The terms penetrative partner or giver are synonyms of top, created to describe the act of penetrating without implying non-egalitarian relations among participants. A versatile top is one who prefers to top but who bottoms occasionally. A service top is 'one who tops under the direction of an eager bottom'. A power top is one noted for their great skill or aggressiveness in topping. With regard to gay male sexuality, a total top is one who assumes an exclusively penetrative role for sex. Top may also describe a broader personal identity involving dominance in a romantic or sexual relationship however, this stipulation is not a requisite element of being a top. Top is also used as a verb meaning 'to penetrate another'. 19th-century erotic painting depicting Hadrian 'topping' Antinous (detail), by Paul AvrilĪ top is usually a person who engages in the penetrative role during sexual activity for men who have sex with men (MSMs), this often involves penetration using the penis during anal or oral sex.
