Body piercing has been a popular form of self-expression and adornment for centuries. Still, the vast amount of information and misinformation surrounding it can lead to confusion, especially regarding the terminology used in the piercing community. This blog aims to demystify the often-misunderstood piercing lingo and provide accurate explanations. Whether you’re a seasoned piercing enthusiast or a first-timer, understanding the correct terminology will help you communicate effectively with piercing professionals and ensure a successful piercing experience.

In general, the world of piercings is inundated with inaccurate information. This problem largely stems from the prevalence of numerous urban legends and rumours that circulate widely and have become commonly accepted as truth, despite their lack of validity. As a result, misinformation has permeated the piercing community, leading to confusion and misconceptions among enthusiasts and individuals seeking piercings.

 The abundance of false information circulating in the world of piercings causes significant confusion, especially concerning the correct terminology. When you visit a piercing studio, using accurate language to ensure your piercer fully understands your preferences and desires is crucial. Using the correct terms helps avoid misunderstandings and provides a smoother communication process during the piercing procedure.

To help you use the correct vocabulary for piercings, we have compiled a concise list of four commonly misused piercing terms and their correct alternatives. This will ensure that when you visit a piercing studio, you can accurately communicate your preferences, avoiding confusion with your piercer.

Keloid vs Piercing Bump

The term “keloids” is commonly misused, leading to misunderstandings and unnecessary concerns.

 A keloid is a sporadic skin condition where individuals develop significant bumps around minor wounds, including piercings. These bumps do not naturally go away and can be large and unattractive—however, only around 10% of the world’s population experience this condition.

On the other hand, piercing bumps are a minor complication that may form around a healing piercing. These bumps are usually small and tend to resolve without any significant issues.

If you notice a bump around your healing piercing, it is improbable to be a keloid unless you have a history of keloids. Please refrain from referring to it as a keloid, as it is much more severe and requires substantial treatment. Instead, recognize it as a regular piercing bump, which typically poses no significant threat and should resolve with proper aftercare.

Dermal Piercing vs Surface Piercing 

Two types of piercings have a vertical presence on the skin. Despite their similar appearance, they are distinct procedures.

Surface piercings share more similarities with standard piercings. They involve pinching the skin and inserting the needle straight through. This creates two piercing points on the skin’s surface. The ball ends of the barbell, sticking out of each hole, give the impression of a double-pierced look.

Dermal piercings differ from surface piercings as they have only one piercing point. Throughout the dermal piercing practice, the piercer will insert a dermal anchor beneath the skin, to which a dermal head will be screwed. 

Due to the nature of the procedure involving an implanted device, some states categorize dermal piercings as medical procedures, making them illegal to perform in a standard piercing studio. Therefore, you must familiarize yourself with your state’s laws and regulations regarding dermal piercings before scheduling an appointment. Knowing the legalities beforehand will ensure you make informed decisions and avoid any potential issues with the procedure.

Gauged Ears vs Stretched Lobes

One of the most common areas of confusion is the difference between “piercing gauge” and “stretched lobes.”

It is a common mistake to hear people refer to stretched earlobes as “gauged ears.” Although experienced piercers may decipher what you mean, it’s essential to distinguish between a piercing gauge and stretched lobes to make sure the terminology is precise.

A “piercing gauge” refers to the size or thickness of the jewellery used for a piercing, represented by a numerical value. On the other hand, “stretched lobes” pertain to the deliberate process of gradually enlarging the earlobe hole to accommodate larger jewellery. Understanding this difference will help you communicate accurately with your piercer and ensure that you use the correct terminology for the type of modification you desire, whether it involves a specific piercing gauge or stretching your earlobes.

Correctly understanding the terminology is crucial when discussing piercings. The gauge of a piercing refers to the size of the piercing hole, and when you stretch your earlobes, you increase the gauge of the piercing. 

To avoid confusion, it is better to use the term “stretched lobes” instead, as the aesthetic is achieved by gradually stretching the earlobe hole to accommodate larger gauge sizes. This way, you can communicate accurately and avoid misusing the term “gauged ears,” which does not accurately represent the piercing process.

The Clit Piercing vs VCH Piercing

When people mention a “clit piercing,” they often refer to the VCH (Vertical Clitoral Hood) piercing rather than directly piercing the clitoris. 

In contrast, “clit piercing” involves piercing the clitoris directly, making it a riskier and less standard procedure than the VCH. The VCH piercing is a more popular choice due to its lower risk and potential for increased sensation since the jewellery rests on the clitoris, providing extra stimulation.

Suppose you are considering a female genital piercing around your clitoral area. In that case, you are likely interested in the VCH piercing rather than the direct clitoral piercing, as the VCH offers more advantages and is a safer option overall.

Conclusion

Clear communication is vital regarding piercings, as using the correct terminology ensures that your piercer understands your desires and preferences accurately. By now, you should better grasp the commonly misused piercing terms and their accurate alternatives. Remember, educating yourself about piercings and their proper vocabulary will help you make informed decisions and ensure a successful and enjoyable piercing experience.

So, whether you’re planning to get a piercing or intrigued by the piercing world, don’t let the confusion around terminology hold you back. Embrace the art of body adornment responsibly and confidently, armed with the proper knowledge to express yourself uniquely through piercings!