The Evolution and Meaning of Pegging: Unpacking this Popular LGBTQ+ Term

In recent years, the term 'pegging' has gained widespread recognition within LGBTQ+ circles and beyond. However, its origins are rooted in a specific context that predates mainstream acceptance.

According to sex advice columnist Dan Savage, pegging refers to an act of anal penetration where one partner (usually female-identified) uses a strap-on dildo on their partner. This definition was first included in the Urban Dictionary's top entries and has since become synonymous with this particular form of anal play within LGBTQ+ communities.

However, beyond its specific meaning within these circles, pegging also holds broader connotations that warrant exploration.

The term itself is believed to have originated from a combination of 'peg' - a slang word for penis - and the suffix '-ing,' which denotes an action or process. Thusly, pegging can be understood as the act of using one's phallic object (in this case, typically a strap-on dildo) to penetrate another individual.

Interestingly, beyond its specific LGBTQ+ context, 'pegging' has also been defined more broadly in online dictionaries and lexicons as referring to any form of anal penetration between two individuals. This broader definition acknowledges the fluidity and diversity within sexual practices that transcend traditional gender norms or expectations.

It is essential to note, however, that these definitions are not mutually exclusive; rather, they exist on a spectrum where each individual can choose how closely their own experiences align with one interpretation over another.

Peg urban dictionary