What Does an Upside-Down Pineapple Mean?

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The inside scoop on why people put pineapples on doors and porches

Co-authored by Aly Rusciano Reviewed by John Keegan

Last Updated: September 1, 2024 Fact Checked

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• Upside-Down Pineapple Meaning
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• Where to Find Upside-Down Pineapples
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• History of the Symbol
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• How to Respond
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• Other Symbols for Swinging
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• Video

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You’re walking to your cabin on a cruise ship when you notice one or two cabin doors with an upside-down pineapple decal. Huh? Did you miss a memo or something? Nope! You didn’t miss anything—that just means those visitors are swingers. An upside-down pineapple is a universal symbol for swinging or having sexual interactions with other couples. If you want to learn more about this fruity symbol, keep reading!

Upside-Down Pineapple Meaning

Upside-down pineapples are used to signal that people are swingers. Swinging is a form of non-monogamy where couples have open relationships with other couples.

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Section 1 of 6:

What does an upside-down pineapple mean?

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1. An upside-down pineapple is a symbol for swingers. A swinger is someone in a long-term or non-monogamous relationship who’s willing to have sex with multiple people. If someone is wearing an item of clothing with an upside-down pineapple on it or hangs the image on their front door, it means they’re interested in “swinging” or having a more open relationship. The upside-down pineapple is a way of attracting other swingers’ attention with the hope of meeting more people to swing with.

   • Swinging is often done by couples to bring excitement and new thrills into the relationship.
   • Swingers can be married, in non-committed relationships, or single.
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Section 2 of 6:

Where might you see an upside-down pineapple?

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1. 1
   On a door Upside-down pineapples are most commonly seen as door knockers or decals on hotel room doors. The door knocker signals to visitors that the home's residents are open to swinging, and a decal helps swingers signal their interest anywhere they go (including cruise ships or other getaway locations).
2. 2
   On clothing or bags Couples or partners interested in swinging will often wear t-shirts or bags with an upside-down pineapple on them. This is especially common when on vacation.
3. 3
   In a shopping cart A bold, daring swinger may place a pineapple upside down in their shopping cart while grocery shopping. This is a discreet invite to any other swinger to approach them and ask about their swinging preferences.
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   While texting A 🍍 emoji is commonly used amongst swingers. Although the pineapple image is upright, sending it can be a quick way to say, “Hey, are you a swinger?” or “Feel like swinging tonight? We’re up for it!”

   • Similarly, the 🍍 emoji can also mean that a relationship is “complicated,” so look for context clues. If a known swinger sends you the emoji, it’s likely a call for swinging.
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Section 3 of 6:

Origin of the Upside-Down Pineapple

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1. There’s record of the upside-down pineapple being used as far back as the 1990s. The pineapple itself has been a symbol of hospitality for centuries, tracing all the way back to the Renaissance. It’s believed that the swinging community adopted this hospitable symbol and turned it on its head—literally!

   • The upside-down pineapple and swinger community had a resurgence in December 2021 when #upsidedownpineapple gained traction on TikTok.

Section 4 of 6:

Does everyone know what an upside-down pineapple means?

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1. Nope, not everyone is aware of the upside-down pineapple’s swinger meaning. Everyone interprets things differently because everyone has different experiences and interests. Someone who’s a swinger or aware of the swinging community will likely see a swinger meaning in an upside-down pineapple, while someone who isn’t aware wouldn’t. It’s all relative!

   • Consequently, a pineapple doesn’t have to be upside down to signify swinging. If a pineapple is randomly outside someone’s door or on their porch, they could also be a swinger or they may just really like pineapples.
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Section 5 of 6:

What should you do if you see an upside-down pineapple?

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1. If you see an upside-down pineapple, keep on walking or make a move. An upside-down pineapple is generally an invitation to engage in swinging activities; however, the invite doesn’t have to be met. If you’re not interested in swinging, that’s alright! Simply acknowledge the symbol and go on with your day. If you are interested in swinging, politely approach the person or couple and point out their upside-down pineapple. They’ll get the hint.

   • Keep in mind that it’s never okay to shame someone for their lifestyle choices, especially if they’re not hurting anyone. Everyone has the freedom to live their own life.

Section 6 of 6:

Other Symbols for Swinging

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1. Upside-down pineapples aren’t the only item swingers use to attract other swingers’ attention. Sometimes, more than one of these symbols could also be used:

   • Pink lawn flamingos in the front yard
   • Wearing a black ring on the right hand
   • Planting pampas grass in the garden
   • Switching a wedding ring to the right hand
   • Using pink and/or purple decor in the front yard
   • Garden gnomes by or on the front porch
   • White landscaping rocks
   • Women wearing anklets or toe rings on the right foot
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Tips

• Remember that the symbols mentioned in this article don’t guarantee swinger status or swinging behavior. Use your best judgment to interpret symbols.
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