New words shouldn’t be a barrier to feeling good. Here’s a plain-language, judgment-free A–Z of the terms you’ll see around the site — materials, lube, anatomy, and the rest — so you can shop and explore with confidence.
A
ABS plastic — A hard, non-porous, body-safe plastic often used for bullets and vibrator cores — hygienic and compatible with any lube.
Aftercare — Checking in on and caring for each other (and tidying up) after intense or kinky play — part of doing it well.
Air-pulse toy — A clitoral toy that uses gentle waves of air pressure for a unique “suction” feeling, rather than direct vibration. clitoral toys →
Anal beads — A string of graduated beads for gradual, rhythmic anal stimulation — always with a ring or flared base to hold on to.
Anal play — Any stimulation of the anus or (for those who have one) the prostate. Comfort comes from lube, patience, and a flared base. the beginner guide →
B
BDSM — An umbrella term for bondage, discipline, dominance/submission and related play. Built on consent, communication and a safeword.
Ben Wa / Kegel balls — Weighted internal balls used for pleasure and to exercise the pelvic-floor muscles.
Body-safe — Materials that are non-porous and free of harmful chemicals — safe for intimate contact. Silicone, glass and stainless steel are the gold standard.
Bondage — Consensual restraint for erotic play. Start light, agree a safeword, keep a quick-release close, and never leave a restrained partner alone.
Borosilicate glass — Body-safe tempered glass — non-porous, works with any lube, and lovely for temperature play. Sturdy, but inspect for chips.
Bullet — A small, discreet vibrator for focused external stimulation — one of the most beginner-friendly toys there is. bullets & eggs →
Butt plug — A tapered toy that stays comfortably in place for a feeling of fullness. Always choose one with a flared base. butt plugs →
C
Clitoris — The primary source of pleasure for most people with a vulva — largely external, and the focus of ticklers and air-pulse toys.
Cock ring — A ring worn at the base to help maintain a firmer, longer erection. Choose stretchy to start, and keep wear time short. cock rings →
Consent — Enthusiastic, ongoing agreement from everyone involved — the foundation of all good sex.
D
Dildo — A non-vibrating toy for penetration, in many shapes and sizes. Body-safe silicone is the easy first choice; size is simply fit. dildos →
E
Edging — Building close to climax then easing off, repeatedly, to intensify the eventual release.
F
Flared base — A wide base on an anal toy that stops it slipping too far in — the one non-negotiable safety feature for anal play.
G
G-spot — A sensitive area on the upper (belly-side) internal wall, reached best with a curved toy and firm, steady pressure. G-spot toys →
H
Harness (strap-on) — A wearable harness that holds a dildo for hands-free, partnered play — for any pairing. Check the dildo fits the ring. strap-ons →
Hybrid lube — A water-and-silicone blend — longer-lasting than water-based, and gentler on silicone toys than pure silicone.
K
Kink — Any consensual play outside the “conventional” — from a blindfold to full BDSM. Yours to define.
N
Nipple clamp — Adjustable clamps that restrict blood flow for sensation — keep sessions short and start loose.
Non-porous — A material with no microscopic holes, so it can’t trap bacteria and can be fully cleaned. The safest choice for anything internal or shared.
O
Oil-based lube — Rich and long-lasting for external massage, but it breaks down latex condoms and some materials — keep it off toys and condoms.
P
Pegging — A person wearing a strap-on penetrating a partner anally — an activity, not an identity, enjoyed by all kinds of couples. the pegging kit →
Perineum — The sensitive area between the genitals and anus — pleasurable externally and a route to the prostate.
Phthalates — Chemical softeners once common in cheap toys, best avoided. Reputable body-safe toys are phthalate-free.
Porous — A material with tiny holes that can harbour bacteria and can’t be fully sanitised. Fine solo or with a condom; avoid sharing.
Prostate — A gland reached a couple of inches in, toward the front of the body — a pleasure point for anyone who has one, of any orientation. the prostate guide →
Q
Quick-release — Hardware or a method to free a restrained partner fast — keep it (or safety scissors) within reach during bondage.
R
Rabbit vibrator — A dual toy with an internal shaft plus an external clitoral arm, for blended stimulation. rabbit vibrators →
S
Safeword — An agreed word that instantly stops play — the backbone of safe, trusting kink.
Sensory play — Heightening the senses — blindfolds, textures, temperature — often by taking one sense away so the others wake up.
Silicone — The most popular body-safe toy material — non-porous, hypoallergenic, warms to the body, easy to clean. Pair with water-based lube.
Silicone-based lube — Long-lasting and water-resistant (great in the shower), but it can degrade silicone toys — use a barrier or a water-based lube instead.
Stainless steel — A non-porous, weighty, temperature-responsive material that’s body-safe and works with any lube.
Stroker / Masturbator — A sleeve-style toy for penis owners. Open-ended cleans easiest; enclosed adds suction. Use plenty of water-based lube. strokers →
T
Temperature play — Warming or cooling a body-safe toy (glass and steel are ideal) for a different kind of sensation. Test on your own skin first.
Toy cleaner — A gentle, body-safe cleaner for before and after use — or mild soap and water. Always dry fully before storing. toy cleaners →
TPE / TPR — A soft, skin-like, budget-friendly material. It’s porous, so use a condom for sharing and clean it thoroughly.
V
Vibrator — A powered toy for internal or external stimulation, in every shape and size. A classic external vibe is the friendliest first toy. vibrators →
W
Wand — A powerful, broad-stimulation toy for external or full-body use — rechargeable models give the strongest, most consistent power. wands →
Water-based lube — The safe all-rounder — compatible with every toy material and condoms, and easy to clean up. Reapply as it dries. how to choose lube →
General educational information, not medical advice.
Beginner-friendly picks
Lovense Max 2 Rechargeable Male Masturbator w/White Case – Clear Sleeve Original price was: $130.00.$119.00Current price is: $119.00.Add to cart- Blush Luxe Beginner Plug Kit – Black$28.99Add to cart
- My 1st Virgin Pussy & Ass Original price was: $69.20.$48.44Current price is: $48.44.Add to cart
- ROMP Piccolo 3 Color 5.5″ Dildo Pegging Kit – Blue$49.99Add to cart
- Cheap Thrills The First Mate – Ivory Original price was: $54.99.$38.49Current price is: $38.49.Add to cart
- Zero Tolerance Intro To Prostate Kit w/Download$43.98Add to cart
Where to go next
- Her First Vibrator Kit — an easy starting point
- All Bundles & Kits — curated sets for every occasion
- More from Learn · Buying Guides
This article is general educational information, not medical advice. Everyone's body is different — if you have pain, a health condition, or specific concerns, please talk to a qualified healthcare provider.