Pegging as a sexual practice involves a woman penetrating a man anally with a strap-on dildo. The term “pegging” itself is relatively new, originating in the early 2000s, although the sexual act likely predates its naming by many years.
The specific word “pegging” was coined through popular culture rather than historic texts. It first appeared in a syndicated advice column called Savage Love, run by Dan Savage. On April 19, 2001, Dan Savage published a letter from a reader seeking a simple, catchy word to describe the act. The letter humorously pointed out that while many sexual acts had short, recognizable names, this particular one did not.
Dan Savage solicited readers for suggestions and dedicated the May 24, 2001, column entirely to gathering ideas. Among the options, “punt,” “bob,” and “peg” were finalists. By June 21, Savage announced that 12,103 readers had voted, and “peg” won as the official term to describe the act.
Before this public naming event, there is no clear evidence of a widely recognized or common term for this sexual practice in American culture. The act itself likely existed for centuries, given the history of sexual exploration and use of sexual aids across human societies. However, no historical documents clearly trace the practice or offer a consistent name.
To sum up:
- Pegging refers to female-to-male anal penetration using a strap-on dildo.
- The term “pegging” first emerged in 2001 from Dan Savage’s Savage Love column.
- The word was chosen through a reader vote among suggested terms.
- The sexual act probably has older roots but lacks a documented ancient or medieval origin or name.
This information highlights how language evolves alongside sexual subcultures and how new terms enter common use to fill naming gaps. Pegging’s history thus reflects a blend of cultural development and sexual practice documentation within modern times.
The History of Pegging: How Far Back Does It Really Go?
What exactly is pegging, and when did this term — or even the act — first appear? The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Let’s dive into this spicy topic with a mix of history, a dash of culture, and a sprinkling of playful curiosity.
The sexual practice known as pegging—where a woman wears a strap-on dildo to anally penetrate a man—has been popularized and discussed openly only quite recently. The term itself is barely over 20 years old. Yes, you read that right. The actual word “pegging” was coined in the early 2000s.
In fact, pegging’s name was born out of a very specific moment in popular culture. It comes courtesy of Dan Savage, the famously candid and cultural-savvy chronicler of human sexual behaviors, who writes the Savage Love advice column. On April 19, 2001, a reader affectionately identified as “Straight Boys Have Prostates Too” wrote to Savage, asking for a catchy name for this act. They pointed out how every sex act seemed to have its own one-word title—except this one—and begged for one too.
Dan Savage admitted he didn’t have a term for it, indicating that no such name was in widespread use in America at the time. He humorously mused about the “patriarchy-shattering nuances” of a woman fucking a man in the ass with a strap-on and invited his readers to come up with a suitable term. What followed was a public contest of suggestions, making for a lively discussion around a previously unnamed but existing practice.
By May 24, 2001, Savage dedicated an entire column to reader suggestions. The contenders narrowed down to “punt,” “bob,” and “peg.” The readers voted, and by June 21, 2001, with a whopping 12,103 votes cast, “peg” emerged as the winner. Since then, “pegging” has became the go-to term when describing this sexual practice. So, if we’re talking about the term “pegging,” it literally just turned 20-something years old.
But what about the practice itself?
Is pegging truly a modern invention? Not really. Although the word is new, the physical act probably isn’t. Human exploration of anal play is ancient and historically varied.
Let’s look a bit deeper. The use of dildos dates back thousands of years. Ancient artifacts identified as phallic-shaped objects used for sexual purposes have been found in archeological sites worldwide—from the prehistoric era in Europe to ancient Mesopotamia and China. Strap-ons, as we recognize them today, are more recent inventions, but objects assisting penetration have existed much longer.
Historical records suggest men being anally penetrated or engaging in receptive anal sex have been documented in different ancient cultures across the globe—sometimes as acts of dominance, submission, fertility rites, or pleasure. Yet, these references don’t specifically describe the scenario where a woman wears a strap-on to penetrate a man. That nuance seems to be a more modern sexual exploration aligned with shifting societal attitudes towards gender roles and sexual freedom.
Given the paucity of recorded history about exact pegging practices, it’s plausible that pegging as we know it quietly existed but was not named or openly discussed. It was maybe lurking in the shadowy back alleys of human sexuality or safe within intimate couples’ practices, far from mainstream conversation.
Why Did Pegging Take This Long to get a Name?
Society’s sometimes uneasy relationship with masculinity and anal sex partly explains why pegging didn’t have a widely accepted label until recently. Cultural taboos around men receiving penetration clouded public conversations. Plus, the complex gender dynamics at play—woman penetrating man versus the traditionally understood narratives—made it a niche topic for a long while.
Dan Savage’s role as a cultural commentator helped shift this. His platform encouraged dialogue, humor, and normalization of activities outside the mainstream. Naming pegging empowered people to talk about it without euphemisms or embarrassment.
Benefits and Bigger Context of Pegging in Today’s Culture
In the past two decades, pegging gained popularity beyond taboo territory. Today, pegging is celebrated for many reasons, including:
- Reversing traditional roles: It challenges stereotypical gender roles and power dynamics.
- Enhanced pleasure: Men enjoy prostate stimulation via pegging, which can be intensely pleasurable but often unexplored.
- Bonding and trust: Like many sexual practices requiring communication, pegging fosters intimacy.
- Sexual variety: It adds excitement and creativity to couples’ sex lives.
Hundreds of articles, forums, and sex therapists now include pegging in their discussions. The stigma is fading, replaced by curiosity and acceptance.
How To Start Exploring Pegging?
Thinking about trying pegging? Here are some quick tips:
- Communicate: Discuss boundaries and desires openly before beginning.
- Start small: Use plenty of lube and begin with fingers or small toys before moving to a strap-on.
- Go slow: Comfort and relaxation are key.
- Choose equipment wisely: Find quality and size appropriate toys with a secure base for safety.
Whether you see pegging as a new frontier or a rediscovered pleasure, its story is one of identity, language, and evolving human connection.
“Words shape how we see our world—and sex is no exception. Pegging isn’t just a term; it’s a sign that our conversations about pleasure are expanding.”
So next time you wonder about the history of pegging, remember: the practice is likely ancient and unrecorded, but the word—and the modern dialogue it inspires—is only just getting started.
