For such a simple biological act, sex is complex subject to write about. For starters, the number of sex acts or sexual interests is vast and so is the terminology describing these sex acts. As an erotica writer, you need to know what they are because your readers certainly will. Here is a list of sex terms and definitions. By no means is this list exhaustive. Please consider it a work in progress.
If you know of sex terms that are not listed or would like me to research a particular term, please feel free to contact me.
Anal Sex- Penetration through the anus
BDSM- encompasses a range of domination/submissive type sexual behavior.
Bestiality- Sex with animals (*socially unacceptable and illegal)
Bi-Sexuality- A person who enjoys sexual relationship with both men and women.
Bondage- is when a person is tied up or otherwise restrained for pleasure. Types of 'toys' involved include handcuffs, spreader bars and pony harnesses.
Cunnilingus- Oral sex on the vagina
Deep Throating- is a sexual act in which the entire penis (and sometimes the scrotum depending on the giver's talent) is consumed. It is called this because the act involves partial swallowing of the sex organ.
Discipline- The use of punishment to control behavior. Punishment is usually inflicted in response to a broken rule and is facilitated in a number of ways including spanking, caning or whipping.
Domination and Submission (or D/s, Dom/sub)- The psychological/sexual dominance of one person over another. This is more emotional than physical but is often used in conjunction with Bondage and Discipline activities.
Erogenous Zone- refers to the areas of the body that are highly sensitive and stimulate easily. These include the genitals as well as the inner thighs, places on the back, neck and buttocks.
Erotica- Highly sexualized but character driven fiction stories.
Fellatio- Oral sex on the penis
Fetishism- the sexualized, obsessive-like, affection of a specific object or part of the human body. Common objects include feet, breasts, leather and lingerie.
Fisting - Vaginal or anal penetration using the hand or fist. [Read more about Fisting]
Group Sex/Orgy- is sex with multiple partners in a party like atmosphere.
G-Spot- Commonly believed to be a myth, this refers to the Grafenberg Spot which is the area behind the pubic bone and surrounding the urethra of the female sex organ. Stimulation of this area is said to cause extreme orgasmic delight in one's female partner.
Homosexuality- Exclusive sexual attraction to a member of the same gender
Kama Sutra- refers to a series of sex positions culled from Indian, Asian and Arabic writings of previous centuries.
Masturbation- is self stimulation of the genitals.
Ménage a trios/Threesome- Sex including three people
Role Playing- is when partners take on roles, like actors in a play. A scenario is set up, such as a doctor and nurse at the office, and the partners act out the roles. This often involves costumes and dialog can either be scripted but is most often improvised.
Sadomasochism - is the umbrella for Sadism; sexual pleasure derived from inflicting suffering upon another person and Masochism; sexual pleasure derived from being inflicted with pain as both tend to go hand in hand.
Vampirism- Mostly role playing, this is the practice of partners drinking each other's blood.
Water Works- is a polite term for a sex act that involves urination.
