Doctor explains why bizarre bedroom trend 'sploshing' is becoming extremely popular with couples

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By Phoebe Egoroff

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Sploshing, a term that might sound unusual to some, refers to a particular fetish involving the use of food and drink in intimate settings.

While erotic fantasies and kinks come in many forms, sploshing falls under the category of “wet and messy fetishism,” where couples incorporate this one odd thing into their activities for pleasure.

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The practice is far from new, having gained recognition in the late 1980s through the now-defunct adults’ magazine Splosh!, which ran until 2001 and dedicated entire issues to exploring the fetish.

Though the publication is long gone, interest in sploshing continues, especially on platforms like Reddit and TikTok, where it’s often openly discussed.

The idea of combining sex with food may seem impractical, particularly when considering the aftermath of cleaning sticky or staining foods from bedding and furniture. Yet, for many who engage in it, the appeal outweighs the inconvenience.

Certified sexologist and kink specialist Tiffany K. Chan told PopSugar that there are psychological explanations for why sploshing resonates with so many people. One theory, known as “messy play theory,” suggests the kink may have roots in childhood joy from tactile, messy activities, with those pleasurable sensations later evolving into a sexual context.


Another explanation, Dr. Chan noted, involves an element of rebellion. In societies that prize cleanliness, order, and restraint, deliberately embracing disorder in an intimate setting can feel thrilling and transgressive. It’s not just about the mess, but about the liberation from rules and the permission to engage in something “naughty.” This sense of play and defiance can add an extra layer of excitement for participants.

Ayesha Hussain, co-creator of Pass The Porn and founder of The Violet, offered a complementary perspective, highlighting the natural sensuality of the mouth.

She pointed out that the mouth is a moist, opening vessel that changes during arousal, becoming more lubricated and responsive. In sploshing, food and drink can heighten this intimacy, combining taste, scent, and texture in a deeply sensual way.

For couples curious about trying sploshing, Hussain stressed its accessibility. There’s no strict rulebook; it could involve anything from spaghetti to chocolate, cucumbers, whipped cream, or even beverages.

The key, she said, is to focus on the sensory experience: watch every movement, savour every taste and smell, and build intimacy from there. The practice can be as playful or as erotic as participants wish, depending on their comfort levels.

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While sploshing won’t appeal to everyone, for those who enjoy sensory play and breaking away from conventional norms, it offers a unique and immersive way to explore intimacy.

Just remember, after indulging in the experience, it’s probably wise to have the washing machine ready; passion may be fleeting, but stains can linger.

Featured image credit: FlashPop / Getty Images.