safewords
Consensual escape phrases
Safewords are prearranged words or signals used during BDSM or rough sex to pause or stop the activity.
Because "no" and "stop" may be part of roleplay, participants establish a neutral word—often something unlikely to arise naturally, like a color or fruit—that unambiguously communicates genuine distress: Red is my safeword.
The singular safeword is more common.
Shared position between parties
- permissionGranted right to act
- autonomyIndependent decision-making capacity
- empowermentGaining authority or confidence
- choiceAct of selecting
assent · boundaries · limits · negotiation · revocation · withdrawal · aftercare · agency
Message-conveying cue
- cueTrigger for action
- codeSymbolic communication system
- stoplightIntersection flow controller
- redPrimary color, warm
yellow · green · verbal · nonverbal · gesture · indicator · alert · announcement
Tight twisted spot
- dungeonSubterranean prison chamber
- sceneDramatic unit or locale
- playRecreation or staged drama
- dominantHaving superior influence
submissive · top · bottom · roleplay · bondage · restraint · impact · sensation
Consistent, predictable performance
- confidenceSelf-assurance or trust
- assuranceFirm promise or certainty
- dependabilityConsistent trustworthy nature
- securityProtection from threat
honesty · respect · vulnerability · openness · mutual · understanding · rapport · reassurance
agreement
Shared position between parties
- permissionGranted right to act
- autonomyIndependent decision-making capacity
- empowermentGaining authority or confidence
choice · assent · boundaries · limits · negotiation · revocation · withdrawal · aftercare · agency · willingness
signal
Message-conveying cue
red · yellow · green · verbal · nonverbal · gesture · indicator · alert · announcement · utterance
kink
Tight twisted spot
dominant · submissive · top · bottom · roleplay · bondage · restraint · impact · sensation · munch
reliability
Consistent, predictable performance
- confidenceSelf-assurance or trust
- assuranceFirm promise or certainty
- dependabilityConsistent trustworthy nature
security · honesty · respect · vulnerability · openness · mutual · understanding · rapport · reassurance · predictability
safewordsgreen light
Authorization to proceed
more · harder · don't stop · begging · encouragement