Did you just pull up behind someone's car at the traffic light and notice they have an "upside-down pineapple" sticker on the back of their car? What does it mean? Are they a fan of the fruit or something? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
Did you notice an upside-down pineapple outside a person's house, propped against their mailbox, and there's a party going on inside? It means that there is a "swingers" party going on. Swinging is a sexual practice where participants will swap partners for sexual intercourse. It is not a lasting commitment and is only usually for a few hours.
The "swingers" could stick to couples, or they may be promiscuous and sleep with many partners. No one is sure why the upside-down pineapple became the symbol for the swinging community, and you'll see it splashed on stickers and t-shirts. If you see a couple wearing upside pineapples on their t-shirts while walking around, it likely means they are part of the swinging community.
However, don't assume someone is a swinger if they have an upside-down pineapple in their shopping cart at the grocery store. Many people do this. It sends the sugars from the fruit's base back to the top of the pineapple after being stored upright.
Example Usage
“Do you play well with others? Why don’t you and your wife join us for this Friday's upside-down pineapple party? You could meet some interesting people.”
“We’re part of the upside-down pineapple community. When we make that reference, do you know what we’re talking about?”
“We saw the upside-down pineapple in front of your gate, and we figured this was a swinging party? Do you mind if we join you?”
“If you ever see an upside-down pineapple in front of someone’s home, it likely means they’re swingers and hosting a sex party that evening.”
“What does it mean if someone hands you a party invitation with an upside-down pineapple printed on it? It looks cool. Do they mean it’s an island-themed function?”
“I’m going to an upside-down pineapple party with my girlfriend this evening. I think it’s going to be a wild night.”
“Are you part of the upside-down pineapple community? Do you want to join us for something different tonight?”
Origin
Language experts are unsure about the origin of the expression “upside-down pineapple.” However, some believe that the term comes from the 1960s and the onset of the swinging community during the sexual revolution at the time.
People during the seventies would leave an upside-down pineapple leaning against a structure in front of their house. This would signal that there was a swingers party underway inside. People looking for the venue would be able to find the location easily after noticing the pineapple outside.
Phrases Similar to Upside Down Pineapple
- Swingers.
- Swinging party.
Phrases Opposite to Upside Down Pineapple
- Monogamy.
What is the Correct Saying?
- Upside down pineapple.
Ways People May Say Upside Down Pineapple Incorrectly
Some people may think the phrase upside down pineapple has some relation to the “upside-down pineapple cake,” which is a favorite Australian dessert.
They may also think it has something to do with the practice of turning a pineapple upside down to get the sugars in the fruit to redistribute to the top of the pineapple after sinking to the bottom during storage or display.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Upside Down Pineapple
The upside-down pineapple is a symbol of the swinging community. So, you’ll see it on items like t-shirts and stickers worn and displayed by swingers. The words “upside-down pineapple” don’t mean anything. They act as a description of the symbol.
You can use the phrase “upside-down pineapple” when speaking socially regarding swingers or actions of the swinging community. If you’re using the saying in a text message, you would likely use the words “upside-down” followed by the pineapple emoji to communicate the expression to others.