Paraphilia

(From the Greek 'para' παρά = besides and '-philia' φιλία = love)

Paraphilia is the term used to describe sexual fantasies, urges, or behaviors which are less than mainstream. The boundaries are specified by cultural norms, but currently the term generally encompasses such behaviors as exhibitionism, fetishism, frotteurism, masochism, pedophilia, sadism, transvestic fetishism, and voyeurism. In the past, the term carried a negative connotation, but today some paraphilic activities just fall under the category of "kinky" sex.

See Also

• BDSM
• Masochist
• Fetish