Difference Between

Sadistic vs Masochistic
 

The word sadism in English was incorporated by the end of 19th century and refers to the act of infliction of pain on others by a sadistic person who derives pleasure out of such acts. Probably the word sadist has its origins in the name of a Count in France who was famous for debauchery and sexual perversion. He sexually abused prostitutes and derived gratification and pleasure out of abusing them. There is another word labeled masochistic that is often referred to in pornography these days where the word sadism is used. People remain confused between these two words. This article attempts to highlight the differences between sadistic and masochistic persons.

Sadistic

If a person has a tendency to be cruel to another person just for the sake of fun, he is said to be sadistic. This cruelty is reflected in both physical and mental pain being inflicted upon the victim. A sadist is not limited to other human beings and, if a person gets pleasure out of hitting a puppy, he is still a sadist. In normal circumstances, though, word sadism has come to be used in sexual contexts. The origin of the word is traced to the sexual behavior of a count named A. F. de Sade who was notorious for his sexual abuse of prostitutes. A sadist is always happy or derives pleasure from the pain of another person. In reference to sex, this could imply hurting private parts of a woman and being happy seeing the pain on the face of the victim.

Masochistic

There are people who derive pleasure from being beaten in sharp contrast to those who derive pleasure from beating others. Thus, a masochistic person would scream to be beaten as he derives pleasure out of being beaten by his sexual partner. A masochistic person gets pleasure by inflicting pain upon him, or he may ask a sadistic person to beat him so as to derive pleasure. The pleasure these people get upon being in pain is related with the release of endorphin hormones during the act.