Back in the days of your youth, the only times the words “pineapple” and “upside down” were together was when you were thinking about the dessert pineapple upside down cake. But now, as you have grown and learned about the world you may have noticed that there is a certain love of pineapples in terms of decor, mainly the upside down pineapple seems to have been given a lot of love.
Traveling down the corridors of a cruise ship, at the bar, even at your local shopping center. You may notice it in the apparel people wear, on their cars, even the decor for sale might showcase the upside down pineapple. You may find yourself asking “Why do so many people rep this symbol”.
Well we’re here to tell you that the upside down pineapple is not fans of pineapples showing their love for the fruit, or a secret message for others to receive a secret pineapple upside down cake recipe. Instead it is a calling card. A symbol that will help you enter the world of a not so secret society. The swingers.
Whether you are interested in joining this society or not, like most people you are likely curious about it. What are swingers? Why the pineapple? Let’s dive in and uncover the mystery of the sensual message that is the pineapple.
The Upside Down Pineapple: What Does it Actually Mean?
If you really think about it, you’ve probably seen the upside down pineapple in a lot of places. Especially on a person’s clothing, or accessories. Shirts, jewelry, bags, anywhere an upside down pineapple could reasonably be placed it has been there. But what exactly does it mean? On fairly rare occasions it is a mistake, someone bought the article not realizing that the upside down pineapple had a distinct meaning, or they put the accessory on incorrectly. Most of the time however, it is not a mistake.
By wearing something that features upside down pineapples a person is indicating to others that they are a swinger, or that they are looking for a swinging party. Of course just because a person isn’t wearing the symbol themselves that does not mean that they aren’t a swinger. There are some swingers who will boldly walk up to others, pick up a pineapple and tip it upside down in order to gauge the reactions of others.
Of course, a pineapple doesn’t have to be upside down to be symbolic of swingers. Although the upside down pineapple is considered to be the official symbol, pineapples and swingers go hand in hand. So if you’ve ever gone to a party and noticed a pineapple just sitting around, it’s likely that you’ve actually attended a swinger party without even realizing it.
Swingers Explained
Swinging is one of many different types of non-monogamy, or non monogamous relationships. These types of relationships are where partners in a relationship agree to have more than one partner in some way shape or form. These can also include;
- Polyamory: A romantic relationship between multiple people where everyone is emotionally involved with one another
- Open Relationships: Where a somewhat monogamous couple agree to stay together while also pursuing other intimate, but sometimes romantic or emotional relationships
- Ethical Non-Monogamy: A form of relationship dynamic in which partners may agree to seek out romantic and intimate connections with multiple people.
Swinging is described as a form of non-monogamy that is practiced between couples with other couples. Swinging can almost be thought as trading each other off, where couples enjoy having intimate relationships with other people. Usually these other people also happen to be couples as well.
Swinging is one of the most casual forms of non-monogamy, in fact you may have even heard the term “key party” at some point in your life. These parties are events where swingers get together in order to enjoy some adult activities.
Of course not all swingers will brand themselves as swingers. Those who do are usually much more interested in the title that being a swinger gives them than they are in the casual hookups they might have. In fact some areas have such intense swinging communities that the need for any type of upside down pineapple simply isn’t needed.
The Upside Down Pineapple and A Short History to Explain the Origin of its Meaning
In a way, all fruit can be seen as potentially sensual, so why did the pineapple become the symbol of the swingers community?
For the longest time the fruit was actually symbolic of hospitality. In fact back in the 1700’s, early American Settlers paid lots of money to have many shipments imported in from South America. The fruit was seen as something that was foreign and exotic. Placing one just outside of their door became a symbolic way for shipworkers and their captains to let people know that they had returned safely after being out at sea for weeks or months at a time.
Before they were a symbol of hospitality, the pineapple actually had a very different meaning. Much like the apple, or the pomegranate, this fruit was seen as a symbolic representation of seduction.
Returning to the 1700’s, particularly during the revolutionary war that lead to the country’s independence. A series of food riots swept through the colonies, making the once abundant pineapple a rare and peculiar sight. This is when the origin of the connection between pineapples and swingers starts to take place. There were and still are many different secret societies in the world, all of which have different strange codes and symbols. Just like these societies the code for the swingers evolved over time. Eventually the pineapple would be turned upside down, indicating that this society was alternative, debaucherous, and quirky.
The pineapple really is the perfect symbol, like a book hidden amongst other books on a shelf. Most people who don’t understand the meaning will simply shrug and walk away. However those who understand what it means, really do understand what it means.
Places Where You Might Find the Upside Down Pineapple
There are many places where you might find upside down pineapples around you. Some places are much more popular than others to showcase them. However they are still a popular symbol that often goes undetected. Here are some of the most popular spots where you might be able to spot one.
On Cruise Ships
If you have ever been on a cruise you have probably seen at least one upside down pineapple just outside of someone’s cabin. This is a way for swingers to signal to other potential swingers that they are down to do the deed. But don’t worry, even if you do see the pineapple, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re on a cruise full of swingers. Unless, of course that’s where you want to be.
Dating apps, the ability to plan out and book special cruises with other like-minded people, and more make the practice of posting an upside down pineapple a fairly rare one anymore. After all, why post one if you aren’t sure it will get you any results?
On Clothing
Upside down pineapples on clothing is becoming a much more popular way to signal to other swingers. After all it’s much more casual and comfortable, and you don’t need to worry about the fruit falling over or being stolen. If you are at a resort or on a cruise you also don’t have to constantly call for employees to bring you an unsliced fruit from the fridge.
Some people like to boldly display their status as swingers by wearing shirts with bold pineapple prints, or tote bags showcasing an image of an upside down pineapple. But most of the time the symbol is more subtle. Chokers, buttons, badges, pins, rings, and earrings all of which sport upside down pineapple charms.
But if you just happen to have a pair of pineapple earrings you love don’t fret about wearing them. Most swingers know that the pineapple isn’t usually recognized as the symbol it is by most people and are likely able to tell if you are a swinger or not based on your reaction to the symbol itself.
The Grocery Store
It might not seem like the best place to score a hook up, however if you are in an area where pineapples are expensive it might be easier than you think. Swinger couples will often grab one of their calling cards from the produce section, place it upside down in their cart and walk around with the hope that someone may spot it and get the hint.
If you aren’t a swinger don’t worry about giving off the wrong impression, it’s hard to balance a pineapple upside down due to the structure of the fruit so you know that it can’t be done on purpose. But if you want to be sure you don’t confuse potential swingers into thinking you’re into that simply make sure that your pineapple stays upright and you should be just fine.
Tattoos
There are some swingers who take this life style to the extreme, and what’s more extreme and permanent than a tattoo? Swingers who are a part of this lifestyle might proudly get themselves inked with the symbolic piece of fruit. Permanently setting their place in the swinging community.
Other Accessories
Sometimes dressing up from head to toe in pineapples isn’t realistic, unless you really enjoy that sort of vibe. In this case the best thing you can do is showcase your status on your belongings. Stickers on your laptop, popsockets, bumper stickers, all of which sport symbols of upside down pineapples. These are just more casual ways to signal to other swingers.
Do Swingers Use Other Symbols?
The upside down pineapple may be the most well known symbol when it comes to the swinging community, however that doesn’t mean that it’s the only symbol that people use. Because pineapples are so popular in decor for people outside of the community just the pineapple isn’t enough to show others that they’re down to get bad.
This is why the pineapple is often combined with other symbols of the swinging community. These can include decorating your home with items such as pampas grass in the front yard, and white landscaping rocks. Or subtle accessories such as a black ring on your right hand, placing your wedding band on your right hand instead of your left, or wearing an anklet.
That said, one off occasions of these symbols should not be taken as a sign that someone wants to play the spousal swap game. However, if you find that you’re seeing a multitude of these symbols being portrayed unless they just happen to really like the way those things look, the message is usually pretty clear.
Are You Ready to Swing? Have Your Cake And Eat it Too!
Now that we’ve gone over the basics of what it means to swing, and exactly what the upside down pineapple means you’ll know what this long used symbol means. Why the symbol is used, how it can be used in combination with other symbols, and of course what it means to be down bad in a non-monogamous relationship.
If you are ready to swing grab yourself a fresh pineapple, and plant some pampas grass and wait for the fun to arrive at your door.
If you are not wanting to swing with other couples you can also use this knowledge to ensure that you do not mistakenly signal to swingers. After all, not everyone is ready to get down and dirty like they are.
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