Glossary
The words, explained
Plain-English definitions of the terms you'll see when shopping for toys and reading about intimacy.
- ABS
- A hard, smooth, non-porous plastic often used for the body or handle of vibrators. Learn more
- Air-pulse (suction) toy
- A toy that surrounds the clitoris with a soft opening and creates gentle pulses of air instead of pressing vibration onto the skin. Learn more
- Aftercare
- The time after intimacy — especially sensory or impact play — spent reconnecting, checking in and looking after each other. Learn more
- Body-safe
- Describes materials that are suitable for intimate contact and can be cleaned thoroughly — typically non-porous materials like silicone, glass, ABS and metal. Learn more
- Bullet vibrator
- A small, focused vibrator, usually used externally. A classic first toy. Learn more
- Cock ring
- A ring worn at the base of the penis that gently slows blood flow, often making erections feel firmer. Vibrating versions stimulate a partner too. Learn more
- Consent
- A clear, willing and ongoing agreement to take part in any intimate activity. It can be withdrawn at any time. Learn more
- Flared base
- A wide base on a toy that stops it slipping too far inside. Essential for any toy used anally. Learn more
- G-spot
- The popular name for a sensitive area on the front wall of the vagina, a few centimetres inside. Experiences vary widely. Learn more
- Glass toy
- A toy made from strong, non-porous toy-grade glass. Smooth, easy to clean and great for temperature play. Learn more
- Impact play
- Light spanking or tapping — with a hand or a paddle — on fleshy areas, always agreed in advance. Learn more
- Non-porous
- A surface with no tiny holes where bacteria can hide, so it can be cleaned thoroughly. Learn more
- Overboxed
- Packed inside a second, plain outer box so nothing on the outside hints at what's inside. Learn more
- Rabbit vibrator
- A vibrator with an internal shaft and a smaller external arm, for internal and external stimulation at once. Learn more
- Remote-controlled toy
- A toy paired with a handheld remote, so a partner can change the intensity or pattern. Learn more
- Safeword
- An agreed word that means stop (often "red") or slow down ("yellow"), used alongside a plain "no". Learn more
- Sensory play
- Changing how touch feels by changing what you notice — for example with a blindfold, soft rope or temperature. Learn more
- Silicone
- A soft, flexible, non-porous material that's the gold standard for most toys. Pair it with water-based lube. Learn more
- TPR / TPE
- Soft, stretchy thermoplastic materials used for rings and sleeves. More porous than silicone, so they need thorough cleaning. Learn more
- Wand vibrator
- A vibrator with a larger rounded head that delivers broad, deep vibration. Great for external use and massage. Learn more
- Water-based lube
- The most versatile lubricant: compatible with silicone toys and latex condoms, and easy to wash off. Learn more