There is a lot of information out there about chastity and sometimes it can be difficult to filter through what is real and what is fantasy.  To help you we have put together this handy reference guide of all things chastity, explaining all the terminology and buzzwords.

You will find that there are terms used in the world of chastity which overlap with BDSM terminology as invariably there are elements of the chastity lifestyle which also fall under the umbrella of BDSM.  This is not to say that the two have to exist together, a chastity lifestyle can and often does exist within a relationship where no, or few elements of BDSM are present.

Male Chastity

The concept of a man locking, or being locked, in a chastity cage.  This could be to enhance the intimacy of a relationship, or as part of a sexual power exchange with their partner.

Chastity Cage

The device that is fitted to the penis in order to restrict its ability to have an erection and minimise potential for sexual contact such as masturbation. 

Cobra Cage

A popular type of chastity cage made from ABS characterised by its distinctive mesh design.  Due to being lightweight and strong (as well as not setting off metal detectors!) they have been extremely popular cages these last few years.

Nub Chastity

You will often see cages with 'nub' in the title and this relates to both a design style and sizing of the cage.  Certain cages have become synonymous with this name such as the V4 Nub (found here),  but without limiting the term to that particular cage you will note that it's a very small and stumpy cage design literally meaning "a small lump or protuberance".

Enforced Chastity

So you're in chastity but how willing are you? Whilst of course all reasonable play starts from a point of agreement and consent, many key holders like to exercise power over the wearer of the cage by forcing them to wear it longer than they want or refusing to unlock them when they thought they would be unlocked.  It's an extra layer of spice in a chastity relationship.

Female Led Relationship (FLR)

A Female Led Relationship is a style of relationship where the woman makes all the key decisions and assumes absolute control in the relationship from the every day to the sexual elements of the relationship too.  It is not uncommon for this dynamic to be present in chastity relationships.

Chastity Key-holder

A key holder well... holds your key!  This is a softer option than FLR mentioned above.  A chastity slave may not necessarily be in a relationship but will still require someone to take control of their key.  Keyholders in theory could be a friend, someone they have anything from a casual relationship with to something more serious, or a dedicated key-holder such as a professional mistress or dominant.   In the professional context, they will often take a monthly payment in order to take control of a submissives key.

Dominant

In a BDSM dynamic whether that is play or a relationship, a dominant (Dom, Domme) is the one who takes control.  This has some relevance in chastity play too as chastity cages are often deployed in BDSM play without necessarily becoming a permanent or continuous feature.

Submissive

For every dominant there is a submissive (Sub).  The submissive in the dynamic offers themself to the dominant consensually and often with a great deal of discussion over limits and expectations prior.  This allows the dominant to explore the submissive persons mind and body and together they can create powerful experiences.  Chastity cages are often used in this type of play.

Slave Contract

Generally as part of a broader BDSM agreement, a slave contract outlines  the expectations of the slave setting minimums as well as limits.  These rules must be adhered to by all parties involved.  Within a slave contract chastity rules are often set for things like minimum and maximum time that the slave will be locked in the cage.  Other elements such as if or how they are permitted release or orgasm may also be written into such a contract.

Flat chastity cage

A flat chastity cage is one which doesn't allow any protrusion of the penis from the body and therefore generally taking on a flat look.  These basically don't have any length to them so are suitable only for those with very small genitals or those who have gradually practiced to use smaller and smaller cages.

Negative chastity 

Negative chastity cages take flat chastity cages even further! These actually push the penis further back into the body.  Often popular with feminisation or sissy play, they take away the visual of the male penis.