So as is common in my home, we were discussing why anal sex is considered a fetish seeing as it's fairly common now a days. Curious as to what others think classifies a "fetish".
What defines a Fetish?
Discussion Topics
1.
What do you think defines a "Fetish"?
(55 posts)
Select best answer or (of Course) other and describe.
08/08/2010
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maybe just the fact that something is out of the norm
08/08/2010
The actual psychological definition of "Fetish" is an object or activity other than "normal" sex (which is up for grabs, I think) that the fetishist CANNOT become aroused or orgasm without having present.
Some guys LIKE high heel shoes. A High Heel Fetish CANNOT get an erection or orgasm UNLESS High Heeled Shoes are in the scene.
Here's the Webster Dictionary definition:
:an object or bodily part whose real or fantasied presence is psychologically necessary for sexual gratification and that is an object of fixation to the extent that it may interfere with complete sexual expression
Some guys LIKE high heel shoes. A High Heel Fetish CANNOT get an erection or orgasm UNLESS High Heeled Shoes are in the scene.
Here's the Webster Dictionary definition:
:an object or bodily part whose real or fantasied presence is psychologically necessary for sexual gratification and that is an object of fixation to the extent that it may interfere with complete sexual expression
08/09/2010
Quote:
Thanks for that, took the words right out of my mouth. I usually use this to distinguish a kink from a fetish - kinks are 'unusual' things that turn you on, but fetishes are necessary for you to get off. Under this definition, very few people have a true fetish.
Originally posted by
P'Gell
The actual psychological definition of "Fetish" is an object or activity other than "normal" sex (which is up for grabs, I think) that the fetishist CANNOT become aroused or orgasm without having present.
Some guys LIKE ... more
Some guys LIKE ... more
The actual psychological definition of "Fetish" is an object or activity other than "normal" sex (which is up for grabs, I think) that the fetishist CANNOT become aroused or orgasm without having present.
Some guys LIKE high heel shoes. A High Heel Fetish CANNOT get an erection or orgasm UNLESS High Heeled Shoes are in the scene.
Here's the Webster Dictionary definition:
:an object or bodily part whose real or fantasied presence is psychologically necessary for sexual gratification and that is an object of fixation to the extent that it may interfere with complete sexual expression less
Some guys LIKE high heel shoes. A High Heel Fetish CANNOT get an erection or orgasm UNLESS High Heeled Shoes are in the scene.
Here's the Webster Dictionary definition:
:an object or bodily part whose real or fantasied presence is psychologically necessary for sexual gratification and that is an object of fixation to the extent that it may interfere with complete sexual expression less
08/09/2010
Wow! Good points! So basically most people are just kinky by the true definition!! Interesting... very interesting!!!
08/09/2010
Quote:
Exactly. A kink is "I like leather." A Fetish would be "I can't get aroused or have an orgasm without the smell, feel and presence of leather."
Originally posted by
joja
Thanks for that, took the words right out of my mouth. I usually use this to distinguish a kink from a fetish - kinks are 'unusual' things that turn you on, but fetishes are necessary for you to get off. Under this definition, very few people
...
more
Thanks for that, took the words right out of my mouth. I usually use this to distinguish a kink from a fetish - kinks are 'unusual' things that turn you on, but fetishes are necessary for you to get off. Under this definition, very few people have a true fetish.
less
Fetishes are, as you said, actually not that common.
Freud seemed to imply that women who needed clitoral stimulation to have an orgasm were "fetishist" but Freud was a big fat misogynist, who knew little about actual human sexuality.
Actual sexual needs, like needing genitalia to be touched in order to become aroused or come to orgasm doesn't qualify as a "fetish."
08/09/2010
Quote:
Yeah, I think so. Of course, in comparison to the general population, I would imagine a greater proportion of "kink" would be seen here (on Eden) as people here tend to be more in touch with their sexuality and as they used to say back in the day "let it all hang out."
Originally posted by
Sapphire Pet
Wow! Good points! So basically most people are just kinky by the true definition!! Interesting... very interesting!!!
I think "kink" is in the eye of the beholder, as well.
08/09/2010
Quote:
Very interesting. I guess I never thought about the absence equaling no orgasm.
Originally posted by
P'Gell
The actual psychological definition of "Fetish" is an object or activity other than "normal" sex (which is up for grabs, I think) that the fetishist CANNOT become aroused or orgasm without having present.
Some guys LIKE ... more
Some guys LIKE ... more
The actual psychological definition of "Fetish" is an object or activity other than "normal" sex (which is up for grabs, I think) that the fetishist CANNOT become aroused or orgasm without having present.
Some guys LIKE high heel shoes. A High Heel Fetish CANNOT get an erection or orgasm UNLESS High Heeled Shoes are in the scene.
Here's the Webster Dictionary definition:
:an object or bodily part whose real or fantasied presence is psychologically necessary for sexual gratification and that is an object of fixation to the extent that it may interfere with complete sexual expression less
Some guys LIKE high heel shoes. A High Heel Fetish CANNOT get an erection or orgasm UNLESS High Heeled Shoes are in the scene.
Here's the Webster Dictionary definition:
:an object or bodily part whose real or fantasied presence is psychologically necessary for sexual gratification and that is an object of fixation to the extent that it may interfere with complete sexual expression less
08/09/2010
Quote:
I knew you'd be here to say it best! Whenever there's something I find hard to explain there is P'Gell answering it so perfectly!
Originally posted by
P'Gell
The actual psychological definition of "Fetish" is an object or activity other than "normal" sex (which is up for grabs, I think) that the fetishist CANNOT become aroused or orgasm without having present.
Some guys LIKE ... more
Some guys LIKE ... more
The actual psychological definition of "Fetish" is an object or activity other than "normal" sex (which is up for grabs, I think) that the fetishist CANNOT become aroused or orgasm without having present.
Some guys LIKE high heel shoes. A High Heel Fetish CANNOT get an erection or orgasm UNLESS High Heeled Shoes are in the scene.
Here's the Webster Dictionary definition:
:an object or bodily part whose real or fantasied presence is psychologically necessary for sexual gratification and that is an object of fixation to the extent that it may interfere with complete sexual expression less
Some guys LIKE high heel shoes. A High Heel Fetish CANNOT get an erection or orgasm UNLESS High Heeled Shoes are in the scene.
Here's the Webster Dictionary definition:
:an object or bodily part whose real or fantasied presence is psychologically necessary for sexual gratification and that is an object of fixation to the extent that it may interfere with complete sexual expression less
08/09/2010
Quote:
I try. Thank you.
Originally posted by
Alicia
I knew you'd be here to say it best! Whenever there's something I find hard to explain there is P'Gell answering it so perfectly!
08/09/2010
I think psychology tends to define fetishes as things that are either not normally sexual but are given special sexual significance by someone or things where a person can't achieve sexual arousal or pleasure without the particular fetish object.
I think anal wouldn't classify as a fetish in most cases unless a person fixated on giving/receiving anal pleasure almost exclusively, but that's just me.
I think anal wouldn't classify as a fetish in most cases unless a person fixated on giving/receiving anal pleasure almost exclusively, but that's just me.
08/09/2010
not sure, i think it depends. But I like to think it's something that turns you on and is out of the norm.
08/09/2010
Quote:
Wow that's pretty intense! So I guess it isn't truthful to describe Arch as a foot fetishist since he isn't quite THAT fixated. I mean we can have sex with socks on!
Originally posted by
P'Gell
The actual psychological definition of "Fetish" is an object or activity other than "normal" sex (which is up for grabs, I think) that the fetishist CANNOT become aroused or orgasm without having present.
Some guys LIKE ... more
Some guys LIKE ... more
The actual psychological definition of "Fetish" is an object or activity other than "normal" sex (which is up for grabs, I think) that the fetishist CANNOT become aroused or orgasm without having present.
Some guys LIKE high heel shoes. A High Heel Fetish CANNOT get an erection or orgasm UNLESS High Heeled Shoes are in the scene.
Here's the Webster Dictionary definition:
:an object or bodily part whose real or fantasied presence is psychologically necessary for sexual gratification and that is an object of fixation to the extent that it may interfere with complete sexual expression less
Some guys LIKE high heel shoes. A High Heel Fetish CANNOT get an erection or orgasm UNLESS High Heeled Shoes are in the scene.
Here's the Webster Dictionary definition:
:an object or bodily part whose real or fantasied presence is psychologically necessary for sexual gratification and that is an object of fixation to the extent that it may interfere with complete sexual expression less
08/09/2010
i do think it is sexual, can someone give an example of one that is not?
08/12/2010
Non-sexual (technically, because the idea is that whatever a fetish is becomes sexual because it arouses the person) would be something like a smoking fetish.
12/12/2010
Call me a nerd, but here's a psych definition from the DSM V,
"Fetishism was typically operationally
described as persistent preferential sexual arousal in association
with non-living objects, an over-inclusive focus on (typically
non-sexual) body parts (e.g., feet, hands) and body secretions. In
the DSM-III-R, Partialism, an ‘‘exclusive focus on part of the
body,’’was cleaved from Fetishism and added to the Paraphilia
Not Otherwise Specified category. The current literature reviewed
suggests that Partialism and Fetishism are related, can
be co-associated, and are non-exclusive domains of sexual behavior."
Essentially it can be a fixation or obsession for some, while for others it's something they find arousing. I feel like the definition is pretty fluid.
Oh, and here's the source for the above excerpt: link
"Fetishism was typically operationally
described as persistent preferential sexual arousal in association
with non-living objects, an over-inclusive focus on (typically
non-sexual) body parts (e.g., feet, hands) and body secretions. In
the DSM-III-R, Partialism, an ‘‘exclusive focus on part of the
body,’’was cleaved from Fetishism and added to the Paraphilia
Not Otherwise Specified category. The current literature reviewed
suggests that Partialism and Fetishism are related, can
be co-associated, and are non-exclusive domains of sexual behavior."
Essentially it can be a fixation or obsession for some, while for others it's something they find arousing. I feel like the definition is pretty fluid.
Oh, and here's the source for the above excerpt: link
12/12/2010
I think it may depend but for me is something able to turn me on and that might be a little out of the norm.
12/12/2010
Quote:
I've also seen this definition..
Originally posted by
KnK
Call me a nerd, but here's a psych definition from the DSM V,
"Fetishism was typically operationally
described as persistent preferential sexual arousal in association
with non-living objects, an over-inclusive focus on ... more
"Fetishism was typically operationally
described as persistent preferential sexual arousal in association
with non-living objects, an over-inclusive focus on ... more
Call me a nerd, but here's a psych definition from the DSM V,
"Fetishism was typically operationally
described as persistent preferential sexual arousal in association
with non-living objects, an over-inclusive focus on (typically
non-sexual) body parts (e.g., feet, hands) and body secretions. In
the DSM-III-R, Partialism, an ‘‘exclusive focus on part of the
body,’’was cleaved from Fetishism and added to the Paraphilia
Not Otherwise Specified category. The current literature reviewed
suggests that Partialism and Fetishism are related, can
be co-associated, and are non-exclusive domains of sexual behavior."
Essentially it can be a fixation or obsession for some, while for others it's something they find arousing. I feel like the definition is pretty fluid.
Oh, and here's the source for the above excerpt: link less
"Fetishism was typically operationally
described as persistent preferential sexual arousal in association
with non-living objects, an over-inclusive focus on (typically
non-sexual) body parts (e.g., feet, hands) and body secretions. In
the DSM-III-R, Partialism, an ‘‘exclusive focus on part of the
body,’’was cleaved from Fetishism and added to the Paraphilia
Not Otherwise Specified category. The current literature reviewed
suggests that Partialism and Fetishism are related, can
be co-associated, and are non-exclusive domains of sexual behavior."
Essentially it can be a fixation or obsession for some, while for others it's something they find arousing. I feel like the definition is pretty fluid.
Oh, and here's the source for the above excerpt: link less
I do have a problem with it, however.. I think that a fetish, is simply a word society uses for things that most of the general population widely accepts as being "not sexual" when really it probably is or can be very sexual.
I obviously have a foot fetish. I don't think everybody would agree with me but I wouldn't dare go so far as to say that a female feet are "not a sexual object"
Many, many men are borderline obsessed with breasts, correct? Do we say they have a sexual obsession with a non sexual object, a BREAST FETISH? No, we don't..
I can understand the use of a statement like "Bob has a SHOE fetish" because this is not a part of a living body so the word fetish applies here in my opinion.
However, the word fetish shouldn't apply, according to the above definition anyway, when referring to any part of the human body... in my opinion. I guess what I'm saying here is I don't know how really ANY part of the human body can really be considered non sexual. I do understand, though, that something that I see as sexy, such as high heels (a non living "sexual" object), could have the word fetish associated with it.
12/23/2010
What an interesting topic! I've taken many psych classes so I look at it from the whole not-necessarily-sexual point of view.
12/23/2010
In my society anal intercourse is forbiden, I respect that because it is not normal. I also consider anal aex as fetish, may be because it is related to pain rather than enjoinment. My wife likee anal play, but also she respect society judjment and uses only anal toys.
02/12/2011
Quote:
To me a kink is something that arouses me but is not necessarily essential to my being able to get off, whereas a fetish is something that is essential to being able to get off. I don't know if that is clinically accurate, but the distinction works for me.
Originally posted by
Sapphire Pet
Select best answer or (of Course) other and describe.
04/27/2011
Quote:
Yes, exactly. I was going to say the same thing. A fetish (to me) has nothing to do with something being "weird" per se. It is something the person MUST have to be able to get sexual gratification. Not just something "weird" they like to do from time to time, but something they have to have to be aroused.
Originally posted by
P'Gell
The actual psychological definition of "Fetish" is an object or activity other than "normal" sex (which is up for grabs, I think) that the fetishist CANNOT become aroused or orgasm without having present.
Some guys LIKE ... more
Some guys LIKE ... more
The actual psychological definition of "Fetish" is an object or activity other than "normal" sex (which is up for grabs, I think) that the fetishist CANNOT become aroused or orgasm without having present.
Some guys LIKE high heel shoes. A High Heel Fetish CANNOT get an erection or orgasm UNLESS High Heeled Shoes are in the scene.
Here's the Webster Dictionary definition:
:an object or bodily part whose real or fantasied presence is psychologically necessary for sexual gratification and that is an object of fixation to the extent that it may interfere with complete sexual expression less
Some guys LIKE high heel shoes. A High Heel Fetish CANNOT get an erection or orgasm UNLESS High Heeled Shoes are in the scene.
Here's the Webster Dictionary definition:
:an object or bodily part whose real or fantasied presence is psychologically necessary for sexual gratification and that is an object of fixation to the extent that it may interfere with complete sexual expression less
04/27/2011
I see it as something thats a turn on, no matter what it is. Cause I've read even oral sex is a fetish. So I don't think something has to be odd to be considered a fetish. Some are strange and bizarre and then there is also kissing, which is also considered a fetish. Also I think the term fetish could also be used as a obssession. Like people who love shoe shopping, have been said to have a shoe fetish.
05/23/2011
It does not have to be something sexual. The definition of fetish is any object or nongenital part of the body that causes a habitual erotic response or fixation. Sorry, I had to get a little nerdy!
05/28/2011
Quote:
i define it as going against the grain of all that most hold highly
Originally posted by
Sapphire Pet
Select best answer or (of Course) other and describe.
07/31/2011
Quote:
a little of everything
Originally posted by
Sapphire Pet
Select best answer or (of Course) other and describe.
07/31/2011
A fetish can also be defined as something you just really like, sexual connotations or no. However, it's pretty rare for the word to be used in a non-sexual context anymore, so doing so might get you some odd looks.
Nabbed from wikitionary:
fetish (plural fetishes)
1) Something which is believed to possess, contain, or cause spiritual or magical powers; an amulet or a talisman. [from the early 17th c.]
2) Something sexual or nonsexual, such as an object or a part of the body which arouses sexual desire or is necessary for one to reach full sexual satisfaction. [from the early 19th c.]
3) (US) An irrational, or abnormal fixation or preoccupation. [from the 19th c.]
Nabbed from wikitionary:
fetish (plural fetishes)
1) Something which is believed to possess, contain, or cause spiritual or magical powers; an amulet or a talisman. [from the early 17th c.]
2) Something sexual or nonsexual, such as an object or a part of the body which arouses sexual desire or is necessary for one to reach full sexual satisfaction. [from the early 19th c.]
3) (US) An irrational, or abnormal fixation or preoccupation. [from the 19th c.]
07/31/2011
Fetish is something more that is considered taboo. Unfortunately anal still seems taboo by society even though most people do it now.
07/31/2011
All of the above.
07/31/2011
Quote:
Agreed, all of the above... but I would also say obessions with something...
Originally posted by
Lilitu
All of the above.
07/31/2011
Quote:
That's how I understand it to be defined as well. Attraction to objects and body parts that are not essential to procreation, basically. That's kind of weird though, because it would mean that all homo sex is fetishistic which I don't think it is.
Originally posted by
KnK
Call me a nerd, but here's a psych definition from the DSM V,
"Fetishism was typically operationally
described as persistent preferential sexual arousal in association
with non-living objects, an over-inclusive focus on ... more
"Fetishism was typically operationally
described as persistent preferential sexual arousal in association
with non-living objects, an over-inclusive focus on ... more
Call me a nerd, but here's a psych definition from the DSM V,
"Fetishism was typically operationally
described as persistent preferential sexual arousal in association
with non-living objects, an over-inclusive focus on (typically
non-sexual) body parts (e.g., feet, hands) and body secretions. In
the DSM-III-R, Partialism, an ‘‘exclusive focus on part of the
body,’’was cleaved from Fetishism and added to the Paraphilia
Not Otherwise Specified category. The current literature reviewed
suggests that Partialism and Fetishism are related, can
be co-associated, and are non-exclusive domains of sexual behavior."
Essentially it can be a fixation or obsession for some, while for others it's something they find arousing. I feel like the definition is pretty fluid.
Oh, and here's the source for the above excerpt: link less
"Fetishism was typically operationally
described as persistent preferential sexual arousal in association
with non-living objects, an over-inclusive focus on (typically
non-sexual) body parts (e.g., feet, hands) and body secretions. In
the DSM-III-R, Partialism, an ‘‘exclusive focus on part of the
body,’’was cleaved from Fetishism and added to the Paraphilia
Not Otherwise Specified category. The current literature reviewed
suggests that Partialism and Fetishism are related, can
be co-associated, and are non-exclusive domains of sexual behavior."
Essentially it can be a fixation or obsession for some, while for others it's something they find arousing. I feel like the definition is pretty fluid.
Oh, and here's the source for the above excerpt: link less
The olden time definition of a fetish had to do with a magical object. I believe in it in those terms as well. When objects hold special powers they become fetishistic.
08/01/2011
Well, I often need my hand to achieve orgasm. Does that make me a hand fetishist, or just lonely?
08/01/2011
I pretty much agree with what's here, something that's out of the norm, but I don't think you need it for an orgasm, it just helps to have it sometimes. maybe the need is there for some people, we are all pretty different sometimes lol.
08/01/2011
Something that gives you sexual feeling, does not necessarily have to be anything sexual. I do not think that there really is a normal in anything so I disagree with out of the normal.
08/01/2011
I feel that it's means something that you really enjoy more than anything else.
I don't really think it even needs to be a to much of a sexual like. For example, my I think my friend has an eyebrow fetish, she doesn't get off on them or anything, but she's obsessed with her guys having them just the right shape.
I don't really think it even needs to be a to much of a sexual like. For example, my I think my friend has an eyebrow fetish, she doesn't get off on them or anything, but she's obsessed with her guys having them just the right shape.
08/03/2011
link
lol
lol
08/03/2011
Quote:
She's right on the money here.
Originally posted by
P'Gell
The actual psychological definition of "Fetish" is an object or activity other than "normal" sex (which is up for grabs, I think) that the fetishist CANNOT become aroused or orgasm without having present.
Some guys LIKE ... more
Some guys LIKE ... more
The actual psychological definition of "Fetish" is an object or activity other than "normal" sex (which is up for grabs, I think) that the fetishist CANNOT become aroused or orgasm without having present.
Some guys LIKE high heel shoes. A High Heel Fetish CANNOT get an erection or orgasm UNLESS High Heeled Shoes are in the scene.
Here's the Webster Dictionary definition:
:an object or bodily part whose real or fantasied presence is psychologically necessary for sexual gratification and that is an object of fixation to the extent that it may interfere with complete sexual expression less
Some guys LIKE high heel shoes. A High Heel Fetish CANNOT get an erection or orgasm UNLESS High Heeled Shoes are in the scene.
Here's the Webster Dictionary definition:
:an object or bodily part whose real or fantasied presence is psychologically necessary for sexual gratification and that is an object of fixation to the extent that it may interfere with complete sexual expression less
10/24/2011
I would define a fetish as anything that is a requirement for sexual arousal or orgasm. For example if you like anal sex but can get aroused or climax while having and THINKING ABOUT vaginal sex, that is not a fetish. Same for women in high heels or fishnets- if it is not a requirement, I would not consider it a fetish, just a turn on.
10/24/2011
If something is a hardcore fetish they need it to get off.
10/25/2011
Something not necessarily sexual in nature that contributes to, enhances, or causes arousal. Intense fetishes are required for orgasm, not all fetishes are though, they just help a lot.
10/25/2011
i've thought it had something to do with obsession in addition
10/25/2011
Have to love the Kinky
10/26/2011
I think a fetish can be nonsexual. For example, the fetish of watching people eat. That's definitely different but has nothing to do with sex. (Sorry that's the one that came to me) Lol.
11/06/2011
i see some awesome definitions above
02/19/2012
I guess that you could call anal a fetish because it doesn't make babies. I don't think I really fall into that camp of thought though. Yea to me fetishes are about sexualizing objects that aren't necessarily sexual. Huh... in that way anal could be a fetish actually because butt holes are not always sexual. So hard to decide!
02/25/2012
Quote:
All of those fit the definition I think.
Originally posted by
Sapphire Pet
Select best answer or (of Course) other and describe.
02/27/2012
Out of the norm
02/27/2012
Fetish originally means the admiration of material objects...
For example in shamanic cultures and many religions objects are in high respect, like altars, little sculptures/statues around, or even a medal or charm, it pretty much means that you consider them to have "something more inside", some sacrality, deeper meaning, a power, a spirit, or positive energies...
From that comes the term into sexual tastes, pretty much meaning the admiration of material objects, elements, on another level different activities, sights, etc...
For example in shamanic cultures and many religions objects are in high respect, like altars, little sculptures/statues around, or even a medal or charm, it pretty much means that you consider them to have "something more inside", some sacrality, deeper meaning, a power, a spirit, or positive energies...
From that comes the term into sexual tastes, pretty much meaning the admiration of material objects, elements, on another level different activities, sights, etc...
03/01/2012
Out of norm to some.
08/28/2012
I think that the medical definition is useful. However, the word is obviously used more colloquially these days
08/28/2012
Quote:
That's a good example, you phrased this much better than I could've!
Originally posted by
P'Gell
The actual psychological definition of "Fetish" is an object or activity other than "normal" sex (which is up for grabs, I think) that the fetishist CANNOT become aroused or orgasm without having present.
Some guys LIKE ... more
Some guys LIKE ... more
The actual psychological definition of "Fetish" is an object or activity other than "normal" sex (which is up for grabs, I think) that the fetishist CANNOT become aroused or orgasm without having present.
Some guys LIKE high heel shoes. A High Heel Fetish CANNOT get an erection or orgasm UNLESS High Heeled Shoes are in the scene.
Here's the Webster Dictionary definition:
:an object or bodily part whose real or fantasied presence is psychologically necessary for sexual gratification and that is an object of fixation to the extent that it may interfere with complete sexual expression less
Some guys LIKE high heel shoes. A High Heel Fetish CANNOT get an erection or orgasm UNLESS High Heeled Shoes are in the scene.
Here's the Webster Dictionary definition:
:an object or bodily part whose real or fantasied presence is psychologically necessary for sexual gratification and that is an object of fixation to the extent that it may interfere with complete sexual expression less
08/28/2012
Something that is not necessarily sexual, but a turn on.
08/28/2012
i think something that is a real real turn on. some guys like feet i like feet but i dont think i have a foot fetish i wouldnt be worshiping or pay more attention to her feet than her lol
08/28/2012
Quote:
Something that is not necessarily sexual but a turn on.
Originally posted by
Sapphire Pet
Select best answer or (of Course) other and describe.
08/28/2012
Quote:
Technically its not a fetish unless you CANT get off without it. Otherwise its a kink, but the media has made everything into a fetish.
Originally posted by
Sapphire Pet
Select best answer or (of Course) other and describe.
08/29/2012
Total posts: 55
Unique posters: 50