A Tergo

A tergo is a term of Latin origin and literally means “from behind.” In a sexual context, a tergo refers to various sexual encounters or positions in which the active partner is positioned behind the passive partner and has a view of their back.

A defining characteristic of a-tergo practices is that the individuals involved are not facing each other frontally. The focus lies on positioning from behind, which usually limits or excludes direct eye contact. This orientation can influence physical sensation, interpersonal dynamics, and the perception of closeness or distance between the partners.

A tergo includes different positions and variations that may differ in posture, intensity, and freedom of movement. Common examples include positions in which one person is kneeling or lying down while the other is positioned behind them. The term describes a spatial arrangement rather than a specific action or a role distribution related to power or dominance.

The expression a tergo is used in medical, sexological, and colloquial contexts and serves as a neutral collective term for sexual positions from behind.