Slave is a term often used in BDSM to conote a specific form of submissive. Such a person could also be a masochist or "bottom", but this is not always the case.
Connotatively it refers to very involved D/s relationships; a person who has surrendered their personal property and freedoms to another, who has become the property or chattel of their owner(s). This term is widely used, as it has a certain self-affirming weight. The difference between submissive and slave is the degree of submission.
It should be noted that the relationship is strictly consensual and symbolic, no legal ownership is involved. Some people draw up "slave contracts" that define the relationship, but these usually have no legal weight and are not intended to be used in court.
After signing a slave contract, many people celebrate the commitment with a "
collaring ceremony", which can be simple or elaborate and friends are usually invited. The slave then wears a "collar", which symbolizes their status. The collar may be an actual piece of neckwear, or may be a bracelet or other piece of jewelry that symbolizes their slavery. Collars are generally never removed until the relationship is disolved, although some slaves have a "formal" and a "subdued" collar for work and vanilla situations.
There is considerable debate over the exact definition of "slave". It is generally granted that you are a slave if you consider yourself one. One needs to be currently owned to identify as a slave.
See also
