It’s almost a guarantee that every part of the human body has been sexualized by someone, somewhere.
The rise of the internet has exposed people to an array of kinks that many would have found unimaginable before. Among these are the common foot fetish and the intricate world of Furries, who don animal suits for pleasure.
In 2025, a new community of fetishists has emerged, fixated on a particularly odorous part of the body: armpits. This fascination is termed maschalagnia.
Maschalagnia describes a sexual attraction to armpits, whether the allure lies in licking them or observing sweaty ones. While this may seem off-putting to some, a growing community actively seeks out ‘pit porn.’
An analysis of search trends by the ethical porn site Ersties revealed that searches for armpit-related content have surged, becoming the fourth-most popular search term this year.
This trend places armpits just behind pegging, foot fetishes, and watersports (commonly known as urination). Although this might seem perplexing to many, clinical experts have shed light on why armpits can be alluring.
Psychotherapist Dipti Tait explained to Metro that there is a strong link between bodily scents and arousal. Tait stated, “While it may not sound particularly appealing, body odour can influence sexual attraction.
“However, it’s not just any old scent that does the trick.
“Rather, it’s the unique combination of pheromones and other odoriferous compounds exuded by our bodies that can elicit a primal response in potential partners.”
While the biological aspect might be understandable, the sexual fetish aspect is more intricate.
“It can have to do with the salty taste of sweat, the scent of the body odour… It definitely has a tie in with sweat and people who have an interest in bodily secretions of various types,” sexologist Gigi Engle explained to the publication.
Engle also discussed the psychological impact of the internet on individuals with this fetish, noting how it can empower those who are curious about it.
She remarked, “Once people find community, they find more value and they’re able to feel less shame about their fetish because they have people who can relate and exchange clips.”
Cat, Head of Creative, Community and Education at Ersties, provided insights on why 2025 has been a significant year for armpit enthusiasts.
Echoing Engle, Cat stated, “Foot content, armpits, pegging…these might once have lived in the shadows, but audiences now feel much more comfortable searching for very specific interests rather than sticking to broad categories.
“When sex feels safe and normalized, curiosity thrives and ethical porn gives people the space to explore without shame, so niche interests finally get their moment.”