Fetish Friday: Capnolagnia

So yesterday I posted on Facebook asking my friends if there were any questions or themes they would like to ask about. One of my friends mentioned that he was recently into women who masturbate while smoking. There actually is a name for this, and although I was going to write about this fetish at a later date, the timing seems perfect. His example is a little specific but there is a name for the broader concept.

Today's Fetish: Capnolagnia

Capnolagnia is the sexual attraction to a person smoking; its roots are varied. Many people with this fetish can pinpoint exactly when the attraction started, some claiming as early as during childhood, and can be caused by personal experiences, relatives, or the media. Reasons for the attraction can include watching a pure, innocent youth engaging in the taboo act, it represents a person who is confident and worldly, or symbolizes ideals of masculinity.

This fetish is found mostly in heterosexual males who are aroused by the relation to fellatio, women flaunting a masculine side, or simply causing damage to themselves. Because of the self destructive nature of the habit, Capnolagnia can be found within several BDSM (Bondage-Discipline/Dominant-Sadism-Masochism) circles. Some homosexual men and heterosexual women have faulted their smoking fetish to the desire of seeing men perform the epitome of a masculine tradition that is smoking.

Many sub-interests for Capnolagnia fetishists vary greatly, as this fetish allows great range in fantasies. Some of these include:

• Whether the smoker is really smoking or faking it
• The length of the cigarette
• Type of smoking apparatus (cigar, cigarette, joint, pipe, hookah, etc.)
• Location of cigarette fabrication (domestic or foreign)
• The lack or creation of smoke rings
• The color of the cigarette
• The smell
• The way it is lit (lighter vs. matches)
• The type of ashtray used
• Inhaling vs. Exhaling
• Brand
• Actions or activities of the smoker during the activity

Sexualized images of smoking had a rise in popularity during the 40s and 50s in American culture, but can be seen exploited around the world today. Fashion brands, such as Chanel, Vogue and Valentino, show ads in which several of their models are smoking, and some designers include models smoking on the runway. Mad Men, based in the 60s has made smoking glamorous again, and in Heart Breakers, Gene Hackman plays a multi-millionaire with Capnolagnia.

Though I don't endorse smoking at all and I'm actually allergic to cigarette smoke, technically you are not hurting anyone, so I don't have anything against this fetish. I understand the sex appeal in smoking; for me it's about the vintage glamour of the act. You probably won't see me picking up a cigarette any time soon, but for those of you who like it, go get your kink on! I'll just sit this one out.

If you would like to meet other Capnolagnia-enthusiasts go here. And for more images click here.