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 T
Tail Set
A tail worn by a Human Pony, typically attached at the small of the back or via anchor gear.
Equipment
Tame
Primal-tradition descriptor for a mode of play or state marked by settled, contained embodiment.
Terminology
Tawse
A leather strap divided into tails at its striking end.
Equipment
Temperature Play
The introduction of hot or cold stimuli to the body for sensory effect.
Practices
Tension
The degree and quality of tightness within a rope structure.
Practices
Territorial Behaviour
Patterns of conduct oriented toward the recognition, defence or shared use of a space.
Psychology
Territory
Space claimed, defended or shared by a pack, dynamic or dominant figure within primal contexts.
Terminology
Territory Ritual
Ceremony marking the recognition, dedication or care of a shared space.
Ceremonies
TES
Abbreviation for The Eulenspiegel Society, one of the earliest public BDSM education and support organisations.
Community
The Ladder
The Ladder was the first nationally distributed lesbian magazine in the United States. Published by the Daughters of Bilitis between 1956 and 1972, it became one of the most influential publications in early lesbian history, providing education, visibility, literature, political discussion, and community during a period of widespread social discrimination.
History
Tickling
Sensation play using light, rapid stimulation to produce involuntary response.
Practices
Top
The participant who performs or directs a physical activity in a scene.
Roles
Top Drop
A period of low mood or depletion experienced by a Top after a scene.
Psychology
Topspace
The altered psychological state a Top may enter during a scene.
Psychology
Torinawa
A term for the rope used in Japanese arresting arts, and by extension the practice itself.
History
Total Power Exchange
A power exchange in which authority is granted across the whole of daily life rather than within specific spheres.
Relationships
TPE
Abbreviation for a relationship in which authority is transferred comprehensively and continuously between the parties.
Relationships
Tracking
Primal-play element in which the pursuing participant follows signs, movement or presence of the other.
Practices
Trade
In the Gorean setting, the exchange of goods between cities, castes and merchants, often organised through fairs and caravans.
History
Traffic-Light System
A widely used safeword convention using the colours green, yellow and red.
Communication
Trainer
A participant responsible for the structured education, conditioning or performance training of an animal-role partner.
Roles
Training
The deliberate teaching of a submissive, slave or protégé over time.
Practices
Transition
The moment or process of moving from one tie or position to another.
Practices
Trust
The mutual reliance between participants that underwrites animal-role practice.
Psychology
Trust in Authority
Considered confidence placed in the judgement and care of the leading party.
Psychology
TTWD
Community shorthand equivalent in spirit to WIITWD — a discreet umbrella for the range of consensual Lifestyle practices.
Community