CNC - Consensual Non-Consent

CNC stands for “Consensual Non-Consent” and refers to an agreement in which acts are staged as if no consent were present. It describes roleplay scenarios in which power, control, or resistance are simulated even though all participants have explicitly agreed in advance. The term is used mainly in BDSM contexts and requires especially precise agreements.

Because of the apparent contradiction, clear boundaries, safewords, debriefing, and a realistic awareness of risk are essential. CNC must never be understood as a license for actual boundary violations. Without explicit, prior, and revocable consent, the practice is not acceptable.