If a fetish is a marginal sexual act, would having sex itself

>>34424961
>a fetish is a marginal sexual act
What do you even mean by that?

>>34424961
Ah, I don't see people use that sense of the word "marginal" on the internet very often. I usually only see it in the context of accounting or economics, as in "marginal decisions." If I understand you right, a marginal sexual act would be a sexual act that is one step removed from ordinary sex. That is, it would be normal sex plus one thing that is different, say, latex clothing for example. I would use the word "unusual" or "different" in place of "marginal" here, since "marginal" is never used in this context.

A fetish is not so much a different sexual act as a different sexual desire, or sexuality. Or, to put it differently, it is a very specific sexual desire. Foot fetish, as an example, is an attraction to feet. Feet are not a sexual act, but rather they are a specific body part that some people find appealing. Another specific attraction might be hair that is dyed bright, unnatural colors, which is something that I enjoy. So, sex itself would not be considered a fetish, since it is not specific enough.

>>34425043
What I say is people perceive conventional sex as sex. But if it is practiced unconventionally it is a fetish. So would sex itself be a fetish from the standpoint of someone sexually inactive since it is inordinary for them?

>>34425132
Haha you are right, but I think I used it right for the context. Isn't unusuality of a data at the margin similiar to that of sexual unusuality? But english isn't my mother tongue so I would love to be enlightened using this would be marginal.

>>34425339
Yeah, "marginal" is a technical term, usually only used for talking about practical things like finance or engineering. I'm sure you have formal, technical words and informal, conversational words in your first language. The confusion here is caused by using an uncommon, formal word for an informal subject.

"Marginal" has a few meanings in English. The most commonly-used meaning is "barely good enough,' as in not bad, but less good than "okay." For example, "I had some fries at the restaurant. They were cold, but marginal. I still ate them." This is a bit formal, but can be used in conversation.

Another meaning is similar to "insignificant' or "minor." For example, "The hamburger was delicious, so the cold fries were of marginal importance. I still enjoyed the meal." This is also somewhat common.

The use of the word in your post is a third definition that is closely related to the second definition. In accounting, we have the concept of a "marginal decision." This comes from the same definition as the second one. For example, if I purchase 5 pounds of potatoes at the grocery store, a marginal decision is available. I have 5 pounds. Do I want to buy 6 pounds or 4 pounds instead? That is the marginal, or small, decision.

These decisions are made one at a time. I put 5 pounds of potatoes in the bag. Then, I look at the bag, see that I need more potatoes, and put another pound in the bag. Now I have 6 pounds of potatoes. This is where we get the "step-by-step," or "one more or one less," or "one at a time" third meaning of "marginal" from. That usage is very uncommon outside of accounting and economics, and most people don't know about it. So, your use of "marginal sex act" to mean "normal sex, but with one difference" would cause confusion in this context.

Perhaps there is not a word for the same concept as "fetish" in your first language. But it is just something specific that a person finds attractive, such as red hair. "Sex" is not specific enough.

>>34425339
I see. Well to your answer question I think 'fetish' is only relative culturally, not relative individually.