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Fetish Index

The Fetish Index is a structured archive of terms, rituals, and psychological frameworks within fetish culture.
From power dynamics and consent models to sensory practices and symbolic acts, this index explores the language that shapes desire. Each entry expands beyond definition — tracing origins, psychological dimensions, and ethical considerations within contemporary kink.

CAREGIVER DYNAMICS

Caregiver dynamics refer to consensual relational structures within fetish and BDSM culture in which one partner assumes a nurturing, guiding, protective, or stabilizing role, while the other partner embodies vulnerability, receptivity, or structured dependence.

CBT (Cock and Ball Torture)

CBT, an acronym for Cock and Ball Torture, refers to consensual BDSM practices involving controlled stimulation, pressure, or impact applied to male genitalia within negotiated power exchange dynamics. Despite the intensity suggested by the term “torture,” within fetish culture CBT is structured, consensual, and intentionally regulated.

CHASTITY PLAY

Chastity play refers to consensual BDSM or fetish dynamics in which one partner’s sexual access, stimulation, or orgasm is intentionally restricted or controlled by another. This control may be symbolic, psychological, behavioral, or facilitated through the use of physical devices designed to limit genital stimulation.

CLAUSTROPHILIA

Claustrophilia refers to the experience of pleasure, comfort, or erotic arousal derived from confined, enclosed, or tightly restricted spaces. Within fetish and BDSM contexts, claustrophilia often intersects with practices involving containment, restraint, compression, or sensory limitation.

COULROPHILIA

Coulrophilia refers to a fetishistic attraction toward clowns, clown imagery, or clown aesthetics. The term derives from the Greek word koulon (limb or stilt) and philia (attraction).

DEGRADATION

Degradation refers to consensual erotic dynamics in which one participant is verbally, psychologically, or symbolically lowered in status within a negotiated power exchange context. It is a form of humiliation-based play where themes of embarrassment, insult, objectification, or diminished authority are intentionally explored.

DIRTY TALK

Dirty talk refers to the intentional use of sexually suggestive, provocative, dominant, submissive, or emotionally charged language to enhance arousal, intimacy, or power exchange within consensual erotic contexts. It is a form of verbal erotic expression that amplifies mood, reinforces roles, and intensifies psychological connection.

DOMINANCE

Dominance refers to the consensual assumption of authority within a negotiated power exchange dynamic. It involves guiding, directing, controlling, or structuring interactions according to mutually agreed roles.

EDGE PLAY

Edge play refers to consensual BDSM or fetish practices that operate at the outer boundaries of physical, psychological, or emotional risk. These activities are considered higher risk than conventional kink practices and require advanced knowledge, preparation, and explicit risk acknowledgment.

EDGING

Edging refers to the consensual practice of intentionally delaying orgasm in order to prolong arousal, heighten sensitivity, and intensify eventual release. The term derives from the idea of bringing someone to the “edge” of climax repeatedly without allowing completion.

© ATOMIQUE  |  Fetish Culture Through Objects  |  A research-based art project by Otávio Santiago → portfolio

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