Sadism
Our Definition
deriving pleasure or purpose from inflicting pain or discomfort. Frequently refers to physical elements, but can also apply to emotional or mental elements.
Real Life Examples
Murfee enjoys whipping their partner with a cane.
Jane likes to play with emotional elements of sadism. She often uses humiliation and degradation on her submissive.
Hubert likes to grab his partner by the hair and pull hard, inciting a yelp of pain.
Common Practices
Everyone is different! You'll see this repeated throughout our website and glossary. Common sadism practices include, but certainly aren't limited to:
- Pairing up with a compatible masochist
- Discussing types of pain
- Establishing boundaries and limits
- Seeking information about safe practice before participating in some types of play
- Pre-established safe words
- Checking in with scene partner frequently, especially when a dynamic is new
- Learning to read a scene partner’s nonverbal cues.
Got a beef with our definition?
Of course we don't speak for everyone! If you feel we are missing additional info, context, facts, history, or data, please email us and let us know!
While we can't promise every suggestion will make it, we'll always be working to keep this glossary thorough and inclusive!