Why is the term "fetish" used with tickling?

[GQguy]

From dictionary.com
Psychology . any object or nongenital part of the body that causes a habitual erotic response or fixation.

From wikipedia.org
Sexual fetishism, or erotic fetishism, is the sexual arousal a person receives from any physical thing (traditionally, an inanimate object) that is not normally considered sexual in nature. The object of interest is called the fetish, the person a fetishist who has a fetish for that object.

I see many use the term tickle fetish to describe their love of tickling. I don't see why just saying "I like tickling people" wouldn't do the trick. I think the word fetish is a bit strong and conjures up thoughts of grown men wearing diapers and furry costume suits(no offense to those wearing diapers as they read this). The word also gives the impression that arousal is impossible without it. I love tickling...but not that much homey. From the looks of things on the forum many feel "different" because they like tickling. While not using the word fetish won't automatically erase that feeling, I think fewer girlfriends would be freaked out if people refrained from putting tickling + fetish together in a sentence.

I like to tickle pretty girls. Not a fetish. My foot "thing" is another story however.

What do you guys think?

GQ

forgive me if this topic is old!

 

[Carsomyr]

Ah, this question comes up on most of the adult forums I've visited; tickling or otherwise. On some it's even a MAJOR faux pas to use the word, but personally I don't really see the problem. Guess I have a pretty liberal definition of what a fetish is, though, but it's really just a matter of taste. If you don't want to use the word fetish then don't; regardless of what you call your "interest", it won't change in it's nature. 🙂

For me though, I use the word fetish, because I figure tickling is a physical act that normally isn't meant to be perceived as sexual... at least not on the same level as we see it (vanillas can still use tickling to "flirt" and whatnot). A lot of things can be considered fetishes, but since the most extreme ones are the ones that get picked up on by the mainstream when they crack jokes about it or look for "shock material", I guess I can understand why it's easy to relate the word with scat or people wearing gas masks or whatever. I just don't make that connection myself, although I make sure to use the word "kink" instead when I discuss the tickling interest with vanilla friends, simply because I'm aware of the connection some people make.

 

[Myriads]

When alternative sexualities first started coming out of the dark in the 70's one of the first that got attention were foot Fetishists.

In the public mind the word fetish got linked to any specific odd sexual taste. And it's been such since.

Tickling is a Paraphillia. But for the majority of people, they will use the incorrect 'fetish' and only non psychologists really care or know that it's wrong.

Myriads

 

[rhiannon]

In the public mind the word fetish got linked to any specific odd sexual taste. And it's been such since.

This.

Plus, "I like being tickled" would just be wrong in my case. "I get turned on by being tickled" is more like it, and "Fetish" shortens that. People know what it means, but if I used the term "paraphilia" they probably wouldn't know what I am talking about.

 

[dskodj]

This.

Plus, "I like being tickled" would just be wrong in my case. "I get turned on by being tickled" is more like it, and "Fetish" shortens that. People know what it means, but if I used the term "paraphilia" they probably wouldn't know what I am talking about.

what she said...but for me its "i get off on tickling ladies feet helpless" LOL..so fetish is the best word.

 

[Fire_Sprite]

The word "fetish" is a little creepy but it's not inaccurate.

A lot of people here shy away from the word, but I think that just makes it seem worse than it really is.

 

[milagros317]

I never liked the word "fetish" in the first place.
I would just say that I have erotic interests in tickling and in women's bare feet.

 

[Naughty Summer]

From dictionary.com
Psychology . any object or nongenital part of the body that causes a habitual erotic response or fixation.

From wikipedia.org
Sexual fetishism, or erotic fetishism, is the sexual arousal a person receives from any physical thing (traditionally, an inanimate object) that is not normally considered sexual in nature. The object of interest is called the fetish, the person a fetishist who has a fetish for that object.

I see many use the term tickle fetish to describe their love of tickling. I don't see why just saying "I like tickling people" wouldn't do the trick. I think the word fetish is a bit strong and conjures up thoughts of grown men wearing diapers and furry costume suits(no offense to those wearing diapers as they read this). The word also gives the impression that arousal is impossible without it. I love tickling...but not that much homey. From the looks of things on the forum many feel "different" because they like tickling. While not using the word fetish won't automatically erase that feeling, I think fewer girlfriends would be freaked out if people refrained from putting tickling + fetish together in a sentence.

I like to tickle pretty girls. Not a fetish. My foot "thing" is another story however.

What do you guys think?

GQ

forgive me if this topic is old!

Maybe Obsession would be a better word to use than Fetish?

 

[Coda]

I agree that "fetish" is understood to mean "non-mainstream sexual interest" by at least entire communities of people, regardless of its previous dictionary definition. It will probably become a future dictionary definition.

It's only creepy because of the known contexts in which it's used. I like to use "interest" sometimes as well, but I'm also happy to say "fetish" disclaimed with clarification about the non-creepy intent if it seems warranted.

 

[LD_Tickler]

Why? Because it, more than any other noun, effectively describes of our sexual fixation on it. The fact that the technical, dictionary definition refers only to objects doesn't interfere with the thought we mean to communicate when we say "I have a tickling fetish." So that's why.

 

[Smuggy Bear]

When alternative sexualities first started coming out of the dark in the 70's one of the first that got attention were foot Fetishists.

In the public mind the word fetish got linked to any specific odd sexual taste. And it's been such since.

Tickling is a Paraphillia. But for the majority of people, they will use the incorrect 'fetish' and only non psychologists really care or know that it's wrong.

Myriads

I am confused. I thought that, in laymen's terms, a fetish is where something that isn't TYPICALLY thought of as sexy or, sex-related, gets you all hot and bothered (i.e. tickling, feet, spanking, etc.); while paraphilia is where you are so psychologically fixated on an aforesaid fetish to the point where you can receive no sexual gratification (i.e. get it up, get wet, bust a nut, etc.) without the fetish. Did I get that right, or am I mistakenly bass-ackwards?

 

[rhiannon]

If you want to talk definitions, than a fetish is really only linked to objects, it doesn't have anything to do with something not sex-related that makes you horny. That definition is the mainstream definition.

 

[TKL_Rebel]

i just call it my 'kink'

 

[c7_assassin]

Why? Because it, more than any other noun, effectively describes of our sexual fixation on it. The fact that the technical, dictionary definition refers only to objects doesn't interfere with the thought we mean to communicate when we say "I have a tickling fetish." So that's why.

This.

Also, I think clumsy euphemisms make it seem a lot weirder than it is. If someone is freaked out by the word 'fetish,' that just means they need an education.

 

[Myriads]

A fetish is basically being sexually aroused by a specific object. A shoe, Rubber, a Maids outfit, a bare foot. The object of the fetish needs to be present for sexual arousal to happen.

A Paraphillia is being sexually aroused by an activity. Tickling, Spanking, Taking a Shower with your partner, etc.

Fetish was a word that entered popular culture, and became the default for all sexual activities that are 'off the median norm' for the culture. It's wrong, but it's how it is.

Using another term then fetish might make one feel better, but it will jut make it look as if you are hiding/dodging to the average person who hears you. As far as they are concerned you have a fetish.

Myriads

 

[rhiannon]

A Paraphillia is being sexually aroused by an activity. Tickling, Spanking, Taking a Shower with your partner, etc.

Not exactly. It can also be a fixation to an object.

Here is the definition:

A paraphilia is a condition involving sex fetishes where a person's sexual arousal and gratification depend on fantasizing about, and engaging in, sexual behavior that is atypical and extreme. A paraphilia can revolve around a particular sex fetish like an object (e.g., children, animals, underwear) or around a particular sex fetish act (e.g., inflicting pain, exposing oneself).

 

[porcelaindoll2]

This.

Also, I think clumsy euphemisms make it seem a lot weirder than it is. If someone is freaked out by the word 'fetish,' that just means they need an education.

A freaking men!