Did you know that the third Friday of January is International Fetish Day? At this point, you’ve probably heard of kinks and fetishes. The words likely conjure images of BDSM gear, which is certainly a valid association. However, kinks and fetishes go much further than “just” BDSM – both historically and in terms of what they encompass.

According to Merriam-Webster, the term “kink” has been adopted into the sexual sphere. It was originally (and continues to be) used in context to identify that something was different or peculiar. However, it now also means “unconventional sexual taste or behavior” (Merriam-Webster, 2025). Similarly, the term “fetish” first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century. At this time, the term referred to objects that were thought to have supernatural powers. By the end of the 1800s, the term had become more associated with objects that one found to be particularly sexually arousing. In essence, “kink” is the overarching concept of non-conventional sexual interests while “fetish” refers to the specific act or object one is interested in.

Now, what can a fetish be? Well, pretty much anything. Previously, I mentioned a type of fetishism called “BDSM.” This acronym is short for “Bondage and Discipline/Dominance and Submission/Sadism and Masochism.” Bondage and Discipline can refer to encounters in which one or more partners may restrain or discipline themselves or other partners. Bondage can include restraining someone using skin-safe tape, rope, handcuffs, etc.

Discipline may look like enacting rewards and punishments for certain actions. Dominance and Submission can refer to a dynamic in which a partner (or partners) dominates another partner (or partners) who submit(s) to the dominant partner(s). Sadism and Masochism usually refer to the experience of partners who receive pleasure from inflicting pain on others (referred to as a “sadist”) or receive pleasure from having pain inflicted on themselves (referred to as a “masochist”).

Additionally, like I said, almost any object or activity can be a fetish. High heels? Nylons? Bodily fluids? Watching others have sex? Praise? Ghosts? Yup, you guessed it! For someone, or many someones, it is a fetish. Given the wide array of potential fetishes, it is impossible to succinctly address every single one in 500 words. However, Glamour has provided an A-to-Z list of some of the most popular fetishes, which can be read here.

Now, it is essential to understand that kinks and fetish play (like all other types of intimate activity) require consent. For example, a sadist cannot inflict pain on an unsuspecting and/or unwilling partner – that’s abuse.

Keeping that in mind, take a look at that Glamour article and spend some time thinking about what strikes your fancy! Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to sex.