You may have noticed some couples walking around wearing pineapples on their clothes or jewelry. This is more than just a quirky fashion statement – it actually carries a special meaning. Wearing pineapples is a subtle way to indicate that you are a part of the swinging lifestyle.
The pineapple has become a symbolic code to identify people who are swingers or interested in swapping partners. This originated in the 1970s when swinging became more popular and people needed discreet ways to communicate their lifestyle. Pineapples are the perfect fruit to represent the swinger community because of their association with hospitality and welcoming.
So if you see a couple both wearing pineapple-themed accessories, clothing, or jewelry, they are likely signaling that they are open to swapping or joining other couples. It is an easy way to identify others who share their interests without having to be overt about it.
Where did the pineapple symbol come from?
The use of the pineapple as a symbol for swinging originated in the 1970s among members of the swinger community. At the time, swinging was becoming more visible but still considered taboo in mainstream society. Swingers needed a subtle way to identify each other and signal their lifestyle choices.
The pineapple was chosen because it had long been associated with hospitality and welcoming in many cultures. Pineapples were often used to symbolize that guests would be well taken care of. Swingers adapted this meaning to convey openness to new relationships and sexual encounters. It was a discreet emblem that most vanilla people would not recognize.
In the 1990s and 2000s, wearing pineapples became more popular and spread through swinger circles. The association was cemented when pineapple imagery began being used for swinger clubs, parties, websites, and clothing. Now the pineapple is widely recognized within the lifestyle as a sign that someone is a part of the community.
How do swingers wear and display pineapples?
There are a few common ways that swingers incorporate pineapples to signal their lifestyle:
Pineapple clothing
T-shirts, dresses, swimsuits, shorts, and other clothing items featuring pineapples are a popular way for swingers to identify each other. This clothing may have discreet pineapple images or be more overt with words related to the lifestyle printed on them. Pineapple patterns are also frequently seen on women’s leggings or men’s ties and socks.
Pineapple jewelry
Pineapple necklaces, charms, earrings, rings, and bracelets allow more subtle signaling. A woman wearing a gold pineapple pendant or a man with a pineapple watch may go unnoticed except to others in the know. Pineapple jewelry is a way for couples to discreetly indicate their interest when out in public.
Pineapple tattoos
Some swingers forego jewelry and clothing by getting permanent pineapple tattoos. These may be large and obvious or tiny and discreet, placed in hidden spots. A little pineapple tattoo is a permanent indicator to others in the lifestyle.
Pineapple home decor
Swingers often use pineapples in their home decor as a way to subtly signal their interests when hosting parties or small gatherings. This may include pineapple throw pillows, salt and pepper shakers, curtains, welcome mats, towels, or pool floats. When pineapples are proudly on display, other swingers will take the hint.
Pineapple lifestyle flags
In addition to clothing and decor, some swingers display special flags or banners with the pineapple logo to identify their homes or lifestyle events. These flags leave no doubt about the swingers inside.
How do you know if someone is a swinger?
Here are some of the key signals to look for to determine if a couple you see are swingers:
- They are both wearing clothes, jewelry, or accessories with a pineapple theme
- One partner is wearing multiple items with pineapples on them
- Their home decor contains many pineapples when you visit
- They have pineapple tattoos in intimate or hidden locations
- You see them at a lifestyle event, club, or swinger vacation location
- They freely talk about pineapples and make references to the swinger lifestyle
A couple casually wearing one pineapple accessory could just be a fashion choice. But when you see multiple usages of the pineapple motif, that is a good sign they are identifying as swingers. The more pineapples you spot, the higher the chance they are in the lifestyle.
Are all pineapples a sign of swinging?
While the pineapple is the most well-known symbol of the swinging lifestyle, its usage is not only limited to sexual non-monogamy. Pineapples have become trendy in mainstream clothing and decor as well. Some couples who wear pineapples may just think they are a cute, kitschy motif. Especially among younger people, the deeper meaning of pineapples may be unknown.
Context is important in determining if pineapple usage is swinger-related. If it occurs in combination with other subtle cues or the couple is middle-aged, there is a higher chance it is lifestyle-related. But a young woman in a pineapple tank top may just be expressing a tropical aesthetic. Look for additional signals before assuming anyone wearing pineapples is a swinger.
Are there other secret swinger symbols?
The pineapple is the most common and universally understood swinger symbol, but it is not the only one. Here are some other secret symbols to watch out for:
Black rings
Swingers and polyamorous people sometimes wear a black ring on their right hand. This ring is usually worn on the middle finger. A black ring indicates interest in non-monogamy.
Sunny-side-up eggs
Like pineapples, sunny-side-up eggs symbolize openness and playfulness. Necklaces and clothing with sunny-side-up egg designs are used.
Mermaid tail jewelry
The mermaid or dolphin tail symbolizes people who are open to swinging and polyamory. Mermaid tail charms worn on bracelets or anklets subtly communicate one’s lifestyle.
Rainbows
The rainbow has been adopted by many alternative lifestyle groups. Swingers use rainbows to signal an interest in free love and exploration.
Spanish moss
Found in tropical and subtropical areas, Spanish moss represents going with the flow and open sexuality. It may be used on clothing, tattoos or home decor.
Conclusion
Pineapples have become the universal symbol to identify swingers and those in the lifestyle. From clothing to jewelry to home decor, pineapples display openness to sexual exploration and swapping partners. They provide a discreet way for couples to find each other and signal their shared interests.
The history of pineapples representing hospitality and welcoming made them a perfect emblem for the swinger community starting in the 1970s. They continue to be the most recognized sign that someone is a swinger. But there are also other more subtle symbols like black rings, sunny-side-up eggs, mermaid tails, rainbows and Spanish moss.
Swinging couples enthusiastically display pineapples almost everywhere as a friendly message welcoming pleasure. So the next time you notice a strategically placed pineapple, you’ll know there may be more than meets the eye.