The internet is packed with information on sexual terminology and sex talk, and it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by it all. With new words being created all the time, it can often make us feel like we’re drowning in a seabed of sexual confusion.

Whether you’re trying to understand ‘edging’ or ‘teabagging’, we’re here to help make it easier for you to understand and navigate. Here we’ve gone beyond the basics of sex talk with ten common (and not so common) sex words that you may have come across… 

Sex talk: Edging

Edging is a sex term that can sometimes be known as orgasm control. It involves getting yourself, or your partner very close to orgasm, and then stopping or slowing down just before it happens. Putting this sexual practice into your sex-life can build anticipation and excitement, making the pleasure last longer and causing a more intense orgasm. 

Sex talk: Mutual masturbation 

Mutual masturbation is another sex term that is used to describe a sexual activity that occurs when partners touch themselves whilst they're together, whether using their hands, fingers or sex toys. It can feel like quite a vulnerable and intimate act, so it can often make you feel more connected to your partner. Watching your partner's pleasure can often feel arousing leading to a more enjoyable climax. 

Sex talk: Snowballing 

Snowballing is a sexual activity that involves one partner ejaculating into the mouth of the other partner, who then passes the semen back to their partner through kissing or oral contact. Sometimes this process of swapping semen and saliva can occur several times, increasing the volume of liquid every time it's exchanged. If you haven’t heard of this sex term before, it can be a really intimate activity that can heighten arousal and create a deeper connection between partners. 

Sex talk: Pegging 

Pegging is a common sex term that is used to describe a sexual practice where a female partner penetrates a male partner anally, using a strap-on dildo. It’s a way for couples to explore anal sex and can often be enjoyable for both partners. Using additional lubrication can make pegging more comfortable, adding to the different sensations that can occur and heightening the excitement and pleasure that pegging can provide.  

Sex talk: Rimming

Rimming, also known as analingus, is a sexual activity that involves one partner using their mouth, tongue and lips around their partner's anus. It involves licking, kissing and sometimes penetrating with the tongue. Rimming can be extremely pleasurable for some people due to the high number of nerve endings surrounding the anal area. It’s quite a common sex term for anal play, however, just like with any sexual activity it’s important to use a condom or dental dam to help reduce the risk of catching a sexually transmitted infection. 

Sex talk: Tribbing

Tribbing, also known as the scissoring position, is a sex term often used in the LGBTQ+ community to describe a sexual activity where two women rub their clitoris and vulvas together for sexual pleasure. Both partners sit opposite one another and cross their legs until their genitals touch, where they can then wiggle, gyrate and press their genitals against each other in a pleasurable way, leading to orgasms for both individuals.  

Sex talk: Withdrawal 

Withdrawal, also known as the pull-out method is a sex term that some people attempt to use as a form of contraception. It describes the male partner withdrawing their penis from the vagina before he ejaculates to prevent sperm from entering the vagina and fertilising the egg. It’s not a reliable form of contraception as pre-ejaculation still contains sperm and it doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections. Condoms are the most effective method of contraception for protecting against pregnancy and STIs as they act as a barrier to prevent fluids from being transferred. 

Sex talk: Teabagging

Teabagging is another sexual activity that involves one partner placing their scrotum into the mouth of the other partner. It’s another form of oral sex that can involve gently moving the scrotum in and out of the other person's mouth, in the same way you would dip a tea bag into a cup of hot water. The scrotum is particularly sensitive with many nerve endings making this sex term a pleasurable form of oral sex or foreplay for some individuals.

Sex talk: Pearl necklace

A Pearl Necklace is a sex term that describes a sexual activity where a man ejaculates semen onto their partner's neck, chest or breast, resembling a pattern of a pearl necklace. This type of sexual activity is often seen as an intimate form of sexual desire and can be an erotic way of adding excitement and heightened arousal into your sex life. Just like with any type of sexual activity, it’s important to obtain consent so both partners feel comfortable with the act. 

Sex talk: Consensual Voyeurism 

Consensual Voyeurism is a sexual practice where a person becomes aroused from secretly watching others engage in intimate or sexual activities. Unlike traditional voyeurism, where it occurs without the knowledge or consent of the individuals being observed, consensual voyeurism occurs with the consent and agreement of all parties involved. Activities can include watching someone undress, masturbate or have sex with someone else - with all parties gaining pleasure from the act of observation or being observed.