What makes for good dirty talk? (~in fic)

[birdsofshore]

I had an idea for a story and it would probably involve a lot of dirty talking and general filthiness. Then I realised that this is something I really struggle with.

What, in your opinion, makes dirty talking hot in fic? Are there things that just don't work for you when you're reading it? What is your favourite kind to read? Have you got a favourite story that involves dirty talk? And, if you're a writer, can you give me any tips? Because I sort of stink at it. I do try, because I know it's great when it works, but I usually fail and have to be bailed out by a beta. I got several compliments on a filthy line in a recent fic and it was actually raitala's doing, LOL.

I even feel awkward READING dirty talk, often, because I'm not always sure how I feel about people calling each other slut and so on, and I'm not fond of porny descriptions of dripping holes. So I basically need a Dirty Talk primer. Can you help? Thank you!

Comments

[birdsofshore]

You see, when you put it like that, it sounds really quite pleasant ;)

I do always enjoy the dirty talk in your fics, actually, including the degradation, so I need to think carefully about why I feel uncomfortable about it at other times, I suppose.

That fic of lee's is about my favourite thing in the world. I'm going to have to go and read it again now you've left that evil little link there.

[nicevenn.livejournal.com]

I tend to prefer dirty talk that gives instruction (Yeah, suck it) or makes a threat/promise (I'm gonna fuck you so hard you'll feel me for days). The only time I like dirty talk that's meant to humiliate is in non-con, in which case it can be really hot.

Also, and especially in the case of shaming and dub/non-con, I think it's more about what happens between the lines of dialogue, like sensory details, than what is actually being said. So, for example, we'd be told that Harry is painfully aware of how his naked thighs are spread for Draco's pleasure, and he can't hide how aroused he is. Draco would then brush Harry's cock with the back of his gloved fingers and lean in, touching his lips to his ear, and whisper, "Slut."

[birdsofshore]

That's interesting, that you find it flows from some characters naturally and seems more IC for them. I hadn't thought about that so much. I think I did manage a bit of dirty talking in a fic recently and it sort of came naturally from the characterisation. I guess if I think about that character when I am trying to write it again in the future, that might help.

[isinuyasha.livejournal.com]

Hm good questions...what I don't really like are these forced kinda dirty talks like "Oh yeah give it to me"...that sounds really awkward and porn-talk like :D Or these mono- or dialogues like "Do you like that? Yeah? Can you feel it?" especially if they're going on for a long time and/or if they're really one-sided because all I can think about then is "when will you shut up?"
I guess when the characters say these things in the heat of the moment, like they can't help it, that's what I like...I also don't really like pet names during sex, I know that probably doesn't count but sometimes I read things like "Oooh that's it baby" and that kills the moment kinda :D

[birdsofshore]

Yes, you know I think it's the intimacy that freaks me out a little. It does seem to make the person talking so potentially vulnerable that I clench up on their behalf. I managed to write some recently from a dommy sort of character and that helped me. I guess if the person is feeling pretty in charge to start with, that might help with the paralysing vulnerability.

[birdsofshore]

I just slipped a 'slut' into what I was writing this week! It was in a very playful context, but it's there, and I quite like it. But, yes, you're right, it needs to be something I feel comfortable with. I like the advice that less is more, also. Thank you so much!

[birdsofshore]

I agree, I like silliness in sex very much. I'm not sure if I know any fics where this comes across really well, though? I'm trying to think.

[birdsofshore]

I think that fic is often referred to as a masterpiece of dirty talk. The name-calling in it does make me feel slightly uncomfortable, I must admit. I think it's a kink I haven't yet managed to fully relax with :D

I'm feeling a little intimidated about your description of how it works when it is done right... but I think you've nailed it.

[birdsofshore]

Oh, great advice, thank you!

I love a toppy Draco getting downright filthy, showing the impact through the way the characters react (BLUSHING HARRY FTW! :D)

YES PLEASE. I think I had underestimated the other character's reaction to the whole thing. But, I also know that the right line in the right place can be devastating if its worded correctly. It's that power I'd like to have!

[birdsofshore]

You're very sweet, grace. If you like any time I've tried dirty talk it's probably because my betas stepped in, LOL!

I adore that scenario, too. Riling someone up is just DELICIOUS.

[birdsofshore]

Oh, my god. That is COMPLETELY EXCELLENT.

I'm going to pound the farts out of you. Well, what's wrong with THAT?

I so want to slip that into a fic and see what my betas say. Oh, I need to!

We're both going to hell for this. That sounds more than acceptable to me. I'm being serious, now!

[pauraque]

I think that type of vulnerability is a recurring theme in my own fics, and not just when there's dirty talk in particular. There can be multiple levels of vulnerability in sex, from simply been seen naked to revealing your most secret desires. It's fascinating to me when and how people choose to trust each other with those things.

When dirty talk is coming from a dominant partner, I would say a lot of the vulnerability is in the more submissive partner's reactions to it — no longer hiding the fact that they like being called a slut, or whatever it is.

[sdkshelly.livejournal.com]

Oh yes. I'd say it's more important to me!

[capitu]

I know!!! XD

[arenee1999]

For me, it really depends on the story and the dynamics of the characters within the story. I LOVE dirty talk when the sex is hot and heavy, but if it's sweet and tender dirty talk just seems out of place.

Some characters just seem like the type that would like it. I like Draco having a filthy mouth in any pairing. In Hermione/anyone, I like Hermione's partner having a dirty mouth.

I don't really care for degradation talk except when it's used between loving partners because one or both of them are turned on by it. It that instance I love it. :)

[birdsofshore]

The dirty talk will either be a natural outpouring of your already churning enthusiasm for the story or it'll turn out not to *need* dirty talk or just a smidgeon of it or other multitudes of outcomes.

Yes, I agree! This is great advice. I think I just feel a bit inhibited about dirty talk and having a couple of pointers to focus on if I feel 'stuck' or lacking in confidence, will really help. For instance, a lot of people have said that it's the other person's reaction that does it for them. If I'm worried that my lines are not effective enough, I can add in more reaction from the listener, and that could really help.

It also came up that silly, awkward dirty talk could even be OK. That was definitely helpful! Do you remember that line, "I am, I'm going to come all over your jeans"? LOL! We both really liked that one, if I remember. But it was actually sort of ridiculous. So that also frees me up, to remember that a line can be silly or dorky and still be sort of hot.

I was never planning to do it by numbers, don't worry. I just need a few nudges in the right direction, and a little sharpen of the things I *do* have in my toolbox. I've enjoyed everyone's ideas very much!

[capitu]

LOL! You!

Actually, I think some of those might work too. And the 'not your partner's name - not their gender', that's a fic right there!!!

<3

[capitu]

I knew you'd appreciate it, Birds. ;)

[birdsofshore]

*squirm* I like your example very much :) In fact, I think I need some MORE of your example, just to be really sure I've understood what you meant ;-))

Threats and promises are the best! That's a really good thing to remember.

[capitu]

This. All of it, you clever lady, you!

[lq-traintracks.livejournal.com]

After I wrote this, I felt like the fucking Grinch who stole dirty-talk Christmas! Sorry about that. :-P

I totally agree that the listener's response is at least half the hotness!

And yeah, there have been plenty of times when I've been reading and the dirty talk was suddenly sort of funny or sweet or both but it was STILL a turn on. What's the jeans one from?? Something very recent, yes? I do remember loving that!

Really, depending on the fic, I can find lots of versions of dirty talk hot: humiliation, virginal fumbling dialogue, similes ("I'm going to fuck you like __." "God, your arse is ___ as ___."), etc.

I'm really glad you've gotten some good inspiration from people. (And that you don't think I suck too bad for not giving my own.)

[birdsofshore]

A lot of people have said what makes it hot is when the person just can't help themself. That's a really interesting observation and will be a useful thing to remember when writing, I think.

[birdsofshore]

I agree, Draco with a dirty mouth is THE BUSINESS.

I said I didn't like degradation talk, but I keep thinking of examples where I *do* like it. I think it's just a bit hit and miss for me. I like picking it apart and working out what works where...

[nicevenn.livejournal.com]

*blushes*

Don't encourage me. I was already tempted to turn it into a drabble or ficlet, LOL.

[lq-traintracks.livejournal.com]

So, for example, we'd be told that Harry is painfully aware of how his naked thighs are spread for Draco's pleasure, and he can't hide how aroused he is. Draco would then brush Harry's cock with the back of his gloved fingers and lean in, touching his lips to his ear, and whisper, "Slut."

I'm not sure I understand completely. Go on?