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Sadism- The "S" in S and M Bondage

By Ramon Johnson, About.com

Definition:
Sadism, or the "s" in s and m bondage, is deriving pleasure by inflicting pain on or humiliating another.

The word sadism is believed to be named after the 19th century Frenchman, Marquis de Sade, whose books "Justine" and "120 days of Sodom" caused public outcry for their depiction of torture and pain.

Sadism is by no means an activity exclusive to gay men; however some gay men enjoy sadistic role plays to varying degrees, from simple nipple play to being blindfolds.
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