CarnalNation

Okay, first: I have to address the “Ew, gross” response you’re having to someone else’s kink. Can we in this sex-positive, forward-thinking, progressive community please have more respect for other people’s sexual practices than “ew, gross”? Hey, some people like to stick cismen’s penises up their assholes and twats too – and as much as I say privately in my head “ew, gross,” I do NOT say it out loud. I respect other people's choice to do so. YKIOK, as I think Dan Savage used to say – "Your Kink Is OK."

So let’s rephrase your question: "OMG, fascinating! People DO that?! I’ve never heard of it. How is it pleasurable?"

Ahh, much better! I believe that it is pleasurable because it creates a stinging or burning sensation. Having never done this myself, I can’t really speak to why people choose to, I just know some do, and some like it. As far as I know, ginger is not commonly inserted into the “twat;” the asshole is actually way more tolerable to objects like this than the pussy is. Pussies have a much more delicate ph balance. I believe that inserting ginger into a pussy would a) sting like hell and b) leave unpleasant aftereffects. This practice is called “figging” for reasons I have no idea about (but I bet another panelist will explain the etymology), and I believe no, this doesn’t have anything to do with figs.

C’mon folks – let’s build more kink respect into our culture. It’s not weird; it’s different. No more “ew, gross.”

[Editor's Note: It is believed that the term 'fig' or 'figging' is a variation on the term 'feague' or 'feaguing,' which described the historical practice of 'livening up' an old or battered horse to make it more saleable by inserting ginger or a radish into its rectum.]