What is BDSM?

The term, ‘BDSM’ is an acronym, with each letter representing another word. Often, the letters will be grouped together in corresponding pairs, so BDSM stands for Bondage and Discipline, Dominance and submission, and Sadism and Masochism.
 

What is Bondage and Discipline?
Bondage is the practice of binding or tying limbs so that movement is restricted. When you remove the ability to move or resist, there is a power exchange. The bound partner feels powerless and/or vulnerable, which can heighten their desire to submit. There are many different tools you can use to bind your partner, from handcuffs to bondage rope.
The term ‘discipline’ can be interpreted in a few ways. To some, it means enforcing a set of rules, often through training, to achieve the desired outcome. To others, discipline is a punishment used to correct bad behaviour. Discipline can take many forms, from setting tasks and denying privileges, to spanking and orgasm denial.

What is Dominance and Submission?
At the heart of BDSM play is the power exchange dynamic. The dominant partner enjoys taking control, making all the decisions and leading the scenes. The submissive partner prefers to relinquish control, submitting to the will of the dominant. What separates BDSM from abuse is that both roles are taken wilfully and consensually. Therein lies the paradox, as the submissive partner has ultimate control over what happens to their own body and mind. This is even true in full power exchange relationships, as the submissive has the choice to stay or to walk away.
Side note: The term ‘switch’ refers to a person who enjoys taking on both roles, switching between dominance and submission as the mood suits.
 

Sadism and Masochism:
As with dominance and submission, sadism and masochism are opposite sides of the same coin. A sadist is a person who derives pleasure from inflicting pain on another. A masochist is a person who enjoys receiving pain.
The pain inflicted/received could be physical and/or emotional, but it is important to remember that pain is subjective. What one person finds pleasurable, another will find intolerable. Some examples of physical pain include spanking, scratching and biting. Examples of emotional pain include humiliation and mind games (also called mind-fucks) which create a state of confusion, fear or conflict in the submissive partner’s mind.
In a broader sense, indulging in BDSM is to partake in any activity that falls under one (or more) of the above terms. As you can imagine, those activities are incredibly diverse. Because of this, BDSM means different things to different people; including those who fall under the same labels. It is also important to note that none of the above terms are synonymous with each other. Not all dominants are sadists and not all submissives enjoy pain. BDSM is simply an expression of your own kinky desires.