'Maschalagnia' fetish that focuses on usually unloved body part soars in popularity
Whether it's feet, hair or hands, it seems there's a fetish for just about every body part, and the rise in popularity for the 'maschalagnia' kink proves exactly that.
Simply put, maschalagnia is the sexual attraction to armpits, including licking them or having your own licked.
Ethical porn site Ersties says that 'armpit licking' and 'sweaty armpits' ranked among last year’s most requested fetishes, per the Metro, sitting just behind pegging, feet content, and watersports - AKA 'pee play'.
Sexologist Gigi Engle told the outlet that the fetish often links to 'the salty taste of sweat' and 'the scent of the body odour,' adding that it 'definitely has a tie in with sweat and people who have an interest in bodily secretions of various types'.
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Why do some people find armpits sexy?
Well, according to the expert, for some, it’s about smell. For others, however, it’s power, vulnerability, or sensory overload.
"A domme might force their sub to lick their armpit because it can be degrading," says Gigi, noting the kink often overlaps with BDSM, humiliation, and tickling fetishes.
"There’s the power and vulnerability – you’re tickling someone’s armpits and that person is in a very vulnerable position with their arms raised or tied up, so it’s surrendering control to the dominant partner, which can trigger arousal."
Armpits are also packed with nerve endings, with Gigi explaining: "It’s such a nerve-dense area that even light touches and playful little tickles can feel really intense."
Some people even reportedly orgasm from armpit stimulation alone, while others really enjoy the anticipation.
"If you know the stimulation is coming, you can interpret that as erotic excitement," Gigi added.
The science behind the sweat
Clinical psychotherapist Dipti Tait says that body odour can genuinely affect attraction.
A survey cited by the Metro also found 59% of daters said body odour can be a turn-on, thanks to the mix of pheromones and natural scent linked to attraction.
"While it may not sound particularly appealing, body odour can influence sexual attraction. However, it’s not just any old scent that does the trick," Tait explained.
"Rather, it’s the unique combination of pheromones and other odoriferous compounds exuded by our bodies that can elicit a primal response in potential partners."
Tait added: "There’s also a lot of overlap with tickling fetishes — people who are interested in being tickled or tickling someone — because armpits are a sensitive area for that."
'It's a primal thing, I can't help myself'
Like most modern kinks, this one found its audience online.
Forums, porn sites and Reddit threads have normalised armpit play and helped people feel less embarrassed about it.
"Once people find community, they find more value, and they’re able to feel less shame about their fetish," Gigi explained.
The proof is clearly in the pudding as one Redditor penned on r/TooAfraidToAsk: "I am a guy, and I have an armpit fetish. My preferred armpits are hairy and sweaty armpits on women.
"Idk why, but something about the natural BO smell (nothing too crazy) of a woman turns me on. I like licking and smelling them, and I fantasise about mine getting the same treatment as well. Do women find it weird, or is it normal?"
'It's like an aphrodisiac'
A female Redditor then responded: "Female here, I’ve always loved to bury my face in my boyfriend's armpits and sniff as hard as I can. It's like a primal thing, and I can't help myself."
And a third chimed in: "I like it when they’re clean with a hint of their own natural scent mixed in. It’s like an aphrodisiac to me."
As for how to engage in pit play safely? Gigi's advice is simple: 'Start slow' and communicate clearly.
That means discussing boundaries, getting consent, and figuring out what’s actually appealing about it before diving in, quite literally, face-first.
She suggests beginning with 'very light kisses and touches' before trying more intense stimulation, teasing, or bondage play.
And, as with any BDSM-adjacent kink: "Most importantly, respect people’s comfort zones and come up with a safe word."
Topics: Sex and Relationships, Life, Explained
Rhiannon Ingle