Meaning of Safe Words & How to Use Them When You're Playing Rough

You know people use safe words but haven't tried it yourself. Why do you even need a safe word? We're going to share the meaning of safe words.

If you're like me when I was younger, then you may not completely understand the meaning of safe words or how to use it. That's okay because that's why I'm here.

Up until a couple of years ago, I never used a safe word. I didn't actually know they existed. In my head, I thought that when you said “stop” it meant to stop. Or when you push someone off of you and say “ouch” that's a decent sign that what just happened caused you negative pain. I was so vanilla back then. I knew very little about the BDSM community and that's actually where the whole concept of a safe word originated.

The meaning of safe words

A safe word is a word that you and your partner choose pre-sex, that either partner can use when they feel that the experience is becoming too much. The minute you say the safe word, all sexual activity stops. The dominant partner stops what they're doing to their partner. It's basically like a sexual time-out.

Having a safe word provides the submissive partner the opportunity to express to their partner if the pain becomes uncomfortable. Of course, if you're dominant, you may not exactly know the strength you have. When you're in the power position, you can get carried away. It happens to everyone.

But now, the concept of a safe word has reached past the BDSM community, making its way into mainstream culture as many couples now have a safe word for when they're in the bedroom. You don't have to be tied to a bed or having wax poured on your back in order to know when you've had enough.

The great part of a safe word is that it allows you to have fun and explore your sexual boundaries while giving you the opportunity to stop at any time. You basically create an exit that gets you out of the situation. Plus, by using a safe word, you're free to say whatever you want, even if it's “that hurt” or “stop.” Because your safe word is usually something non-sexual that you would never use in the bedroom.

But do safe words actually work in real life?

Listen, there are some instances where using a safe word will be difficult. For example, if your partner has gagged you, you're not going to be able to speak properly. Though, just because you cannot verbalize your safe word, doesn't mean you cannot create a gesture which means stop. Many people found different ways to show their safe word when unable to say it.

Now, if you're not into BDSM, that's cool. You can still use it effectively for consent. During sex, sometimes it can get a little rough. For many people, instead of saying stop, they feel uncomfortable and just wait until it's over.

I understand why people do that, they feel bad saying something. But with a safe word, you're nicely telling your partner the boundaries in a way which doesn't make you feel uncomfortable. You don't need to explain anything, you simply say your safe word. They stop. So, yes, a safe word actually does work in real life.

How do you choose your safe word?

Now that you know the meaning of safe words and the reason they exist, you may be curious how to find a safe word. Well, there are a couple things to consider when thinking of a safe word.

#1 Use one word. You don't need a safe word that's going to be two or three words long. You need one short and strong word that indicates to your partner that they're going too far. It's easier not only for you, but also for your partner. You want them to be able to clearly hear and understand the word.

#2 It can be a random word. You do not want your safe word to be something that can be used in the bedroom. In other words, don't make your safe word “yes” or “no” or “spank me.” Choose a word that no one would hear in a sexual encounter and something that sounds so out of place, your partner notices it right away.

#3 Make sure it's easy to pronounce. If you cannot say it properly while you're jogging, then you shouldn't use it as a safe word. Remember, you want your safe word to be easily audible as that's the whole point. Make sure you can clearly say it.

#4 Tell your partner the word. You cannot just have a safe word and not tell your partner the word. You need to tell them the word. Make sure they understand what they need to do once they hear the word. Does it mean that they completely stop? Does it mean they continue but be gentler? You decide and then tell them.

#5 Use a common safe word. There are a couple common safe words that many people use which seem to do the trick. These words follow the suggestions above. So, they're quite effective at what they're supposed to do.

The most common safe words to use

Not feeling inspired to choose a safe word? Don't worry, here are some of the most common safe words people use during sex.

#1 The traffic light system. This is an easy way to alert your partner of what they need to do. You say 'red' to stop, 'yellow' for your partner to slow down, and 'green' for them to keep going. All three words are short and sweet to say, plus, everyone can relate to them easily.

#2 Safe word. This is a great safe word when you simply don't like any of the other safe words, but, can't come up with your own. Safe word is pretty dull, and well, it's very clear as to why you're saying it.

#3 Apple. Well, it's a pretty unsexy word, in general. So, that's probably why it's so popular. If your partner hears 'apple' during sex, they should know it's meant for them to stop.

#4 Vanilla. This is associated with having vanilla, non-kinky sex. If you say vanilla, it's a cute association that you want your partner to ease up on you and take a gentler route.

#5 Pineapple. I guess this is truly a word you'd never use in the bedroom… unless you're into pineapples. If so, don't use this as your safe word. But, pineapple is actually an extremely popular safe word as it's highly unlikely that they'll mix it up with anything else.

#6 Unicorn. Yeah, you were probably getting used to all the fruit safe words, but don't get too comfortable just yet! Unicorn is another common safe word. I guess the odds of you seeing one during sex is pretty rare.

#7 Banana. Unless you refer to your partner's penis as a banana, I'm pretty sure this is a good a safe word to use.

See, the meaning of safe words doesn't have to sound serious. You can have fun choosing one and use it in a way that doesn't make you feel uncomfortable when telling your partner that you'd like to stop.