When you delve into the world of BDSM (Bondage, Discipline/Dominance/ Sadism/Submission, Masochism), you’ll discover a whole host of safety-related acronyms.
These terms are guiding principles within the BDSM and kink communities, ensuring that activities are safe, consensual, and respectful.
Read on, and you’ll find the common acronyms, SSC, Rack, Prick, CCCC, and FRIES explained and laid bare for you…
SSC – Safe, Sane, Consensual
The foundation principle for beginners exploring BDSM, SSC (Safe, Sane, Consensual), is the cornerstone of BDSM. You’ll need to learn this and always adopt the principle when you engage in any sexual or kink activity.
Let’s start with “SAFE.” When you engage in any kinky activities, you need to play safely. This means minimizing risk by taking the proper precautions.
It’s always a good idea to have a safety kit nearby, containing a mobile phone, a first aid kit, a blanket, and a bottle of water. If you're using restraints such as rope, you’ll also need safety shears or a tool to release your submissive quickly.
Moving onto “SANE.” This denotes that you should always negotiate and agree on the terms of play clearly and rationally. You need to keep this mindset during play, which can be challenging in a heady situation.
Finally, we have “CONSENSUAL.” Every person involved must give informed and enthusiastic consent. You can only do this if you fully understand what the scene entails.
It’s important to remember that consent can be withdrawn at any time. (We’ll talk more about consent when we explore FRIES).
RACK – Risk-Aware, Consensual Kink
Next up, we have RACK (Risk-Aware Consensual Kink). This is a term often favored by more experienced kinksters who are comfortable negotiating risks.
No matter how safety-conscious you are, all BDSM activities carry an inherent level of risk.
You need to acknowledge the risks by being “RISK-AWARE” to avoid problems.
For instance, let’s say you’re going to try fire play (a high-risk BDSM activity for seasoned kinksters).
If you’re new to fire play or looking to improve, you will need a good teacher. Finding a good mentor to teach skills and demonstrate proper techniques is one example of how to manage risk.
Read: Hot & Heavy: Here’s What You Need to Know About Fire Play
Another is to cover all points with your submissive, e.g., do they have illnesses you should be aware of? You’ll also need to consider the setting and your equipment, for instance, is the space sufficient? Do you have all the correct equipment? Are safety precautions in place?
The “CONSENSUAL” part is the same as the “C” in SSC, whereby all parties must be fully aware of the planned scene, understand the risks, and provide enthusiastic consent.
As for “KINK,” that part is easy; it reminds us that we can still enjoy kink, provided it’s consensual and we are fully aware of all the risks.
PRICK – Personal Responsibility in Consensual Kink
Most people will say “Don’t be a prick,” but when it comes to BDSM, the word PRICK (Personal Responsibility in Consensual Kink) is a good one. PRICK reminds us to focus on individual responsibility and self-awareness.
The “PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY” part refers to each person being accountable for their actions. As an individual player, you are responsible for understanding and managing your own risk and participation in play.
As for “INFORMED CONSENT,” this harks back to the “C” in SSC and RACK. Everyone involved should have a good grasp of the scene and be fully informed of the proceedings before entering into play.
CCCC – Caring, Communication, Consent, Caution
The acronym CCCC (Caring, Communication, Consent, Caution) underscores the importance of an emotionally mindful approach to kink.
Any BDSM act can prove intense, and all parties need to be aware of the effect play may have before, during, and after the scene.
Everyone must adopt a “CARING” approach. Even if you’re a Dominant with a stern, no-nonsense persona, you still need to care about the scene, look after the well-being of your submissive, and show compassion. Successful kink play requires trust, mutual respect, and a good emotional connection.
“COMMUNICATION” is another key element. You will need to be able to talk to your partner openly about your desires, expectations, and boundaries. This can be daunting, but without clear communication, you won’t be able to engage in safe play.
I’ve covered the “CONSENT” part a few times now, so hopefully you’re clear on that point. Everyone needs to understand the scene and risks, and must also enthusiastically consent.
Finally, we reach “CAUTION,” which relates to prioritizing safety and well-being throughout play. To exercise caution, ensure the setting is fit for purpose, check that the equipment works, and make sure you know how to use it.
You must also ensure the scene has been fully negotiated and everyone consents. Check in with all parties regularly, too.
FRIES
FRIES (Freely-Given, Reversible, Informed, Enthusiastic, Specific) applies broadly to all forms of sexual consent, not just BDSM. Consent is key, and you should never enter into sexual acts or kink play without obtaining and giving clear consent first.
Consent should be “FREELY GIVEN” without pressure or coercion. No one should be manipulating or strong-arming another person to join in or try anything, be it taking drugs, shoplifting, or giving a blow job.
Consent is also “REVERSIBLE.” Even if a person initially agreed wholeheartedly to participate in sex or a BDSM act, they can change their mind and withdraw consent at any time.
It is also essential that consent is “INFORMED,” so everyone fully understands what the scene will entail and what they are consenting to.
When it comes to sex or BDSM or sex, an imperceptible nod of the head is not enough.
Consent should be “ENTHUSIASTIC” and come from a place of genuine desire. You don’t have to shout it from the rooftops, but if you’re giving consent, make sure you mean it.
Finally, we have “SPECIFIC.” Giving specific consent relates to agreeing to participate in a particular activity or scenario. When negotiating, people need to understand what the consent is for.
There should be no assumption that the person is giving blanket consent for everything and anything.
BDSM should be fun, and always safe
BDSM can provide endless fun, with interesting scenarios and a variety of kinky activities. If you’re going to engage in play, you must understand and apply the frameworks we’ve discussed above.
Your dynamic might lend itself more to one framework than another, but all interactions must be safe, consensual, and respectful.