Online communities often develop their own vocabulary, and AdultFriendFinder is no exception. New users may encounter acronyms, shorthand and expressions drawn from dating culture, BDSM and kink communities.
The platform’s glossary includes terms with different meanings and uses. “Aftercare” refers to cuddling or words of affirmation after a BDSM scenario, while “limits” or “hard limits” describe a person’s boundaries. Respecting those boundaries is presented as a central principle of kink culture, including in online interactions.
“Dom” or “domme” describes the dominant partner in a BDSM relationship, while a “little” is the submissive partner. “Switch” refers to someone who may enjoy either dominant or submissive roles. Related acronyms include DD/LG, meaning “daddy dom, little girl,” and MD/LB, meaning “mommy domme, little boy.”
Other terms describe particular practices or preferences. “Edging” means bringing oneself close to orgasm without reaching it, and “orgasm control” describes a scenario in which one partner gives another control over their sexual climax. “Shibari” is decorative Japanese rope bondage, which generally requires considerable experience to perform properly.
The list also defines “ENM,” short for ethical non-monogamy, sometimes referred to as an open relationship. “Cuckolding” describes consensual enjoyment of a partner having sex with someone else, a practice associated in the article with non-monogamous relationships.
“Bate buds” refers to people who enjoy masturbating to similar content and exchange recommendations. “CD” is shorthand for cross-dressing, generally describing someone who enjoys wearing clothing associated with another gender. Finally, “vanilla” is a non-pejorative description of a preference for non-kinky sexual practices.
Sources: Mashable.