frottage

Frottage is a term with dual meanings in art and sexuality. In art, it denotes a technique in which a drawing surface is created by rubbing a pencil or other medium over paper laid on a textured surface, leaving an impression of the texture. In sexual contexts, frottage refers to the act of rubbing one’s genitals against another person’s body to achieve sexual arousal, typically without penetration.

The technique was developed in the 1920s by the artist Max Ernst and became associated with the Surrealist movement. Practitioners place paper over textured objects such as wood grain, fabric, or coins and then rub to produce random patterns that can be developed into drawings or used as catalysts for further imagery. Frottage is related to, but distinct from, grattage, which involves scraping away material from a surface to reveal texture. The approach has influenced subsequent experimental practices in drawing and printmaking, and it is often discussed within the broader context of automatic or subconscious art.

In sexual contexts, frottage can be consensual or non-consensual. Non-consensual frottage is considered sexual assault or harassment in many jurisdictions and is illegal in many settings. When all parties consent and boundaries are respected, frottage may occur as a private sexual activity. Discussions of frottage in psychology or sex education typically emphasize consent, communication, and safety.

Despite its dual usages, the term’s prominence differs by context: it is widely recognized as an art technique and, separately, as a descriptor for a specific sexual behavior.