Toys & Equipment Dictionary — Definitions & Terms

B

C

A collar is a circular piece that is most commonly placed around the neck. This can be used to signify a dynamic or can also be used as a way to restrain or lead a person.

Collars are made out of a wide variety of materials ranging from metal rings and steel cable all the way to lace and fabric. Other common materials are (vegan) leather, rubber, neoprene and silicone, depending on its use. Designs range from very simple to very intricate and there is wide variety of shapes and sizes.

Collars are most commonly used to indicate of a person is in a dynamic with another person. This collar can be used only during a scene, or in some dynamics collars are also worn in day to day life. Note that these "day-collars" are less conspicuous and often can be observed as a piece of jewelry or a fashion statement. See Collaring

Collaring Ceremony

In an established dynamic the gifting of a collar to the submissive person can be a ceremony signifying that the dominant type person is accepting the submission from the other person long term. This kind of collar, and subsequent collaring can be a personal ceremony of importance, for some folks it is akin to marriage or hand-fasting. In some cases cuffs that match the collar are added to extend the set as a complete package, indicating the person is submissive to their d-type.

Locking

In some cases collars can be locked, often the key being held by the d-type person in the dynamic. This is a kind of constant reminder for the s-type that the d-type person is in charge of them. It is however also common that a spare key is somewhere near if removal of the collar is needed for either medical or other emergency purposes.

Alternative "Collars"

In some cases the neck may not be the best place for a dynamic indicator. In some cases people will use a bracelet around the wrist or even ankle as an indicator. This is also a way for some people to have a day-collar, but not be too visible to people outside of the lifestyle. This may be due to their work situation or even a personal preference for the neck to be free.

It can also be anything else the partners agree on as a symbolic marker, such as a diaper in the context of diaper fetishism, which can even be locked in place with a special locking panty to reinforce the sense of commitment and control.

As a Restraint

In some cases a collar is also just used as a restraint. Sometimes these are used without an established dynamic, indicating that the person wearing the collar is submissive or would like to be lead around. A collar can also allow them to be connected to another object in a relatively safe way.

These are sometimes referred to as play collars and are often all about functionality and less about symbolism and looks. However there are cases where the two overlap and a play collar can signify a dynamic - often a more casual one that is in place for a particular scene or isn't a 24/7 total power exchange.

E

F

A gag is a generic term covering various materials and devices placed in and/or over the mouth of a bottom during BDSM or sex play. They are designed to restrict the use of the mouth, making clear speech difficult and muffling other sounds. A gag may be improvised using items on hand - such as fabric (scarves, stockings, ties, etc.), rope, or tape - or may be a purpose-built accessory of which there are several common types.

A forniphilic gag is a BDSM gag designed to act as a mounting point or support structure for objects, tools, or decorative elements during a scene. It’s most often used in scenes where the submissive’s body is made part of a setup or display — something that looks or functions like furniture, art, or a prop.

A forniphilic gag usually includes an attachment point (like a screw mount, clamp, rod, or platform) that allows the Dominant to secure:

A dildo
An ashtray
A toilet brush
A boot brush
Decorative items (flowers, figurines, ritual objects, etc.)

Rather than silencing alone, this gag’s purpose is to integrate the sub’s head or mouth into a physical setup. It is also often designed to be objectifying.

Origins of the Term

The term forniphilic gag appears to have emerged informally within fetish photography, bondage modeling, and BDSM gear design communities in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. It builds on the concept of forniphilia, an established fetish of using people as furniture or structural components in scenes.

“Forniphilic” literally means pertaining to forniphilia, and in this context, a forniphilic gag refers to a gag that serves a structural or aesthetic purpose within a forniphilic setup.

Why People Enjoy It

Forniphilic gags appeal to people who enjoy the mix of aesthetics, control, precision, and service. It’s not just about being gagged — it’s about becoming part of the scene itself. Here are a few more specific reasons why people are into it.

- Erotic Objectification
  For some, the excitement comes from being treated like an object, such as a fixture, a tool, or a display piece. The gag turns the wearer into something functional and admired. For D-types, there’s pleasure in shaping and arranging the scene — literally sculpting the submissive into the environment.
- Control and Precision
  Wearing a forniphilic gag often requires stillness, balance, and focus. Holding a pose with a tray or prop mounted to your face can demand concentration, muscle control, and trust. The between wanting to move and needing to stay still can heighten arousal and deepen subspace.
- Aesthetics
  Many kinksters are drawn to the beauty of structured scenes, such as the geometry of rope, and the symmetry of a body positioned in space. Forniphilic gags are often used in fetish photography, ritual play, or art.
- Energy and Presence
  Because the wearer can’t speak, they often shift into a deeper awareness of their body, breathing, and sensations. Some describe this as a meditative or “service trance” state.

Forniphilic gags also tap into other kinks like bondage, objectification, and service submission.

Safety and Consent

Here are a few tips for playing safely with forniphilic gags.

Watch breathing. Make sure the wearer can breathe freely through the nose, and stop right away if there’s any shortness of breath or dizziness.
Avoid heavy weight. If the gag has something mounted or attached (like a tray, ring, or prop), keep it light. Too much weight can strain the neck, jaw, or spine.
Keep playtime short. Holding still with a gag in place takes effort. Limit the time and check often for signs of pain, numbness, or cramping.
Use signals instead of words. Because gags block speech, agree on a non-verbal safe signal (like dropping an object or tapping a hand). The Dominant should stay close and alert to body language.
Support the neck and jaw. If the wearer needs to hold their head in a fixed position, use pillows, padding, or posture supports to reduce strain. Don’t force the head back or down too far.
Avoid long holds. If the gag is part of a pose or display, have breaks for stretching, breathing, and hydration. Extended stillness can cause stiffness or muscle injury.
Never leave someone unattended. Even light gags can become dangerous quickly if the person panics or slips out of position. Stay within reach at all times.

A fuckbox is a piece of BDSM furniture designed so that a person inside the box has parts of their body (most commonly their genitals, anus, or mouth) accessible through openings to people outside the box. Similar to a gloryhole setup, the people involved may have limited or no visual contact with each other, creating anonymity, objectification, or sensory-focused dynamics.

The person inside the box is usually placed in a physically restricted position and may also be restrained, limiting their movement and control over the interaction. In many scenes, the person inside takes on a submissive or bottom role, while the people outside direct or initiate the interaction. Fuckboxes are commonly used for sexual play, but may also be incorporated into humiliation, objectification, or other BDSM dynamics.

Fuckboxes are commonly made so that the person in the box is lying down, with their legs either inside or outside of the box. In some situations, the boxes are also used in a standing doggy-style position, so that the legs and hips are sticking out and the upper body is in the box. Some fuckboxes only enclose the head, leaving the rest of the body exposed, but often restrained. People often build fuckboxes themselves, but they can also be found in some sex clubs or dungeons.

Fuckboxes are sometimes referred to as "the barrel' or "fuck barrel", after an ancient sailor joke referencing using 'the barrel' as a place to sexually relieve oneself ("It's your turn in the barrel.")

There are some versions of this box that look more like a spanking-bench but have an extra attachment to keep the head separated and some fuck boxes have additional holes for the hands and feet to protrude.

Why People Enjoy It

People enjoy fuckboxes for many different reasons. Here are a few.

Objectification
Some people enjoy being treated more like an object, body part, or “service” rather than as the focus of attention. The box can intensify feelings of depersonalization or use.
Anonymity
Limited visibility between participants can create excitement, mystery, or reduced self-consciousness. Some people enjoy the lack of eye contact and feeling of being anonymous.
Submission and Control
The person inside the box is often physically restricted and unable to fully control the interaction. This can create feelings of vulnerability, helplessness, or surrender, and reinforce submissive dynamics or power exchange.
Exhibitionism or Voyeurism
In group or public play settings, some people enjoy being watched, displayed, or used in front of others.

G

Gauntlets are long, forearm-covering gloves, typically made of leather, often with lacing, buckles, or straps.

In BDSM and kink, gauntlets may be used for:

Fetish fashion/aesthetic (very classic Dominant or leather look).
Impact play protection for the hands/wrists of the person giving the impact.
Sensory play or restriction (some versions can be locked or tightly laced).
Protocol/uniform pieces in leather, military, or formal D/s dynamics.

Gauntlets can range from simple work-style gauntlets to highly ornate, heavily hardware-laden pieces. Types of gauntlets include:

Leather gauntlets: May be plain, buckled, laced, studded, or heavily reinforced.
Impact-play gauntlets: Heavier gloves worn by the Top to protect the hands and wrists during striking.
Bondage gauntlets: Designed to restrict the hands or wrists, sometimes with straps, locking hardware, or attachment points.
Rope gauntlets: Decorative or functional rope structures tied around the hand, wrist, and forearm.
Fashion/fetish gauntlets: Worn mainly for appearance, especially in leather, military, fantasy, or formal Dominant looks.
Armored gauntlets: Metal or plate-style versions inspired by historical armor. More common in fantasy, cosplay, and fetish styling.
Fingerless gauntlets: Leave the fingers exposed while covering the wrist and forearm.

Origins of the Term Gauntlets

Gauntlets have a much older history than their use in BDSM. The word comes from the Old French "gantelet," meaning a small or armored glove, and is recorded in English from the early 1400s. Medieval gauntlets were worn as hand and wrist protection, especially by soldiers and knights. By the 14th century, armored gauntlets made from overlapping metal plates had become part of European plate armor.

Over time, the term broadened to include other gloves with long or flared cuffs, including leather gloves used for work, riding, fencing, motorcycling, and fashion. Leather gauntlets in particular became associated with protection, toughness, uniforms, and authority, which likely helped them fit naturally into leather and BDSM aesthetics.

H

I

J

A gag is a generic term covering various materials and devices placed in and/or over the mouth of a bottom during BDSM or sex play. They are designed to restrict the use of the mouth, making clear speech difficult and muffling other sounds. A gag may be improvised using items on hand - such as fabric (scarves, stockings, ties, etc.), rope, or tape - or may be a purpose-built accessory of which there are several common types.

A Jennings gag (also known as a dental gag) is a type of BDSM gag designed to hold the mouth open by bracing against the teeth or inner cheeks. Two curved bars fit between the upper and lower teeth, while a plier-like handle and ratchet spread them apart and lock the mouth open. Unlike a ball gag, it has no head strap and leaves most of the mouth unobstructed.

The design originates from actual dental and medical instruments that go by the same name. These are used to keep a patient's mouth open during procedures.

Related designs include the Whitehead gag, which operates on a similar principle and the Molt gag, which is designed to brace at the side of the mouth rather than the front. Spider gags and O-ring gags hold the mouth open using a ring or spoke structure rather than bracing against the teeth, and are sometimes grouped with dental gags due to their similar function.

Sensation and Experience

The defining experience of a Jennings gag is involuntary openness. The wearer cannot close their mouth, which typically increases salivation. This can be a desired result in humiliation dynamics. Speech is not eliminated but becomes slurred and difficult. This contributes to a sense of vulnerability and loss of dignity.

Origins of the Term

The Jennings gag is named after Dr. John Ellis Jennings (1863–1935), a physician in St. Louis who invented the device. It was intended to hold the mouth open during medical procedures involving the mouth, throat, or palate.

The device was later adopted for bondage and medical-fetish play because it holds the mouth open and leaves the oral cavity accessible.

Why People Enjoy Them

People enjoy the Jennings gag for different reasons. Here are a few:

- The Medical Aesthetic
  The Jennings gag's medical background and look make it a natural fit for medical play and dental fetishes. The clinical appearance of a metal Jennings gag contributes strongly to the aesthetic of a medical scene, and the enforced openness of the mouth mirrors the vulnerability of an actual dental or medical examination. For people whose medical play centers on oral examination or dental roleplay, the Jennings gag is often a central piece of equipment.
- Exposure and Vulnerability
  Some people find having the mouth held open to be intensely vulnerable, especially because the wearer cannot simply close their mouth or hide their reactions.
- Unrestricted Access to the Mouth
  Because the center of the mouth remains open, a Jennings gag can be used during oral play, inspection, feeding or other activities that require access. This is a major part of its appeal compared with gags that block the mouth.
- Loss of Control
  Being physically prevented from closing the mouth can create a powerful sense of helplessness and submission. The ratcheting mechanism gives one partner control over how far the wearer’s jaw is opened.
- The Visual Effect
  The exposed teeth, tongue and drooling can create an intense look associated with objectification, humiliation or forced display. The gag’s stark metal construction further emphasizes the mouth and its forced openness.
- Adjustability
  The adjustable opening allows partners to choose how wide the mouth is held. Unlike a fixed-size gag, a Jennings gag can be opened gradually, although fit and comfort vary and it can still strain the jaw.

Safety and Consent

Use Jennings gags briefly, open them gradually and remove them at the first sign of sharp pain, numbness or significant discomfort. They place sustained pressure on the teeth and jaw and may be unsuitable for people with TMJ problems, sensitive teeth or small mouths.

Make sure the gag fits securely without forcing the mouth wider than is comfortable. Unstrapped models may slip or fall out. A strap can improve stability, but it should never be used to compensate for poor fit or excessive pressure.

Keep the wearer’s airway clear and position them so saliva can drain safely. Although the open design generally allows more airflow than a ball gag, swallowing may still be difficult.

Agree on a non-verbal stop signal and never leave the wearer unattended. Monitor their breathing, facial color, distress, and jaw fatigue throughout the scene.

Clean the gag thoroughly between uses. Medical-grade stainless steel models may be sterilizable, but always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions.

L

M

A mask can have different shapes and different purposes such as; anonymity, sensory deprivation, enclosure and breath play. There is also a close connection between masks and hoods with both terms sometimes being used interchangeably. Hoods tend to be a specific kind of mask that includes a full head covering as well as some coverage around the face.

Anonymity

Masks can cover and hide the face making a person appear more anonymous or obscuring their identity. Often masks that cover the whole face are used but sometimes masks that only cover the face around the eyes are used. Some full face masks with hoods have holes for eyes, nose and mouth that can be used for different purposes.

For example one purpose for a full face hood mask that has an open hole for the mouth would be to transform the wearer into an object. The function of their mouth remains available while the rest of the head is deemed irrelevant for the type of interaction people are having with their mouth.

Sensory deprivation

Some masks will help to blind or deafen a wearer. These masks are often more sturdy and can be part of a large hood. This can make a mask part of sensory play Sometimes these masks also have mouth pieces that are specifically made to be plugged so that the wearer feels like all senses are being able to be closed off and exposed at the will of the person applying the mask.

In Japanese Bondage a common way to make a mask is by using a "Tenugui" (Japanese hand towel). This is both used for eyes, mouth and nose making it part sensory deprivation, part breath play.

Enclosure

Masks can close the wearer off from the environment around them and provide a sense of feeling enclosed. This is often achieved with modified gas masks and can be part of dronification. This enclosed feeling can also be achieved with a fully covering lycra hood or a latex mask that sits tightly around the skin. The sensation of enclosure can really be pleasant to the wearer.

Breath Play

There are specific masks used for breath play. Altitude training masks are commonly modified to make it harder for a person to breathe while wearing the mask. Note that, like with any breath play, these masks come with a risk that should be properly discussed, mitigated and consented to.

O

A one-bar prison, also known as a one-pole prison, is a bondage device used in BDSM play in which the recipient stands over a vertical bar fitted with a dildo or butt plug at the end. The bar is typically anchored to a metal plate on the floor. The setup is designed to limit their ability to step away from the inserted toy. It may also include handcuffs and bondage for this reason.

One-bar prison is considered a form of predicament bondage. The person remains upright because they can't lift themselves off the toy. While many kinksters say the toy itself "doesn't do much," the intensity comes from being unable to step away, being watched, being left, or the loss of choice about posture and movement.

In some setups, the recipient may be required to wear high heels, or the bar height may be adjusted to prevent them from standing on their toes and lifting their weight off the toy. The bar, which runs from the floor to the crotch, is usually fully adjustable to allow for easier positioning and to accommodate people of different heights.

An alternative design replaces the floor plate with an ankle spreader bar, using restricted leg movement to create a similar effect.

The intent is to force the recipient to remain upright and unable to move away from the device, effectively creating a “one-bar prison.” Because balance is restricted, safety considerations are important. Slipping or falling could result in internal (as well as other) injuries.

Origins

The one-bar prison is a modern BDSM device and term. There is no evidence of it being a historical punishment or torture implement. (Although it looks like one!) Instead, it appears to have emerged from contemporary kink communities in the late 2000s to 2010s as a descriptive name for a specific form of predicament bondage.

The concept draws on several established BDSM practices, including forced standing, endurance play, fixed-position penetration, and display bondage. What distinguishes the one-bar prison is its minimalist design. It's simple, but it does the job!

Why People Enjoy It

People enjoy one bar prison scenes for lots of reasons. Here are some of the more common ones you may hear.

- Endurance
  One-bar prison scenes are often time based. They require a person to endure a position that is likely to become increasingly awkward or uncomfortable with time. That slow mental descent is appealing to people who enjoy endurance or meditation-like suffering. Some people say the challenge helps them reach an altered headspace.
- Inevitability and Predicament
  Predicament bondage doesn't always include additional restraint. So it's less about struggling and more about letting go and holding the position. For some, this practice can provide a deep sense of stillness, heightened awareness, or an intense focus on sensation or internal state.
- Objectification
  Some people who enjoy one-bar prison scenes say they feel more like an object than a participant. All they can do is wait until the scene is over. For some, this provides a sense of relief from agency and the responsibility that comes along with it.
- Exposure and Visibility
  A one-bar prison can create the sense that a person is on display, being watched, or being evaluated. Even without an audience, the posture alone can feel exposing. For people who enjoy humiliation, vulnerability, or performance, this is a major draw.
- Other Play
  One-bar prison scenes pair very well with other play, such as impact play, sensory play, or verbal play. This all becomes more intense when a person can't reposition or escape.

Manufacture

Many BDSM shops sell one-bar prisons, but lots of innovative kinksters make their own versions too. All you need is a very sturdy base and strong rod. We have actually seen some people using a sturdy tripod with a hollow-base dildo attached!

But a one-bar prison isn’t just “a dildo on a pole.” It’s a predicament restraint where small errors can turn into real injury. If you do make your own, find instructions or a kit online to ensure you build something stable enough that it won't tip under a person's weight.

Consent and Safety

One-bar prison is considered a more advanced form of predicament bondage, and is best approached with care. Here are a few tips for playing safe(r).

- Negotiate Limits
  It's a good idea to discuss limits around penetration, duration, posture, humiliation, and endurance in advance. Some people also recommend agreeing on how release will happen and who controls it. This helps avoid surprises. Having clear safe words and/or phrases in place is also recommended.
- Don't Play Alone
  A person on a one-bar prison should not be left unattended. This type of scene is more intense than it looks. It's best if someone is always there to monitor balance and breathing, and look for signs of distress.
- Add Support
  Falling while positioned on a one-bar prison can cause serious internal injury. Consider secondary support (like an overhead harness, a spotter, or something to grab onto) to reduce the risk.
- Start Slow
  Start with short durations on a one-bar prison, especially if you're using it for the first time. Physical and mental fatigue tends to build gradually, but can be unpredictable.
- Plan for Aftercare
  Discuss aftercare as part of your negotiation and plan for it after scenes. This may include hydration, reassurance, quiet recovery time, or whatever the recipient feels works best for them.
- Consider Experience
  One-bar prisons are best suited for people with prior experience in predicament bondage or endurance play. If you're a beginner, there are lots of other fun things you could try first!

P

A penis gag is a gag that is phallic in shape or includes a large bulb that is placed in the mouth of the wearer. It is usually kept in place with a ring or muzzle design. In some cases, a penis gag can also include an externa dildo, which can be used on a partner.

A penis gag may also be referred to as a "pecker gag."

Why People Enjoy It

People enjoy penis gags for many different reasons. Here are a few:

Fullness & stuffing fantasy: A fixed, mouth-filling “penetration” can tap into oral and air restriction fantasies.
Helplessness & control loss: The inability to speak clearly and limited jaw movement are classic bondage signals of surrender.
Objectification play: Some enjoy the symbolism of being “used” or turned into a toy.
Sensory focus: Drool, jaw stretch, taste/texture and constant pressure heighten body awareness and arousal.
Role immersion: Being gagged on command can reinforce D/s dynamics, obedience, and ritual.

For the partner of the gag wearer, they may like the silencing and visual aesthetics, as well as the oral objectification.

Consent and Safety

Because they block the airway, penis gags carry some risk, especially larger ones, which can can cause gagging. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Be careful of vomiting and aspiration. If the wearer of a penis gag vomits with a strapped, airway-blocking gag, it can turn into an emergency in seconds.
Make quick release a priority: Keep safety shears (EMT scissors) handy; don’t rely on buckles - hair + buckles slow you down.
Consider breathable/less invasive gags. Gags you can breathe around, or bite-guard styles are safer alternatives that provide similar sensation.
Tolerance is variable. What someone can take during oral isn’t what they can hold motionless for minutes. Expect jaw fatigue and gag reflex differences.
Be aware of length. “70 mm insert” sounds short, but it isn’t once you add everything else. Once you factor in where it sits in the mouth and how it’s held there, the effective depth can feel much longer. Plus, a static, strapped position is far more likely to provoke gagging than momentary thrusts.
Try starting with less. Start with cheaper, smaller options and work your way up before buying pricier gear.
Communicate and check in. Go slow and check to make sure the gagged partner is always OK. Comfort should take priority over fantasy, especially if gagging starts.