What is a fetish?

Most people have at least one fetish or kink, whether they talk about it or not. According to research by erotic retailer Ann Summers, around 75% of people have at least one sexual fetish or kink.

But what exactly is a fetish?

A sexual fetish, often used interchangeably with the term kink, is sexual arousal linked to an object, body part, material, or activity that isn’t traditionally considered sexual. Feet, latex, bondage, roleplay, and power exchange are some of the best-known examples, but people can develop kinks around almost anything.

Sex experts generally agree that having a fetish isn’t a disorder. It only becomes a concern when it causes significant distress or negatively affects someone’s daily life or relationships.

For creators on Fancentro, fetish content is also one of the fastest-growing niches. Many creators build successful businesses by offering custom fetish videos, private calls, or exclusive content for specific kinks.

For example, fetish model Lexi has shared that she regularly earns around $200 for five minutes of foot worship during private sessions, while her phone calls and custom clips can generate up to $5,000 per week.

Types of Fetishes

Although every kink is different, most fetishes fall into one of three broad categories:

• Body fetishes
• Object fetishes
• Activity or treatment fetishes

Foot, hand, tattoo and hair fetishes are examples of body fetishes.

Shoes, latex and bondage gear fall under object fetishes.

Humiliation, roleplay and domination are examples of activity-based kinks.

A–Z Glossary of Common Fetishes and Kinks

A – Age Play

A form of roleplay where one or both partners pretend to be a different age as part of a consensual scene.

B – Bondage

Bondage involves restraining a partner using ropes, cuffs, tape or other equipment. Some people enjoy being restrained, others enjoy doing the tying, and many enjoy both.

C – Cuckolding

A kink where someone is sexually aroused by the idea or reality of their partner having sex with someone else.

D – Dominance

Part of consensual BDSM power exchange. The dominant partner enjoys taking control, while the submissive partner enjoys giving up control.

E – Electrostimulation

Using low-level electrical stimulation during BDSM play. Only equipment designed specifically for electrosex should be used, as improvised methods can be dangerous.

F – Foot Fetish

One of the most common fetishes. Attraction may focus on the appearance, smell, touch or worship of feet.

G – Gagging

A kink where gagging sounds or the gag reflex become sexually arousing during consensual play.

H – Humiliation

Consensual humiliation can involve teasing, insults or embarrassment as part of a negotiated BDSM scene. Some people enjoy giving it, others receiving it.

I – Impact Play

Impact play includes spanking, paddles, floggers, whips and similar forms of consensual striking during BDSM scenes.

J – Japanese Bondage

Also known as Shibari or Kinbaku, Japanese rope bondage combines artistic rope techniques with BDSM practices.

K – Klismaphilia

Sexual arousal from enemas. While enemas are commonly used for medical purposes, some people include them in their kink play or anal preparation.

L – Latex

A fetish focused on latex clothing, its appearance, texture or smell. It is often associated with rubber or nylon kinks.

M – Masochism

Masochism is sexual pleasure derived from consensual pain, discomfort or intense physical and emotional sensations.

N – Objectum Sexuality

Sexual or romantic attraction towards inanimate objects. Although uncommon, it is a recognised form of attraction.

P – Pregnancy Fetish

Sexual attraction towards pregnancy, pregnant bodies or pregnant partners.

Q – Quirophilia

A fetish centred around hands. Attraction may focus on fingers, nails, strength, softness or other physical features.

R – Roleplay

One of the most popular kinks. Partners take on different characters or scenarios as part of consensual sexual play.

S – Spectrophilia

Sexual attraction involving ghosts, spirits or paranormal encounters.

T – Tentacle Fetish

A fantasy centred around tentacles, often represented in art, animation or fantasy-themed sex toys. As with any fantasy, consent remains essential, and real animals are never involved.

U – Urophilia

Also known as a urine fetish or “golden shower” kink. Sexual arousal involving urine during consensual play.

V – Voyeurism

Sexual pleasure from watching consenting adults engage in sexual activity. Consent from everyone involved is essential.

W – Wax Play

A BDSM activity involving warm wax dripped onto the skin. Special low-temperature massage candles are recommended for safety.

X – Whips

Whips, floggers and similar tools are commonly used during consensual impact play.

Y – Yoni Egg

A smooth egg-shaped object worn inside the vagina, often for pelvic floor exercises. Some people also include it in their kink or wellness practices, although many health claims remain unproven.

Z – Zappers

Another name for electrostimulation wands used in BDSM. These devices deliver controlled electrical sensations designed specifically for consensual play.