This post is part of an effort to provide a glossary for novice submissives of words commonly seen on this site and in the BDSM community.

Mr. Samsonite. Every group has one; you know, the guy who can't show up to the play party without enough luggage to go on a two-week European tour? He puts on his little kid gloves and unpacks his embarrassment of kinky riches, and by the time he gets them all out, the party is halfway over. We all know this dominant, and his precise, measured method of play. It's fine if it works for him. However, what if Mr. Mechanical isn't what gets your juices flowing? Many slaves and submissives enjoy a more hands-on approach to play, and no expensive tools or toys are required.You were born with all the kink toys you need for playing primal: teeth, nails, hair, and skin.

Pure and abject submission isn't what's called for here; the dominant who prefers primal play wants to fight. Primal play may be your perfect fit if you're the bratty sub who yearns to be overwhelmed, conquered and forced to submit to a stronger, more powerful dominant.

A primal play scene may look like wrestling or even martial arts. There may be pressure points involved and even rope bondage, but the thing that sets primal play apart from other types is raw, emotional, sexual feelings displayed. All of the labels, roles, and protocols go out the window during primal play, and the bottom can become a snarling, growling, clawing animal hell-bent on getting away. More sensual types of primal play can look like two animals greeting each other. The top can sniff the submissive, growl in her ear, pull her hair back and bite her neck while holding her immobile.

One caveat: if you're going to do some of the more edgy types of primal play in a public play space, be sure to let the DM's know what it is you are doing. Primal play is just that...primal, and it can be disturbing to observers who may not be familiar with the concept of an s-type actually fighting back in earnest.

References

Primal Play - The Animal Within (FetLife Group)