What is a fetish?

[spiff]

Romeo's question got me thinking. What exactly is a fetish? I know the dictionary definition, but is what we refer to as a fetish more socially based? Any thoughts?

[Morrisonker]

I was told that having a fetish means you can't, or find it hard to, climax without that particular stimulus in a sexual situation.  not sure if that's 100% true

[Oneeyedvic]

I don't know I am afraid but I do know what the difference between kinky and perverted is.......

 

......using a feather is kinky......using a whole chicken is  perverted

[landie]

You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours.

[landie]

Sorry, that's not an offer!

[seal!]

Morrisonker is right, its something you HAVE to do before you can "climax" for examle S&M.

[Clare A]

I wonder, does a fetish have to involve a sexual climax, or is it just (maybe) a form of extreme liking. Years ago I had a housemate who loved to massage people's feet, but I don't think that it gave him any sexual satisfaction. I can't pass any animal in the street (dog, cat, ferret, horse, rat on someone's shoulder) without patting it. Is that a 'fetish'?