so . . . do we need to address gender inequalities in masturbation?

[Mitchy1nge]

(I think so, because the idea that the female orgasm is somehow incidental/irrelevant continues to prevail within a few of my friends' sexual expectations at least)

[MechanicalTheatre]

This is something that's been on my mind recently too. The other day, me and a friend were trying to explain the difference between "wank" and "handjob" to an Italian friend (helpful friends that we are!)

The Italian woman said "and is it the same word when you're talking about women?"

The other friend said "well...but women don't really do that do they?"

I was to be honest. She is only 21/22 and I thought women her age were a lot more open about stuff like that these days, but obviously not!

[Mitchy1nge]

oh I'm learning Italian, any helpful masturbatory vocab to share?

[Mitchy1nge]

it was a young woman (17ish?) who was all at idea that girls could masturbate at all

she also thought that when the man came it meant sex had ended, that was it

[vamosbebe]

I have a friend who doesn't masterbate. I don't know what state I'd be in without a jolly good gusset-type on a regular basis.
It was something to be very embarassed about and unspoek when I was at (all girls) school, very shameful. But that was the mid-80s, then I saw 9 1/2 Weeks when I was 14 and have cared very little about other's opinions on the matter since!
I'm a wanker and I'm proud

[vamosbebe]

unspoek = unspoken

[PretzelTime]

The Italian woman said "and is it the same word when you're talking about women?"

Well, is it? I never hear wanking used to describe female masturbation only on mumsnet or women getting handjobs. Is that because of the taboo surrounding female sexuality or is it because there are other better words that people use?

[FarelyKnuts]

Well unless I.am doing it wrong there is very little wanking involved in masturbation for women surely? I am not pulling at anything :o
I think there is possibly a lack of commonly used slang for female masturbation as there is for male. I don't think that equates to it not actually happening however?

[Mitchy1nge]

well I have stealthy diddles

and longer more luxurious interludes with myself

but otherwise wanking is the most widely known word for self love isn't it?

[HairyHandedTrucker]

Well, is it? I never hear wanking used to describe female masturbation only on mumsnet or women getting handjobs. Is that because of the taboo surrounding female sexuality or is it because there are other better words that people use?

I just don't think wanking sounds right for a woman masturbating, I kind of hear a frantic fap fap fap sound when I think about the word.

I say "fingering", for masturbation or female getting a hand job.