If you’ve spent time in the world of online sex work—whether you’re a seasoned provider, curious client, or kinky voyeur—you’ve likely come across a bunch of acronyms that sound like a secret code: NP/NC, GFE, PPM, GWA, FSSW, MT, and more.
This blog post is here to demystify some of the most common terms, helping you navigate the language of online (and offline) sex work with clarity, respect, and confidence.
💻 NP/NC – No Pics / No Chat
NP/NC is a boundary many online sex workers use to protect their time and energy. It means no pictures, no chatting—a clear way of saying:
“If you’re not paying, I’m not engaging.”
It sets expectations from the start. NP/NC might appear in a model’s bio, captions, or replies to DMs. It’s a firm but respectful boundary—no freebies, no small talk, no negotiating.
💕 GFE – Girlfriend Experience
GFE, or Girlfriend Experience, is a type of service that mimics an emotionally intimate relationship. Think flirty messages, pet names, voice notes, casual check-ins, even pretend arguments or jealousy. It’s less about the hardcore content and more about connection and fantasy.
GFE can exist in:
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Sexting
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Custom video content
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Voice or video calls
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D/s dynamics with a soft edge
Other similar terms include BFE (Boyfriend Experience) and even NBFE (Nonbinary Friend Experience).
💦 PPM – Pay Per Minute / Meet
PPM has two common meanings depending on context:
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In cam or call services, Pay Per Minute rates set the price for live interactions.
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In in-person or “real-time” work, Pay Per Meet may refer to a flat rate per session.
Either way, it’s about transparent compensation for someone’s time and services.
🔊 GWA – GoneWild Audio
GWA is a niche (and thriving) corner of the internet, especially on Reddit and similar platforms. It stands for GoneWild Audio—a space where creators share erotic audio content, often featuring roleplays, fantasy scenarios, or ASMR-style seductions.
Terms in this space include:
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F4A (female for anyone)
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M4F, NB4NB, etc. (gender-specific listener targets)
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Script Fills (when a VA records a written scenario)
GWA often blurs the line between audio erotica, performance art, and intimacy.
🧠 FSSW – Full-Service Sex Work
FSSW refers to sex work that includes in-person sexual services—whether that’s legal or not depends on local laws. The term is used to distinguish from online-only or non-physical forms of sex work. It’s a useful term within activist and harm reduction communities when discussing safety, rights, and access.
🐾 MT – Mutual Touching
Mutual Touching usually pops up in the context of full-service or sensual massage work. It indicates that both parties can touch each other, rather than one being passive.
This kind of phrasing is often used to clarify boundaries or legalities, particularly in places where certain services fall into grey areas.
🎁 Other Common Terms:
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SESTA/FOSTA – U.S. laws that heavily restricted sex work content online, pushing much of the community to encrypted or adult-specific platforms.
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SW – Short for sex worker.
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SWer – A friendlier, less clinical term for someone who works in the industry.
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Findom – Financial domination, a kink dynamic where someone pays for the privilege of being dominated (often with no sexual interaction at all).
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Drain – In findom, this refers to the act of someone sending money until they feel “drained”—emotionally or financially.
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Tribute – A tip or payment made as a sign of respect or devotion, often required before any further interaction.
🛑 Why Language Matters
Knowing and using the correct terms:
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Respects boundaries
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Reduces entitlement
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Fosters safety
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Improves communication
For clients, it helps you ask for what you want. For workers, it helps you filter who’s worth your time. And for the curious, it’s a reminder that this world—like any other—is full of nuance, consent, and community codes.
Final Thought
Sex work has its own language because it has its own culture—one of survival, creativity, desire, and resilience. If you’re entering these spaces (especially as a client or ally), take time to listen, learn, and honour the work being done.
Because these aren’t just acronyms—they’re boundaries. They’re offerings. They’re the scaffolding for a deeply personal kind of labour.
And they deserve to be understood.