additional stimulation.
Vaginal Pumps
Special sex toys that fit over the vagina and use a vacuum-seal to increase blood flow and enlarge the vagina.
Vanilla Sex
Basic missionary-style sex with none of the little extras often found in adult movies like cowgirl or doggy-style positions, anal, toy play or more.
Veined
Used to describe sex toys that have a series of raised lines following a semi-random path along the shaft of vibrators, dildos and some dongs. The lines provide extra stimulation during penetration and are often made to look like human veins for realism.
Venus Vibrator
Synonym for butterfly vibrators. The vibrator fits against the vagina and is mainly used to deliver clitoral stimulation. These usually come with some sort of strap or panties so the user can wear them and even use them during regular sex.
Vibe
Common nickname for a vibrator.
Vibrating Ring
The combination of a penis ring and vibrator. The ring restricts blood flow to the penis for longer endurance while a bullet or egg vibrator is positioned to stimulate a partner's clitoris or other erogenous zone. This is one of the few adult toys on the market designed for his and her use.
Vibrator
Specialized adult toy that relies on batteries or electricity to power a motor that causes the toy to vibrate at usually high speeds. By using the vibration on or near erogenous zones, this adult toy can deliver faster and more intense orgasms than normal. There are many different kinds of vibrators, each catering to specific needs and fitting a unique niche.
Wand Massagers
A specialized vibrator with a flexible tip and a long handle. Wands are made primarily for external use, such as clitoral stimulation. These discreet-looking toys often double as mainstream back massagers. Wands are often stronger than all other types of vibrators.
Water-based
The primary ingredient is water, often used to describe lubes. Water-based lubes are prized for their low price, compatibility with all kinds of material, sex toys, vibrators and condoms, as well as their easy-cleaning properties.
Waterproof
Designation for sex toys safe for use in wet environments like a shower, hot tub, bath or pool. These toys can be identified by a rubber ring around the battery compartment or control device that creates a watertight seal.
Wrist Restraint
A toy often used in bondage games to restrict movement of the wrist and arms. These toys can be used separately or in pairs in a wide variety of locations; they are sometimes used along with leg or ankle restraints.
