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Betty's A-Z Dictionary of Sex Toy Terms

At Betty's we know that sex toys can be confusing, so we have created the ultimate dictionary of sex and sex toy terms to help you make the very best choice for your pleasure. Simply click the letter below to jump through to later entries. And if there are any terms you still don't understand that we haven't included, please contact us and let us know so we can add them!

 A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L - M - N - O - P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z

A-Spot: Anterior fornix erogenous zone. A pleasure point located deep inside the vagina between the cervix and the bladder, about 2 inches higher than the G-Spot

ABS Plastic: A firm, non-porous, phthalate-free, body safe plastic material commonly found in vibrators

Antibacterial: Anything that destroys bacteria or suppresses their growth or ability to reproduce 

App Controlled: Some manufacturers such as We-Vibe and Satisfyer have created their own smart phone apps which connect to a sex toy though Bluetooth. This allows the toy to be controlled over great distances, even across continents)

Arousal Gel: A stimulation liquid often used on the clitoris but sometimes in the vagina or on the penis, which draws blood to the area through a combination of ingredients, increasing arousal

BDSM: A variety of often erotic practices or roleplaying involving bondage, discipline, dominance, submission or sadomasochism and other related interpersonal dynamics. 

Bluetooth: A short-range wireless technology standard used for exchanging data between fixed and mobile devices over short distances. Some sex toy manufacturers have included Bluetooth connectivity capability to control their devices.

Body-Safe: This is a generic term used by many sex toy manufacturers to convey that the ingredients they use in making their products are not harmful in any way to your most sensitive body tissues. 

Bondage: The state or practice of being physically restrained, as by being tied up, chained, or put in handcuffs, for sexual gratification. Bondage is the 'B' in BDSM

Bottom: The person on the receiving end of anal sex ie. the person being penetrated. 

Bullet Vibrator: A small vibrator often but not always shaped like a bullet with a tapered tip

Butterfly Vibrator: A vibrator that has butterfly shaped wings, often used to stimulate the vulva

Buzzy Vibrations: A term often used for higher pitched, less intense vibrations in sex toys

Chastity Belt: Worn by vulva owners, it is a lockable belt-like device that goes between the wearer's legs to prevent them from self pleasure or having intercourse. 

ClitorisThe clitoris is the human female's most sensitive erogenous zone and generally the primary anatomical source of human female sexual pleasure. The clitoris is right under the point where the inner labia meet and form a little hood (known as the clitoral hood). It's on top of (or in front of, depending on which angle you're at) the vagina and the urethra (the hole you pee out of).

Cock Cage: A cock cage is a lockable chastity device for penis owners. Its small constrictive size does not allow room for the penis to become fully erect. The wearer is not able to pleasure themselves or engage in intercourse until it is removed. They can be made of silicone, plastic or metal.  

Cock Ring: A cock ring or cock ring is a ring worn around the penis, usually at the base. The primary purpose of wearing a cock ring is to restrict the flow of blood from the erect penis in order to produce a stronger erection or to maintain an erection for a longer period of time. Also called a Penis Ring, Couples Ring

Condom: A condom is a sheath-shaped barrier device used during sexual intercourse to reduce the probability of pregnancy or a sexually transmitted infection.

Condom-Safe: This is a term used often by lubricant manufacturers to say that their product is compatible and safe to use with condoms - usually latex condoms. Many oils such as petroleum jelly (Vaseline) will break down, degrade, and cause eventual tearing of a latex condom.

Cordless: A sex toy that does not have to be plugged in to the wall to operate. It will still need to recharge with a cord between uses, unless it is a disposable battery operated toy.

Crop: Short for 'riding crop', this is generally a long, thin device used in BDSM to slap your partner during impact or sensation play. Crops can vary in size and shape.

Dental DamA thin, flexible piece of latex that protects against direct mouth-to-genital or mouth-to-anus contact during oral sex. 

Desensitizing Cream:  Usually water based, this topical gel or cream desensitizes (numbs) the region where it is applied. The most common desensitizers used in the numbing lubricant are benzocaine or lidocaine.

Dildo: An object generally shaped like an erect penis, used for sexual stimulation. Dildos can vary greatly in size, shape, materials, and textures. 

Discipline: The practice in which the dominant sets rules which the submissive is expected to obey. When rules of expected behavior are broken, punishment is often used as a means of disciplining. 

Dominant / Dom: A term used in BDSM roleplay is a person who exercises control and influence over a submissive or sub

Double Ended: A sex toy which has 2 usable ends for stimulation

Douche: A device used to introduce a stream of water into the body for medical or hygienic reasons. Anal Douche or Enema refers to rectal irrigation, the rinsing of the lower bowel, usually in preparation for anal sex. 

Dual Stimulation: A term used most often for vibrators which stimulate the clitoris and vagina at the same time. Another term often used for Rabbit Vibrators. 

Egg Vibrator: A term for an oval, or egg shaped vibrator, usually meant to be inserted into the vagina. They often have a retrieval loop for easy use and can stimulate inside the vaginal walls and the g-spot or be pressed externally to the clitoris.

Ejaculation Dildo: A dildo that can be filled with semen like lubricant or another liquid of your choice and . It will dispense or squirt the fluid out by squeezing the balls, pressing a button or by remote control. 

EnemaA device used to introduce a stream of water into the body for medical or hygienic reasons. Anal Douche is also used to refer to rectal irrigation, the rinsing of the lower bowel, usually in preparation for anal sex. 

Enhancement: A term often used for penis sheaths that add width or girth to the user. Also used for lotions applied to the penis with ingredients that will maintain a longer, firmer erection.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED): The inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sex. Occasional ED isn’t uncommon. 

Fanta Flesh: A form of TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) which is trademarked to Pipedream Products, a large sex toy manufacturer. It is a soft, tactile material designed to both look and feel like real skin. It is often used in penis masturbators. 

Female ejaculation: Also known as Squirting: The expulsion of fluid by a person with a vulva from their urethra during orgasm or sexual arousal.

Fetish Wear:  Latex, rubber or leather clothing and accessories, often worn by someone engaging in a fetishist activity. 

Flogger: A device with several tails attached by a handle or loop which is often used in BDSM to whip, or flog a consenting partner. Materials of the tails often include leather or rubber. 

Frenulum: The fold where the foreskin meets the underside of the penis. It looks like a small V just below the head. Usually part of it remains after circumcision. And for many people, it's very sensitive

Girth: This is the measurement around the outside of a product ie. around the shaft of a dildo. 

Glass: Borosilicate Glass, which is used to make glass sex toys, is specifically made to withstand extreme pressure, temperatures, and shock, therefore making it extremely safe for sex toys. It is also non-porous, body safe, and can be used with any sexual lubricant. 

Glycerin: A common ingredient in sexual lubricant, glycerin is a humectant (meaning it helps to retain moisture). Not all glycerin is created equal and some lower grade glycerin, or those not from vegan sources, can be irritating to some people's vaginal flora, causing yeast infections. This is why many lubricants will point out they are 'Glycerin-Free' on the label.

G-Spot: An erogenous area of the vagina that, when stimulated, may lead to strong sexual arousal, powerful orgasms and potential female ejaculation (squirting). It is typically located 5–8 cm (2–3 in) up the front (anterior) vaginal wall between the vaginal opening and the urethra and is a sensitive area that may be part of the female prostate

Hands Free: A product that can be held in place by a means other than holding it in your hands

Harness: This can refer either to a harness worn on the body for restraint purposes or a harness worn around the hips to hold a dildo in place. 

Harness Compatible: The product can be used in a strap-on harness

Hollow Dildo: A dildo with an open ended shaft where a penis owner can insert their flaccid or partially erect penis 

Hog Tie: A restraint that binds or restrains both the feet and hands together

Hypoallergenic: Meaning "below average" or "slightly" allergenic is a term meaning that something causes fewer allergic reactions. This is commonly used claim in sex toys made of higher grade, non-porous materials such as metal, glass, and silicone.

Impact Play: Any kind of spanking, whipping, flogging, slapping etc. either by hand or with an device, for the purpose of deriving sexual pleasure. 

Inflatable: In sex toys, this means it has the ability to fill somewhat with air and expand, either through an internal motor or a hand pump. This is most common in dildos and anal plugs. 

Ingestible: Used commonly with sexual lubricants and stimulation or delay products, this means you can swallow small amounts and the product is not harmful. The terms 'lickable,' 'kissable,' and 'edible' are also used. 

Insemination Dildo: A dildo that can be filled with semen and ejaculated into a person's vagina

Insertable: If a sex toy refers to insertable, it means the toy can be inserted into your body

Insertable Length: This refers to the measurements of the portion of a sex toy that can be inserted to your body. It may also refer to the size of a canal into which a penis can be inserted into a product ie. a penis stroker

Jelly Material: Another term for rubber, sex toys were commonly made of jelly in the past for its pliable nature and bright colors. Unfortunately it is also highly porous, often low quality and can contain phthalates. It also breaks down quickly and can crack or melt which is why Betty's does not carry jelly toys.

Kegels (Kegel Exercises):  A form of exercise, also known as pelvic-floor exercise, which involves repeatedly contracting and relaxing the muscles that form part of the pelvic floor, now sometimes colloquially referred to as the "Kegel muscles"

KissableUsed commonly with sexual lubricants and stimulation or delay products, this means you can swallow small amounts (ie. when kissing it off your partner) and the product is not harmful. The terms 'lickable' 'ingestible,' and 'edible' are also used. 

Lay On Vibrator: A vibrator shaped to snug against the labia that is comfortable for laying on your stomach and pressing down on it. 

Lickable: Used commonly with sexual lubricants and stimulation or delay products, this means you can swallow small amounts (ie. when kissing it off your partner) and the product is not harmful. The terms 'kissable' 'ingestible,' and 'edible' are also used. 

Love Ring: Another name for a Cock Ring, or Penis Ring, usually a vibrating version since those are commonly used by couples. 

Lube Launcher: A syringe like device that draws lubricant into the shaft and is then injected into a person's vulva or anus to lubricate harder to reach areas

Lubricant: Used during sexual acts, such as intercourse and masturbation, to reduce friction to or between the penis and vagina, anus or other body parts or applied to sex toys to reduce friction or to ease penetration.

Lubrication: Adding lubricant to reduce friction. Can also refer to the vagina's natural lubrication or fluids.

Magnetic Recharging: Some rechargeable sex toys have magnetic pads on them to which the magnetized end of a charging cable attaches. Some toys even have a magnetic docking station' you sit them in to recharge. As opposed to pin recharging where a small pin plug is inserted into a port on the toy.

Masochism: The tendency to derive pleasure, especially sexual gratification, from one's own pain or humiliation (see also Sadism and Sadomasochism)

Masturbator: Often used to describe penis toys such as strokers and pocket pussies

Nickel-Free: Nickel is a metal that is prone to corrosion and which can cause an allergic reaction on the skin of those sensitive to it. You will often find Nickel-free descriptors on buckles and harnesses in BDSM gear.

Nipple Clamps: Devices meant to pinch the nipples and stay in place. 

Non-Phallic: An object or dildo that has an appear other than a phallus or erect penis

Non-Porous: A non-porous product is one that is not permeable to outside influences. Liquid or air cannot pass through and mold is not able to grow under the surface. 

Oil Based: The base of the product is an oil derivative 

Organic: An item that is derived from plants of animals

Paddle: A paddle is a sex toy typically made of leather or wood that has a handle and two flat sides. It is used for impact or sensory play

Pegging: A term specific to a woman or vulva owner who performs anal sex on a man or penis owner by penetrating their anus with a strap-on dildo

Penis Ring: A penis ring or cock ring is a ring worn around the penis, usually at the base. The primary purpose of wearing a penis ring is to restrict the flow of blood from the erect penis in order to produce a stronger erection or to maintain an erection for a longer period of time. Also called a Cock Ring, Couples Ring

Perineum: The area between the anus and the genitals, sometimes called the 'taint.' It is filled with sensitive nerve endings, making for pleasurable and even orgasmic experiences when massaged or stimulated.

Pet Play: This a in role in which the focus is on the sub entering the altered mind space of a different species, often a dog, cat, or horse. Often related to BDSM.

PH Balanced: Refers to how close the PH of the product is to the skin's natural PH

Phallic: An object that resembles a phallus or an erect penis 

Phthalates: These are harmful chemicals that can be used to make plastics soft and squishy, more transparent, or durable

Phthalate-Free: All sex toys at Betty's are phthalate-free, meaning they do not contain harmful chemical plasticizers. 

Pin Recharging: Many rechargeable sex toys a small hole into which the small end or 'pin' end of the charging cord is inserted when charging.

Pinpoint Stimulation: When  a sex toy is extremely tapered or shaped in a way that you can stimulate a very exact place very precisely, such as the clitoris.

Pleasure Product: A blanket term used instead of 'sex toy' that is growing in popularity to try and end the stigma around pleasure. 

Pony Play: This a in role in which the focus is on the sub entering the altered mind space of a different species, in this case a pony. Often related to BDSM.

Popping: A pleasure technique where you press your vibrator on the inside of the vaginal wall and quickly slid it back out sideways with a popping sensation. 

Porous: Some toy materials are porous, meaning there are microscopic holes through which liquid can pass and germs can gather. Porous materials are common in all types of sex toys and need to be very thoroughly cleaned after each use. 

Pressure Wave:  Is a technology found in clitoral stiumlators whereby pulsating waves of air hit the clitoris and stimulate below the surface. 

Probe: Another term used for insertable sex toys, usually ones that are non-phallic in shape such as dildos or anal toys.

Prostate (P-Spot or Male G-Spot): A walnut-sized gland located between the bladder and the penis which secretes fluid that nourishes and protects sperm. During ejaculation, the prostate squeezes this fluid into the urethra, and it’s expelled with sperm as semen. Prostate stimulation can be quite pleasurable and some people can achieve orgasm through its stimulation.

Prostate Milking: The act of massaging the prostate for sexual pleasure or orgasm. Stimulation may be achieved by use of one or more fingers or by using sex toys designed to bring pressure to the anterior wall of the rectum at the location of the gland. 

Pulsation: This often refers to a pattern on a vibrator in which the motors turns off and on in different rhythms, giving the feeling of pulsing. It can also refer to clitoral stimulators that send pulses of intermittent air onto the clitoris for stimulation. 

Puppy Play: This a in role in which the focus is on the sub entering the altered mind space of a different species, in this case a dog or puppy. Often related to BDSM.

PVCThis is a polyvinyl chloride which is made pliable with the use of plasticizers. It can range from soft to extremely firm depending on the formulation. Betty's carries only phthalate-free PVC. Many PVC toys are porous, although some non-porous PVC is now available. Read the product descriptions to find out more.

Rechargeable: These toys do not take batteries. They contain rechargeable batteries that you power back up through a charging cable

Restraint: This is a broad range of items such as harnesses, collars etc. used to restrain one's partner. Used in BDSM play. 

Rimming: Licking, and otherwise pleasuring your partner's anus with your tongue

RoleplayWhen one or more people take on a different identity during a scene. Examples may include teacher-student, doctor-patient, or boss-employee role plays.

Rumbly Vibrations: A type of vibration that is lower pitched and which can resonate deeper into one's body (Opposite of 'Buzzy')

Sadism: The tendency to derive pleasure, especially sexual gratification, from inflicting pain, suffering, or humiliation on others

Sadomasochism: The derivation of sexual gratification from the infliction of physical pain or humiliation either on another person or on oneself. Derived from Sadism and Masochism

Sensation Play: Any act which heightens sensations or focusses on heightening sensations for sexual pleasure ie. whips, paddles etc. or heating/cooling sex toys

Scene: The actual BDSM activities or encounters that take place are known as a scene

Silicone: A non-porous, body safe and hypoallergenic material used in many sex toys. It can be extremely flexible or rigid, depending on the exact formulation of the material. 

Splashproof: Sex toys with this label can endure some water on them but do not submerge completely ie. in the bath

Squirting: Female ejaculation refers to the expulsion of fluid by a person with a vulva from their urethra during orgasm or sexual arousal.

Squirting Dildo:  A dildo that can be filled with semen like lubricant or another liquid of your choice and . It will dispense or squirt the fluid out by squeezing the balls, pressing a button or by remote control. 

Stamina: Refers to how long you are able to last during a sexual encounter. For penis owners it often refers to how long they can last sexually before ejaculating. 

Strap-on: A blanket term that can refer to a harness and dildo set worn by one partner to penetrate another. It can also be used to describe a sex toy that is compatible with a harness system or to the harness alone. 

Strap-on Harness: A system of straps that are meant to hold a dildo, vibrator or probe. To be worn by the giver so they can penetrate the receiver. 

Strapless Strap-on: A strapless strap-on is a double ended dildo with one end (often called the ball or egg) meant to be inserted in the vagina and held in place primarily by the pelvic floor muscles. The shaft, which is the protruding end, is meant to penetrate a partner either vaginally or anally.

Stroker: A masturbator for the penis

Submissive / Sub: Someone who submits to a dominant person in a BDSM relationship or scene. Submissive can be shortened to sub

Submersible: Manufacturers may stipulate that their waterproof toys are also submersible, meaning they can stay under water for longer periods of time safely. 

Temperature Play: The act of using hot or cold during a sexual encounter. Can include chilling or heating a sex toy, using dripping hot wax, ice cubes etc. 

Tickler: In BDSM a tickler often has feathers attached to a long pole, used to tickle your partner. Also a term used in vibrators for an item shaped more to 'tickle' the clitoris or provide a lighter stimulation. This can be a toy on its own or a clitoral attachment to a rabbit vibrator. 

TPE: Thermoplastic Elastomer is a synthetic elastomer and a porous material that is extremely flexible. It is often used in ultra-realistic toys such as dildos and strokers. Betty's only carries TPE toys that are also phthalate-free

TPR: Thermoplastic Rubber is a synthetic rubber and a porous material that is very flexible. It is often used in ultra-realistic toys such as dildos and strokers. Betty's only carries TPR toys that are also phthalate-free

Uncut: Slang term for an uncircumcised penis

USB Rechargeable: A product that has a charging cord that can be connected to a USB port or plug

Verse: Slang term for someone that does not have a position preference 

Vibrator: A sex toy which has a motor inside that causes it to vibrate. There are hundreds of styles to choose from

Vixskin: A proprietary silicone formula created by manufacturer Vixen Creations which contains a silicone lubricant (just like that used in the most popular silicone lubes), suspended between the molecules, giving a more realistic feel and greater elasticity. It is used in many of their dildos for an ultra-lifelike feel.

Waterproof: A product that has an IPX7 rating and is fully submersible in a body of water 

Width: In sex toys, this is the measurement across (not around). Often used in dildos to express how wide the shaft is

Wireless Remote: A remote that is controlled by batteries or is USB rechargeable and can be connected to or control a product without it  being attached by wires

X-Rated: Explicit sexual content intended for those who are 18 years and older 

Yoni Egg: Is a smooth egg-shaped stone, traditionally made of jade or quartz, to be inserted into the vagina for kegel training. 

Zip Tie:  A plastic strip that can be threaded through its end and tightened with a locking mechanism on the other end.