What is the difference between kink and fetish?

Published : 2023-06-23 15:36:06
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Do you have a hidden kink or fetish that you haven't explored yet? Let's talk about what a kink really is, how to separate a kink from a fetish, and a comprehensive list of some of the most common and popular kinks and fetishes out there.

What is a kink?

Kink is anything that deviates from the "normal" or expected sexual path. It is used to describe things that are of particular sexual curiosity and interest to someone, particularly those things, behaviors, or practices that are outside of normative sexual behavior. The term comes from the Dutch word "kink" referring to a twist or bend in a rope.

Importantly, a kink can be experienced through the realm of fantasy. One does not need to physically fulfill this desire to obtain satisfaction.

Kink vs fetishes.

So what's the difference between a kink and a fetish?

Kink is something that one may or may not include in sexual behavior as a way of increasing pleasure and subjective experience. A fetish is something that primarily defines and is inextricably linked to one's sexual behavior. A fetish is typically focused on an object or part of the body, i.e. latex, leather or feet, while a kink can be an action, sexual act, behavior or even dynamics between partners.

Fetishes are often all-encompassing and the focal point of a person's erotic life. A person with a foot fetish, for example, would not just get extra pleasure from touching, licking, or seeing feet during sex. Instead, they may just want to interact sexually with their feet, to the exclusion of other body parts. These people may not engage in any act of penetration, but still derive sexual gratification from the act.

If in doubt, you can differentiate between the two using this simple test:

Am I excited by a thing or an action?
Do I need to be present to get aroused?
Can I enjoy solo sex without being present?

If the answer to item 2 is yes and item 3 is no, then you have a fetish. On the other hand, if you answered no and yes to items 2 and 3, respectively, then you have a kink.