Top-Bottom
Updated:"Top-bottom" refers to the roles taken by partners during sexual activity, particularly in same-sex relationships, though it can apply to any sexual pairing. A "top" is typically the partner who penetrates or takes a more dominant role, while a "bottom" is the partner who receives penetration or takes a more submissive role. These terms are most commonly used in gay male culture but have expanded to other LGBTQ+ communities and some heterosexual contexts.
Additional Information
It's important to note that these roles are not fixed and many individuals enjoy switching between top and bottom roles, known as being "versatile." The top-bottom dynamic can also extend beyond physical acts to describe power dynamics in relationships or BDSM scenarios. While often associated with anal sex, these terms can apply to various sexual activities and don't necessarily dictate one's overall sexual or relationship preferences.
Examples
In a gay male couple, one partner might say, "I usually prefer to bottom, but I'm open to topping sometimes."
A lesbian couple might use these terms to describe their preferred roles during strap-on play or other sexual activities.