Total Top
Total Top usually refers to someone who exclusively gives penetration and does not bottom. The term is most common in gay, bi, and MSM communities, where it usually contrasts with total bottom, versatile, and Vers top. In kink contexts, it may also describe someone who prefers to give sensation, direct an activity, perform an act, or take the active role, though topping is not the same thing as dominance.
While a Top may prefer the insertive role but still bottom sometimes, a Total Top usually does not. The “total” part signals exclusivity or a strong identification with the role.
Origins of the Term
Total Top appears to have developed alongside total bottom from older gay leather and BDSM top/bottom language rather than from a single known coinage.
The terms Top and bottom emerged as role descriptors in gay leather culture during the 1950s and in BDSM culture during the following decades. They were used to refer to the person performing or receiving an activity. Gay men later adopted the terms more widely to describe insertive and receptive sexual preferences.
During the 1970s, gay leather and cruising communities also used left- and right-side signals to communicate active and receptive roles. In the hanky code, wearing a particular color on the left generally indicated the Top or active role, while wearing it on the right indicated the bottom or receptive role.
The phrase Total Top was already appearing in gay advertising and personal columns by the 1980s. The phrase continued to appear online profiles, forums, pornography, and hookup apps.
Related Terms
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