20 December 2010

Word of the Day: Frottage

"I love living in Manhattan so much that I don't even mind it that much
when strangers dry hump me on the subway."  - Dream

My friend Dream came to town to celebrate the Sag/Cap birthdays and within minutes our pre-Beehive conversation turned to the phenomenon of Frottage.  From the french for "rubbing," Frottage is basically the act of dry humping unsuspecting people in crowded spaces.  Apparently this happens often in NYC and in larger cities, usually in night clubs or on the subways.  And while it's not accepted, it's by no means uncommon.  Dream said the "frotteurs" as they are called, "just get on you on a packed subway car and there's no where to go really." In her case, she stomped on the guy's foot but it only seemed to encourage him more.  "He was like a golden retriever on my leg."     


Dream did a little investigating and learned that Frottage was recently added to the DSM as a legit psychological disorder. In fact, the frotteurs prefer it when the humpee is an unconsenting stranger.  I can't imagine a scenario where anyone would welcome some gyrating intruder -- and definitely not on public transportation!  Thanks for that!  Would you like me to buy you a donut with sprinkles at the next stop?   

In all my years riding the T, I'm thankful that I never experienced this phenomenon, but I'm shocked that I have never witnessed it.  A large sweaty person fell on top of me on the Green Line once and lingered for what seemed like an unreasonable amount of seconds.  Another time, a dude who looked like Richard Simmons sat across from me on the train wearing short mesh gym shorts. Seconds later, his junk was weaving out of one side like a charmed snake. I've definitely seen and experienced the occasional grope, but a full-on dry hump? No.

Apparently, some well-trained "subway" frotteurs have honed their skills to the point where they are so attuned to the clickety clack of a train on tracks, that they can convince their unwitting victim that "maybe it is just a duffel bag."   Not all of these renegade rubbers are men, either. Many women are part of the movement as well, according to one of their Facebook pages.

This FB site is UK based and features hilarious descriptions of different types of "frotjects."  I've pasted them into the post below.  Study the list.  The next time you're in a crowded space, you may realize that jogging stroller behind you is not a jogging stroller at all!  It could be a "The Blitzkrieg."   We're pretty sure that Dream got "Bus Stopped." 
'DRY HUMP'
The canine approach, favoured by those new to the practice, used openly on friends, usually in a pub or club. One grabs the subject of the frottage (the Frotject) and while maintaining a firm grip with your arms on any available encirclable appendage they possess, repeatedly hammer your pelvis against their leg.

'THE RAA THRUST'
A more subtle approach. Perfect for drinks parties and when amongst new friends. Facing, and in close proximity to your Frotject, ensure you have a G&T in your left hand and your right hand in your trouser pocket. Whilst making the small talk, crack a ribald joke or comment and laugh obnoxiously loudly whilst simultaneously arching your back away and thrusting your hips forward into the Frotject. (Good Frommonts ((Frot comment)) to accompany the thrust are, 'COME FAR?' and 'LOVELY DAY FOR IT!'

'THE BLITZKREIG'
A lightning attack on unsuspecting prey. Perfect to use on the beautiful stranger on that darkened dance floor. Gains maximum frottage for minimum slappage with strangers. Circle your frotject without making any obvious advance in their direction, gradually edging closer (similar to stalking wildebeast). Place your innermost advance to be situated immediately behind the Frotject. Under the play of grooving to whatever godawful song is lacerating the tender ambience of whatever sticky floored, red wallpapered, jug filled lounge you may find yourself in, raise your arms and, similar to the raa thrust, gyrate and thrust your crotch into the callipigian rump found in front of you. Immediately spin away to absorb yourself anonymously into the crowd to assume your innocent dancing.

'THE BUS STOP'
Queuing for drinks at the bar, bank queues, standing on the tube. The most reckless of frottage involves a long contact frot, probably the most sensuous of frots on strangers. In a busy bar queung for drinks, one may engage themselves to press overly far forwards and 'hold' themselves against the back of the innocent frotject ahead of you in the queue. If any protestations of contact occur, the offence is easily palmed off to the people pushing behind you.

'FENCING IN'
A skillful dance of the frotteur, dancing with your chosen partner guide the frotject towards a wall and keep bumping and grinding whilst pinning them against said wall. Great for turning that innocent boogy into something far more sinister.

'COWBOY'
One of the more rambuctious approaches to frottage. straddle your prey while they unsuspectingly take a break on a chair/sofa and ride the frot.





4 comments:

Dream said...

I have learned many new terms from your very well researched post on this interesting disorder! Is there a fanpage for this Facebook group? Frotbook?

LPD said...

Egad! Completely forgot about this disturbingly hilarious conversation until catching up on the PU.

KJ said...

There is an FB page for the Frotteurs. This was one of the strangest/best conversations of 2010.

BAGS said...

KJ This article brings up the old acronym that gets tossed around at the office - AYDHM?