Lesser-Known Kinks That Are Definitely Worth Trying

Want to give something new a try? You can experiment with some lesser-known kinks that our experts lead you through.

The kink community is a dynamic, multifaceted environment that spans a wide range. Therefore, regardless of where you are on your journey to pleasure, there is something for everyone. Kink includes a plethora of activities and dynamics, ranging from mild ways to explore your sensuality to more severe types of play like BDSM. There's always a spot for you, regardless of whether you're just getting started (believe us, the water's fantastic) or fully entrenched in the lifestyle.

There are many well-known and popular fetishes, such as bondage, spanking, and feet, to mention a few. Maybe you've tried these more conventional kinks and want to try something a little different. Or perhaps you've heard of these kinks, but you're not attracted to or inspired by them. You're trying to find something that will catch your attention, which is a bit more niche or less popular.

Fortunately, there is always more to learn and explore in the world of kinks, including some of the more "off the beaten path" kinks. These are ideal for people who are growing a bit tired of their usual play or who wish to explore the gray area between sexual activities that are a little too strong and those that are bordering on vanilla.

We'll look into lesser-known kinks to put on your bucket list here.

What is a kink?

Kiana Reeves, Chief Education Officer of Foria, claims that although the term "kink" is sometimes stigmatized or associated with negativity, practically everyone who engages in sexual activity has some form of kink. The question is whether or not they choose to investigate it.

Reeves tells Kinkly that "the definition of kink is really different for everyone, because what might be one person's kink won't mean the same thing to someone else." In essence, it can be described as a pleasure-seeking idea or behavior that you don't usually engage in daily, that you may personally view as a little more taboo or unconventional, or something you have never engaged in before, and may ordinarily suppress your desire for.

This is simply one more illustration of the diverse range of kink. To an extremist, such as a sadist or a hedonist, for instance, anything that could seem prohibited to someone just starting in the world might seem primitive. Ultimately, diversifying your sexual repertoire to include quirks that are more uncommon or specialized will appear differently to each individual.

According to Reeves, "we can open up new pathways to pleasure, reignite passion with a partner, and lessen societal stigmas by being open, discovering our kinks, and honoring them – provided they are safe, legal, and consensual."

Kink vs. Fetish

It's important to note that a kink and a fetish are not the same thing.

The general term "kink" refers to a broad range of sexual behaviors. Depending on who you ask, kinky might include everything from using sex toys in your romantic relationship to engaging in a threesome or having sex in odd positions. Conversely, anything that isn't kinky is referred to as "vanilla."

Conversely, a fetish is an erotic obsession with a body part, activity, dynamic, or even an item. If your strong fetish isn't present during a sexual act, you can find it difficult to feel aroused or experience an orgasm. During puberty, many fetishists come to recognize this aspect of themselves; some even develop many fetishes.

Once considered taboo, most fetishes are now regularly tolerated in sex-positive societies and settings. Fetishes, however, can be dangerous or even excessive. A fetish-friendly psychotherapist is the best person to consult in such a situation.

Sometimes it's difficult to tell if your sexual interest is a kink or a fetish. Generally speaking, you can classify spanking as kink if you find it enjoyable and erotically satisfying. But it's a fetish if you can't get an orgasm without getting spanked.

Different Types of Kinks You Might Not Have Heard Of 

Sploshing

Splashing, often known as "wet and messy" (WAM), refers to sexual acts in which untidy substances are splattered all over the body. Food goods are the most frequently employed substances in this slick deed. Consider: cake, chocolate sauce, whipped cream, or seasonings. Sploshers enjoy the sensation of slickness that comes from having liquids or goo rubbed over their skin and seeing their partner or partners get a little sloppy.

To try it: It may be easier to begin with snacks and sauces you enjoy, even if some people use mud or soil for their sploshing practice. The options are endless, ranging from barbecue sauce to honey. Consider smearing or dripping food across your partner's genitalia, collarbone, or navel. When sploshing, don't underuse your erogenous zones.  

Mirror Kink

Have you ever looked in the closest mirror and seen yourself and a lover engaging in sexual activity? Did it arouse you? This is called a mirror kink, and it has a lot to do with exhibitionism, which is the practice of getting sex while being observed.

To try it: Put on a show for your spouse and yourself while standing in front of a reflective surface—it doesn't have to be a mirror. By bending over the bathroom counter to use a vanity mirror, you can turn a hot shower into sex and embrace some spontaneity. Warning: When used alone, a mirror kink can be equally alluring.

Ritual Kink

"Creating a shared or personal ritual that integrates aspects of BDSM is what ritual kink entails," says Joni Ogle, LCSW, CSAT. "This might be a specific style of dressing, setting up the area, or a series of actions that heighten the psychological rush of control and submission."

Service submissives, who enjoy helping their dominant, especially with household chores, may find ritual kinks particularly appealing.

To try it: Rituals based on BDSM can take many different shapes. Sexual demands, such as having the submissive kneel before the dominant's bed to perform oral hygiene in the morning, and lifestyle demands, like having the submissive put out the dominant's clothing each night, are examples of these.

Your rituals may frequently rely on kinks that already exist. Weekly maintenance spankings could become a routine between you and your lover if you're a certified spanko. Make decisions about what becomes ceremonial in your home based on your own erotic preferences.

Sensation Play

You could become hot or chilly from this kink. Using things with different temperatures or textures to caress, stimulate, or tease your spouse is known as sensation play. This is especially true when you're trying to entice their genitalia or erogenous zones.

Dr. Farhan Malik, MD, tells Kinkly that "the contrast of hot and cold, soft and scratchy, can be intensely arousing." "The secret is to begin gently and gradually increase feelings. The complexities this offers in terms of closeness, arousal, and surprise have thrilled a lot of my clients. It's a lesser-known but highly suggested kink to experience because of the variety and freshness of sensations it can produce.

To try it: Dr. Malik suggests using commonplace objects, such as "feathers, ice, wax, and velvet to name a few," to stimulate your partner's or your own body. Bondage and/or a blindfold can be used to spice this one up while keeping permission and trust at the forefront. This way, your partner is left at your mercy and has no idea what will happen.

Praise Kink

What is a praise kink, exactly? You're pretty skilled at asking. When their lover appreciates them, a praise kinkster gets a buzz. You might want to lean in more if you're immediately put in an orgasmic state when you hear things like "you took that so well" or "you're doing so a good job."

To try it: Talk to your partner about your feelings when they praise you. What makes you feel better—physical compliments like "Your body is so fucking amazing" or more sentimental ones like "I'm so proud of you"?

When you talk to your partner, keep your "no-go's" in mind. For instance, you may want to brake on a compliment like "good girl" if you don't want embarrassment or age regression in the bedroom.

After you and your lover agree, relax and enjoy the praise.

Edging

Sexual arousal that ends just short of an orgasm is known as "edging." Edging, which is sometimes linked to delayed gratification, can prolong your sexual pleasure or swiftly turn into delicious pain as you're repeatedly denied and brought to the brink of "the Big O."

To try it: When it comes to edging, you can depend on your favorite method of stimulation, be it your partner's or your fingers, a lover's tongue, or your favorite sex toy. As soon as you sense that you are about to experience an orgasm, try edging alone by self-denial. Alternatively, give your partner the power by alerting them when you're getting close and letting them decide whether to continue the stimulation or not, which will likely leave you craving more.

Sensory Deprivation

According to Ogle, sensory deprivation is the only thing to search for in the realm of rarely used kinks.

She explains to Kinkly that "this kink allows beginners to dip their toes into BDSM with minimal equipment and risk by restricting one or more senses to heighten others."

To try it: Simply blindfolding one partner during play or clapping on some noise-canceling headphones before you have your way with them are two ways to practice sensory deprivation, according to Ogle. Try denying the submissive partner many senses at once as both parties get more accustomed to it. You may do this by using handcuffs and a gag, for instance.

E-Stimulation

Prepare to have your expectations blown if you previously believed that your sexual life was electric. The use of electric impulses during intercourse is known as electrostimulation. This is mainly accomplished by using electrosex devices, which are designed especially for sex and have a controlled, body-safe electric capacity. These quick, tiny pleasure products offer a variety of sensations, ranging from a jump that makes your spine tingle to a tickle.

To try it: Audiences that prefer a little pleasure with their agony will find electrosex sensations particularly intriguing, as they can be ecstatic. Purchasing a reliable sex item that safely channels electric currents into particular body parts is the first step in sampling this specific fetish. There are several choices available, including chastity cages, vibrators, dildos, and electrosex harnesses.

You can utilize an established liking for a specific kind of toy to guide your route, but make sure you've done your research. And before you strap a partner up and let it rip, thoroughly read the directions.

Claustrophobia

According to Reeves, who defines a claustrophobia fetish as "being turned on by enclosed, cramped, or confined spaces," this is one of his favorites, such as smaller spaces in your home, the bathtub/shower, or even closets.

To try it: Reeves tells Kinkly that for those who like it, it can lead to discovering new positions while triggering new feelings and desires, even generating a sense of urgency that can intensify the heat.

Start with an approachable, secure, and unthreatening area, like the closet in your bedroom. Using your hand or your preferred vibrator, climb inside and experience the thrill of being confined. If you are attempting claustrophobia play with a partner, you can also have one person use tight bondage to create the appearance of a small area.

Voyeurism

According to Reeves, a voyeur is someone who enjoys watching their spouse have sex or engage in pleasurable activities with another person.

To try it: "You can honor this kink by watching someone masturbate, touching themselves, just getting naked, using a sex toy, or having sex with someone else," says Reeves. Once more, confirm that everyone has given their permission to be seen or to engage in any sexual activity. If you're including a third party, ensure everyone has established clear guidelines about what they're comfortable with.

The Bottom Line

Your current kink preferences may differ from those of a friend, neighbor, or even a romantic partner. Each person can explore and enjoy their own wants thanks to the kink spectrum's inclusivity. There's always space to develop and find what makes you happy, regardless of whether you're attracted to more mainstream kinks or specialized hobbies.

Accept your uniqueness, be honest with your partners, and remember that a deeper connection with yourself and more fulfillment might result from consensually embracing your kinks.