A primal is someone who enjoys primal play or identifies as having a primal fetish. People with a primal fetish tend to act like one or more animals they identify closely with when they’re involved with someone sexually. A primal fetish is a desire or preference for sexual activity that allows the participants to connect with their most animalistic or primal selves. It is a style of BDSM that focuses on raw feelings and actions that are evoked by natural impulses and urges.

Primal sex is a kink characterized by becoming more animalistic and intense during sex. Some things a primal might do include scratching, biting, hair-pulling, vocalizing with grunts and growls, wrestling, and using force and strength with their partner. Primals release themselves from the inhibitions of our world to allow themselves a headspace that is instinctual and reactive to their base impulses and desires.

In a general BDSM sense, Primals can identify as dominants or submissives but may choose to use alternate terms, such as hunter and prey. Anyone can participate in any role in primal play, it is not limited by gender or sexual orientation. Some primals may associate themselves with animals, such as wolves or bears.

Because of its animalistic nature, primal play often involves a heightened use of senses. A primal scene may resemble a hunt or a mating ritual, where listening and scent are crucial to finding and connecting with a potential sex partner. As it is a form of power play, primal sex can often be rough, so it is considered edgeplay in the BDSM community.