Rusty trombone is slang for a sex act in which one partner rims another from behind while reaching around to stroke their penis at the same time. The name refers to the way the hand movement resembles working the slide of a trombone.
Because the term circulates so widely in internet humour and urban legend, some assume it is only a joke, but it is a real practice that people do and talk about openly in sex-positive and kink spaces. Its origins are unclear, though it was well established in pop culture slang by the early 2000s.
Part of the appeal is its near-mythical reputation, which makes it a bucket-list act for people who already enjoy handjobs or anal play. The skin around the anus is dense with nerve endings, and for some people with a penis, stimulation there and at the perineum can heighten sensation across the pelvis. Others enjoy receiving oral and manual stimulation at once, which can feel like pleasurable sensory overload. It is related to rimming and handjobs.
Safety & Consent
As with any anal play, washing beforehand, for example in a shared bath or shower, is common. A dental dam can act as a barrier and lowers the risk of STIs, and lube makes the manual side more comfortable and reduces chafing. Talking openly about what feels good helps partners find what works for them.
