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OTM gag)
A gag is a device designed to prevent speech. This is usually done by blocking the mouth, partially or completely, or attempting to prevent the tongue, lips, or jaw from moving in the normal patterns of speech.
Nowadays, gags are commonly associated with BDSM and kidnapping, specifically kidnapping scenes on television in which the captor gags the damsel in distress to prevent her from screaming for help. In fact, there are people in the BDSM community who are sexually aroused by such seemingly mundane imagery, even if there is no nudity or sexual act present, sometimes going as far as to search video stores and websites for certain scenes. In this case, the gag is seen as more than a speech prevention device.
Safety
Gagging someone is highly risky, as it involves a substantial risk of asphyxia, both from the gag itself, and also from choking or vomiting and being unable to clear the airway. In practice, simple gags do not restrict communication much; however, this means that gags that are effective enough to prevent communication are generally also potentially effective at restricting breathing, and therefore potentially lethal. Gags that prevent communication may also prevent the communication of distress that might otherwise prevent injury or death.
Types of gag
Ball gag
A ball gag is usually made of rubber or silicone in the shape of a sphere with a strap passing through its diameter. Ball gags are used in BDSM activities. In use, the ball is strapped into the mouth behind the teeth, with the straps going around the head to secure it in place.
Ring gag
A ring gag is a similar device to a ball gag, except that the ball is replaced by a hollow ring. This is both safer from the viewpoint of preventing the risk of choking, and also allows access to the mouth.
Bit gag
A bit gag is a gag-like device used in certain human sexual practices. It bears a passing visual resemblance to the bit used in a bridle for a horse, and much of its sexual value stems from fetishistic symbolism in human pony play.
It consists of a bar that is held in place in the wearer's mouth by straps and other hardware. Unlike the metal bit of a horse's bridle, the bar of a bit gag is usually a soft rubber cylinder. It is ineffective as a gag, at least insofar as preventing speech is concerned, although it will make it somewhat more difficult for the wearer to produce coherent speech. Occasionally reins are attached. Because of the possibility of injury to the lips, the bit gag is not really suitable for rough play.
OTM gag
The OTM (which stands for "over-the-mouth") gag is, in theory, a type of gag designed to prevent a bottom from speaking using soft materials like scarves and bandannas. The long scarf or bandanna is pulled over the bottom's mouth and tied at the back of his/her head. Images of OTM gags, usually applied on women, had been prevalent since the television serials from the early 1910s. For this reason, the OTM gag is associated with the typical damsel in distress. It is also sometimes called the "detective gag" because many of its first appearances were in crime serials.
When used for BDSM play, however, the OTM gag is useless in silencing a person. If a bottom states that he/she prefers to be OTM gagged, the top will stuff wads of cloth into the bottom's mouth, then tie the scarf or bandanna over to hold them in. In practice, this works in preventing the bottom from making coherent speech, but also poses a high risk of choking and asphyxia especially during rough play.
A safer variation of the OTM gag is called the cleave gag. Instead of being tied over the bottom's mouth, the scarf is pulled between his/her teeth. A thick scarf is used to hold his/her mouth open, much like a ball gag.
Stuff gag
A stuff gag is very similar and works in the same way as the ball gag. The bottom's mouth is stuffed with handkerchiefs, scarves or bandannas rolled into a ball, acting as a stopper. To lower the chances of choking, the stuff gag is never pushed all the way into the bottom's mouth. Instead, a large part of it hangs out of the mouth, allowing the top to pull it out easily when he/she has to. Sometimes, to further ensure that the gag does not accidentally slip deeper into the bottom's mouth, the top may use a larger gag.
The stuff gag is first seen on television, most notably Chinese period dramas, where it is lambasted by members of the BDSM community. While it works in preventing speech, a person who has been stuff gagged can easily spit it out by pushing it with his/her tongue. However, it is for this reason that the stuff gag is one of the safest gags to use during self bondage, as the person with his/her hands tied can still spit the gag out if he/she feels any kind of discomfort. The risks of asphyxiation and choking are still present for someone who is not careful though.
Tape gag
A tape gag is, as the name suggests, a type of gag that involves the use of sticky tape. The most commonly used types are duct tape, gaffer tape and PVC tape between two to three inches wide. Tape gags are the simplest gags to apply on a bottom, as a top only had to press a strip of tape over the bottom's closed mouth to effectively prevent him/her from speaking. Sometimes a top may decide to use more than one layer of tape, or he/she may even wrap a long strip of tape around the lower part of the bottom's head, covering the latter's mouth while ensuring that the gag will not slip off. On some occasions, a top may add a comical touch to the gag by applying two strips in the form of an 'X'.
Though ball gags and bit gags are preferred during bondage play, tape gags are often used when both are not available. The top may also use tape during a roleplay where a ball gag will be inappropriate; for example, a kidnapper and captive scene that does not immediately lead to sex or kink.
Note: tape gags have the same risks of other gags related to asphyxiation and choking and the inability to call for help in an emergency. No-one should ever be left alone when gaged. You are responsible for your own and your partner's health. See also safe, sane, and consensual.
A "gag" is also a comedian's term for a joke.
The word "gag" is also used as an intransitive verb to describe the feeling of choking. See gag reflex.
The term "gagging writ" is used in law to describe a writ taken out with an intent to prevent speech.
Dentists also use the word "gag" as a technical term for a device used to hold the mouth open, such as a Jennings gag or a Whitehead gag.
A gag order is a court order restricting information or comment by the participants involved in a lawsuit or criminal trial.
See also
ja:ギャグ
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