Alpha

An Alpha is a Dominant role in BDSM and is considered strong, dominant, confident, charming, charismatic and other traditionally masculine traits. Often used by the kink community in primal play and play fighting. While Alphas are traditionally male, the role is increasingly being considered genderless. Originating in pseudoscientific terms for men derived from the designation for alpha and beta animals in ethology. Classically it has been used as a way to indicate "the most dominant" person in a particular group. ### Controversy The idea of "Alpha" is derived from a masculine cultural background which some people may consider problematic. There has been documentation that disproves the myth of the Alpha Male (second source). The term is also sometimes associated with manosphere groups, in particular incel groups.