QUEER WORD
PERVERTABLES

Pervertables: Meaning and Definition

Pervertables are everyday objects — usually things found around the house — that can be repurposed for kinky or sexual use.

From wooden spoons to clothes pegs to electric toothbrushes, anything can become a sex toy with a little imagination (and a lot of common sense).

Let’s use it in a sentence:

After another unsuccessful night at the local bar, Jamal returned home determined to find an intimate connection — even if only with a pervertable from his fridge’s vegetable drawer.

Where Did the Term ‘Pervertables’ Come From?

What do a cucumber, a wooden spoon and a handful of clothes pegs have in common? They're all pervertables. Actually, if we're being totally honest, everything (and I do mean everything) is a pervertable.

So, where does this term come from, and just what is a pervertable?

Well, although the exact origin of the word pervertable is a bit of a mystery, the term seems to have first appeared in BDSM circles in the 1990s.

It stems from the word "pervert" - but, rather than being used in an outdated, judgmental way it's applied here as more of a wink wink nudge nudge playful reclamation.

A Very DIY Kind of History

And, what about the concept itself? Where did that come from? Well, that there's a tale as old as time itself - or at least as old as human ingenuity and horniness combined.

I'd say it's safe to assume that our ancestors were turning everyday objects into sexy-time accessories long before someone coined a fun term to describe it.

In fact, my favourite tidbit uncovered through researching this week's word is that, purportedly, Cleopatra (yes, THAT Cleopatra) was the inventor of the world's first vibrator.

Take it all with a huge pinch of salt, but allegedly the Egyptian Queen hollowed out a gourd, filled it with agitated bees, sealed it up, and then... well, you can probably guess the rest.

Historical accuracy aside, it’s undeniably iconic.

Why Pervertables Matter to Queer Culture

I know what you're probably thinking - yes, this is all well and good, but what does the concept of pervertables have to do with the queer experience?

Well, for one, a large proportion of LGBTQ+ folks engage with kink and BDSM culture. But there’s also a deeper — and often overlooked — reason: necessity.

In the pre-internet days, finding queer-friendly sex toys wasn’t easy. Most brick-and-mortar adult shops catered to straight men, with very little consideration for the needs, bodies, or desires of queer people.

So what did we do?

We got inventive.

We opened our kitchen drawers, raided our toolboxes, and experimented. A toothbrush here, a rolling pin there — all tested, tweaked, and reimagined through necessity and curiosity.

And let’s be real: pervertables weren’t just effective. They were also cheap. (And what’s gayer than making something fabulous on a budget?)

From Improv to Industry

Today, the term pervertables has gone mainstream (in kink terms, at least).

You can now find workshops, classes, and even entire social media accounts dedicated to the art of transforming household objects into sex toys. From kitchen utensils to makeup brushes, anything safe and sanitised is fair game.

It’s a celebration of creativity, consent, and community — values at the core of both kink and queer life.

Why the Word Still Matters

I love pervertables not just for what it means, but for what it represents: our ability as queer people to make magic from what we’re given.

We’ve always been good at that — taking scraps, leftovers, or what society tells us is shameful, and turning it into something meaningful, playful, powerful.

We don’t wait for permission. We don’t need specialised tools.
We see potential everywhere — even in a wooden spoon.

Safe Play Is Sexy Play

Before you raid your kitchen drawer: a quick reminder that not all household objects are safe to use as sex toys. Stick to things that are:

• Smooth and non-porous

• Easy to clean

• Not sharp, splintery, or breakable

• Free of electrical danger (unless you really know what you’re doing)

Always use condoms or barriers if needed, and when in doubt, do your research. There’s no shame in getting creative — just keep it consensual and safe (and splinter-free!).

🧰 5 Surprising Pervertables You Might Already Own

Wanna get kinky on a budget? Here are five unexpected household items that can double as pleasure tools - when used safely and thoughtfully, of course.

1. Wooden Spoon – The classic pervertable. Light spanking? Check.

2. Clothes Pegs – Great for gentle nipple play or pressure points.

3. Silk Scarf – Perfect for light restraints or blindfolds.

4. Toothbrush Handle – Textured and tapered (just don’t confuse it with your regular one).

5. Belt – For binding, slapping, or whatever your imagination (and boundaries) allow.

Bonus points for creativity — but remember: if it looks like it belongs in a horror movie, maybe don’t put it in your body.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Pervertables

What are pervertables?

Pervertables are everyday household items that can be safely and consensually repurposed for kinky or sexual use. They’re often used in BDSM play as an alternative to traditional sex toys - think wooden spoons, clothes pegs, or belts.

Where did the term ‘pervertables’ come from?

The origin isn’t entirely clear, but it is believed to have emerged in BDSM communities in the 1990s. It’s used playfully to describe the ingenuity of finding pleasure tools in everyday life.

Are pervertables safe to use?

They can be — if used carefully. Look for items that are non-porous, smooth, easy to clean, and unlikely to break. Avoid anything sharp, splintery, or electrically risky unless you're well-informed and experienced (and even then maybe not).

Why are pervertables popular in queer communities?

Pervertables reflect a long tradition of queer resourcefulness. When queer-friendly toys weren’t available or accessible, many in the LGBTQ+ community got creative with what they had at home. It’s kink, DIY-style — with a dose of cultural history.

Can anyone use pervertables?

Absolutely. While the term has roots in queer kink culture, pervertables are for anyone interested in safe, consensual, creative play. Just remember: informed consent and hygiene come first.