Language
The Lexicon
The Lexicon preserves the language of the Lifestyle — its words, concepts and traditions. It records meaning; it never prescribes practice. Where usage varies between Houses or lineages, each is set down with equal respect.
Alphabetical
Entries beginning with N
Naka Tradition
A modern Japanese rope lineage associated with the teaching of Akechi Denki and his student Naka Akira.
History
Natural Fibre Rope
Rope made from plant fibres such as jute or hemp, favoured in Japanese-influenced traditions.
Equipment
Natural Response
The spontaneous embodied reactions that arise during instinctive or primal play.
Terminology
Nawa
A Japanese word for rope, used across historical and contemporary rope traditions.
Terminology
Neck Worship
A form of Body Worship focused on the neck, sometimes connected to Collar imagery.
Practices
Negotiation
The conversation in which participants agree on the shape, limits and safety of a scene or relationship.
Communication
Negotiation Area
A designated area within a play venue set aside for negotiation before scenes.
Community
Nerve Safety
The set of considerations by which rope is placed and monitored to avoid nerve injury.
Safety
New Guard
A term for later Leather practice that adapts the older traditions to a more diverse and openly public community.
History
New Relationship Energy
The heightened emotional and erotic charge of a new relationship's early period.
Psychology
NLA
Abbreviation for the National Leather Association — International, a long-standing Leather advocacy and education organisation.
Community
NRE
Abbreviation for the heightened emotional and erotic charge that accompanies a new connection.
Psychology
Nuzzling
Gentle contact of face, muzzle or head area used in primal and animal-role play to signal affection or belonging.
Communication