The terms kink and fetish often seen interchangeable these days, but there is actually a difference between the two. Sensuali is here to untangle the web and shed some light on the playful world of human desires.

What’s the difference between kink and fetish?

The main difference between kink and fetish lies in the level of specificity and intensity. Kinks are broader, fetishes are more specific and more intense.

Kink vs. fetish

A kink can be any type of fantasy, of varied intensity that gets you off. Your kink might be something ultra hardcore, but your kink might also might be something as light as slow French kissing.  A kink is basically another word for something you find sexy. It can be casual.

A fetish, less so. A fetish is a strong craving for a very particular and often obscure thing. A fetish is more intense and more focused. If you have a fetish, you’re more likely to keep returning to that specific thing in order to get yourself off. It’s something you feel you need, more than you even want.

 

Kinks are what excite us

Everyone has a kink. A kink is anything that you find exciting, and we all of course tend to find at least one thing exciting. The term kink is less intense than people might imagine. It’s simply means the specific thing(s) or concept(s) that excite you.

 

Fetishes are what obsess us 

Now, let’s talk fetish.  They’re those super-specific and unique things that turn you on like nothing else. These are often deeply ingrained desires that revolve around particular objects, materials, body parts, or scenarios, take a smoking fetish for example. Fetishes are usually more psychological- we often find our fetish goes way back, born from something in our childhood.

Can I have a foot kink rather than a fetish?

Does using the term kink or fetish depend on the subject of the fantasy? No! Everyone’s heard of a foot fetish, but a foot kink is can totally be a thing. A fetish is simply the stronger version of a kink. Foot fetish is a common fetish, but those of us less obsessed with feet can still appreciate the sex appeal of a foot. We might not be as focused on feet, but we still can see the arousal- that’s what a foot kink looks like!

 

Kink, fetish? Consent!

In this journey of discovery, it’s crucial to remember that whatever floats your boat is all good, as long as it’s consensual and respectful. Communication is the magical ingredient here. Always have open and honest conversations with your partner(s), and if they don’t know the difference between kink and fetish, share your newfound knowledge! Enjoy exploring the many shades of pleasure!

 

Discover your kink or unleash your fetish today on Sensuali. 

Educational
fetish
Kink
Sensuali Defines
Iso

Iso

Author

Iso is a writer and filmmaker based in East London. She is passionate about all things erotic and leads a sexy, shame-free life in hope that she can inspire others to do the same. Originally from a Northern seaside town, she is naturally drawn to the best things in life: candyfloss, trashy karaoke bars and heart-shaped sunglasses.


Discover related Experiences

Watersports

Watersports

Watersports

Sometimes self-care is asking to be urinated on.

Explore similar articles

Sensual Domination: The Healing Kink The World Needs Right Now

Sensual Domination: The Healing Kink The World Needs Right Now

Jules
Posted by Jules

Thursday 13 April 2023

It’s time for the collective consciousness to switch gears from pain-focused BDSM to sensual dominance. Mankind is in crisis and needs healing. Sensual dominance offers a solution.

The star of sploshing: introducing Splosh Muffin 

The star of sploshing: introducing Splosh Muffin 

Iso
Posted by Iso

Friday 5 January 2024

Sensuali sat down with Megan aka Splosh Muffin to talk all things sploshy. She explained her journey into the world, the other kinks that can intertwine with sploshing and her personal dream sploshing scenario.

Meet quality latex clothing brand, Filth Latex

Meet quality latex clothing brand, Filth Latex

Iso Filth Latex
Co-authored by Iso & Filth Latex

Friday 10 May 2024

Looking for latex that is uniquely designed, top quality, and most importantly, made with true passion? We chatted with Stuart, founder of Amsterdam-based clothing company, Filth Latex, who has dreams to become the best made latex manufacturer on the market.

Black and Blue: a story on spanking

Black and Blue: a story on spanking

Pimenta Cítrica
Posted by Pimenta Cítrica

Wednesday 24 July 2024

'He told me to lift up my skirt and slid down my thong all the way to my knees.' To celebrate world BDSM day, Berlin-based erotic writer, Pimenta Cítrica shares a short and spicy spanking story.

A 3 minute guide to starting your kink journey

A 3 minute guide to starting your kink journey

Drew
Posted by Drew

Thursday 18 April 2024

It's hard to explore your deepest desires if you're still having an internal struggle with accepting them yourself. Here's our quick-start guide to beginning your kink journey.

Bondage: the b in bdsm

Bondage: the b in bdsm

Iso
Posted by Iso

Wednesday 6 September 2023

The B in bdsm stands for bondage. Here's what it actually means.