Not familiar with the ASMR terminology?
I’ve got you. Here are the most important ASMR terms and slang explained.
ASMR
ASMR stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response. The term was invented by a YouTuber Jennifer Allen in 2010, as she put together words that in her opinion described the phenomenon well. Since then, the term has been established to mean the phenomenon where some people get a tingly and euphoric feeling from certain visual or auditive triggers.
ASMR is also used to refer to the entire genre of media (such as videos and podcasts) that are dedicated to producing these sensations in viewers/listeners.
Trigger
Trigger in ASMR means something that evokes ASMR sensations. Most often, a trigger is a noise such as tapping, whispering, or soft speech.
Visual trigger
A visual trigger is a trigger that can be observed by looking. Typical visual triggers are e.g. hand movements or soft lights.
Tingle
Tingle is a colloquialism for the feeling that many experience in ASMR. The name is quite descriptive, ad the feeling can be described as a tingling sensation in one’s head and neck.
ASMRtist
A way to connect the words ASMR + artist to mean people who product ASMR content intentionally.
Roleplay
In ASMR, roleplay means ASMR content where the ASMRtist assumes a role, such as a doctor, hairdresser, or friend. In roleplay videos, the ASMRtist is interacting with the viewer as if they were in the same place physically.
Personal Attention
Personal attention is a very common ASMR genre where the viewer receives attention from the ASMRtist. In these videos, the ASMRtist can e.g. pretend to brush the viewer’s hair, do their makeup, massage them, or comfort them.
Binaural
Binaural ASMR is like 3D audio that seems to come from different directions. The listener can hear the voice coming from left or right, which can enhance the ASMR sensations. A binaural recording is recorded with a stereophonic microphone arrangement, as opposed to a regular microphone that can only record voice from one direction.