Almost everyone knows the term fetish – but only a few know what it actually is. We clarify.
In everyday life, we often use the term fetish in ignorance and frivolously.
- When a person loves shoes and buys new ones every month, we speak of a shoe fetish.
- Anyone who does sport constantly is considered a movement fetishist.
- And according to some people, people with a pronounced obsession with order also have an order fetish.
Even if these uses alienate the term a little bit from its defined meaning, it is good that we integrate it into our everyday language – because Fetishism is not something to be kept silent about!
Fetish: definition and origin of terms
A fetish is defined as:
- Object that induces sexual arousal.
The term is derived from the Portuguese word "feitiçio" which originally "Magic"means. On their travels to West Africa, Portuguese seafarers came across indigenous peoples who practiced a" religious fetishism ", that is, worshiped objects to which they worshiped magical energy ascribed (similar to taboos or "tapu" in Polynesian). Inspired by this, the meaning of the term in Portuguese arose, which linguistically represents the basis for our sexual fetish.
Fetish and fetishism: definition and examples
Sexual fetishism is a special one Inclination and orientation towards specific objects (the respective fetishes) for sexual arousal. A fetish is thus a stimulus of sexual pleasure and satisfaction.
Fetishes can be both animate and inanimate, and they can also be materials. Examples of typical fetishes are:
In a slightly broader sense, the term fetish can also be used when someone is aroused by certain scenarios or practices. Examples would be:
- Breeding
- Spanking
- Bondage
- Role play (can overlap with uniform fetish)
- SM
The key to fetishism, to distinguish it from non-fetishistic sexual inclinations, is that it independent of a person or is a sex partner. That means: If I have a leather fetish, I don't really care who is standing in front of me in a skin-tight leathersuit – I think it's incredibly hot and I want to let off steam, now and here!
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Fetish: What's perverse about it?
The term "perverse" has a negative connotation for us, although it is actually only "different, deviating from the 'norm'"means – and the same applies to the fetish. Many people do not understand, i.e. cannot understand how one can get wet or get an erection at the sight of a vinyl costume. And therefore fetishism scares some people.
In truth, it only becomes problematic when a person becomes addicted to or dependent on their fetish and she cannot arouse anything or anyone else except for example high heels. As with any addiction and dependence, this usually means that the person affected can no longer fully control their own behavior. It goes without saying that this would also put an extreme strain on a partnership.
Conclusion: a fetish is not a disease!
Anyone who has a fetish and who lives out and satisfies his fetishism to a healthy degree can have normal relationships and live happily as everyone else. What sexually arouses us we cannot influence, or only to a very limited extent. Some are into flower sex, others only come during a quickie and still others don't call something sex if they don't squirt. As long as no one is harmed or forced to do something they do not want, we should not fear, exclude or condemn otherness. In fact, each of us is different – and that's what makes us so strong together.
Are you interested in sex and sexuality? We also! That is why you will find, for example, sex positions for every occasion, tips on how to have multiple orgasms and information about bisexuality. We also explain how spontaneous sex is the most fun, what being demisexual means and what can be behind it if you or your partner don't feel like having sex.
Or do you want to talk to others about your preferences? Then take a look at our community!