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Updated April 17, 2024
In our Facebook Group called RV Camping for Newbies, as well as many other social media platforms, questions about flamingos and upside-down pineapples come up all the time. People want to know what flamingos and upside-down pineapples mean, especially in an RV park.
If you’re on the naïve side like me, you might believe that upside-down pineapples ripen better when inverted. Maybe a pineapple at your door is a symbol of hospitality.
Those are a few of the answers you’ll find when you Google the question. I saw someone answer the question on Quora with an entire explanation regarding a pineapple upside-down cake.
Of course, I would be the one who would graciously put the pineapple back the way it belonged or ask someone why their fruit was upside down. Unfortunately, the upside-down pineapple flamingo pairing has nothing to do with cake.
To avoid an awkward situation, we’ll explain what the secret code behind upside-down pineapples with flamingos means. We’ll also talk about how the idea started and some other variations that relate to it.
- What Does an Upside-Down Pineapple Mean?
- Does a Flamingo Symbolize Swinging?
- What are Swingers?
- Are Upside Down Pineapples Allowed At Campgrounds?
- Are There Campgrounds for Swingers?
- What’s the History of the Upside-Down Pineapples?
- What’s the History of Pink Flamingos?
- How Did Pineapples and Flamingos Become the Mascot of Swingers?
- Where Might You See an Upside-Down Pineapple?
- How Common are Swingers in the RV World?
- Bottom Line: Could Pineapples and Flamingos on your RV Put you in an Awkward Position?
- Final Words About Pineapples and Flamingos
- Related Reading:
What Does an Upside-Down Pineapple Mean?
An upside-down pineapple symbol is a secret sign that the like-minded people behind the symbol are into the swinging lifestyle. People who wear these discrete symbols in a subtle way look for others who also enjoy alternative lifestyles.
Does a Flamingo Symbolize Swinging?
Although less common, the flamingo symbolizes someone looking to swing. Yet the pink flamingo is mostly a harmless RV patio feature that dates back to the Vintage Era (1945-1970).
What are Swingers?
People who are part of the swinging community are people who participate in group sex or who swap partners in a group setting, also known as swingers.
Are Upside Down Pineapples Allowed At Campgrounds?
While the display of an upside-down pineapple on your RV at a campground might not be a specified rule, it could pose an awkward situation for you and your RV neighbors.
If you are a part of the swinger lifestyle, you might want to follow a few common courtesies particularly if you are camping around families. If you do not live this lifestyle, these suggestions are for you as well.
- Be discreet.
- Be respectful, particularly if someone asks about your pineapple or if you see one on a nearby RV.
- Mind your own business. Don’t gossip.
Are There Campgrounds for Swingers?
Yes, there are several campgrounds across the US for RVers who partake in a swinger lifestyle. You can find Facebook, and Instagram pages that will lead to group camping events and more.
What’s the History of the Upside-Down Pineapples?
The history of the upside-down pineapple without the flamingo is much less questionable than today’s interpretation. It’s commonly associated with hospitality and has been used as a sign in places where guests are welcomed. Some say the symbol originated from Hawaii and represents the local’s friendly hospitality.
Some say the upside-down pineapple originated in Europe as a symbol of welcome during the Renaissance period.
In colonial times, it was also said to be a symbol of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. But there is a secret meaning too.
What’s the History of Pink Flamingos?
Pink flamingos were first designed in 1957 in Massachusetts by Don Featherstone. He was hired by Union Products to sculpt a pink flamingo and ducks.
The pink bird was a hit to brighten up tract homes in post-WWII neighborhoods. The flamingo was a great way to differentiate your house from all the other places on the street.
Flocked By Pink Flamingo
Over the decades, pink flamingos rose and fell in popularity. Then, in the late ‘70s and early ’80, the pink flamingo became part of a prank culture where people put them on other peoples’ lawns as a joke.
Oddly enough, Featherstone was awarded a Nobel Arts Prize for their creation and eventually became president of Union Products.
How Did Pineapples and Flamingos Become the Mascot of Swingers?
While it’s not abundantly clear why upside-down pineapples and flamingos became the “secret” symbol of swingers in recent years, the cat’s out of the proverbial bag thanks to social media. It could be that the welcoming symbols were used to show hospitality, and it just spilled into some being more “hospitable” than others.
Turning your pineapple upside down in your shopping cart can also indicate that you’re looking for a swinger party.
Several other symbols are used to indicate the swinging lifestyle. There are different ways the upside-down pineapple without the flamingo, in particular, can be worn. Be aware of shorts or t-shirts with pineapples or even pineapple jewelry.
Other symbols include:
- People wearing red ballcaps
- Wearing a thumb ring
- Wearing a toe ring
- Switching the wedding ring to the right-hand
- Garden Gnomes
- Metal Star on the front of the house
- Yin-Yang tattoo
- A black ring on the right-hand
- White rocks around a mailbox
- Wearing pineapple clothing
Where Might You See an Upside-Down Pineapple?
You can see an upside-down pineapple just about anywhere you go. They have become popular on cruise lines, and you may find a symbol on a cruise ship door. You can also go on a “swinger” cruise or a nude cruise for some adult fun.
They’re also becoming more common in RV parks. You might see an upside-down pineapple outside an RV, on the door, or even a symbol on the doormat. You might also see the symbol on a person’s clothing or jewelry.
How Common are Swingers in the RV World?
According to the New York Post, there are over 15 million swingers in the United States. That’s about 4.5% of the country.
The number of swingers in the RV community could probably reflect that. I haven’t seen these symbols, and I don’t know anyone in this lifestyle, but out of curiosity, I’ll probably be looking to see how often I see them in my travels.
Bottom Line: Could Pineapples and Flamingos on your RV Put you in an Awkward Position?
Absolutely, yes, these symbols could be misconstrued. There are stories about awkward encounters for those who aren’t in the “know” of these symbols.
I don’t believe that these hijacked items should keep you from decorating your RV space with pineapples or flamingos whether you enjoy the swinger lifestyle or not.
A courteous response to anyone who inquires about swinging is all you need to give. Now that you know the hidden meaning behind upside-down pineapples and flamingos, you won’t be caught off guard by inquiries regarding alternative lifestyles.
Final Words About Pineapples and Flamingos
Now that you know what upside pineapples, and flamingos, represent, you can avoid an awkward situation and simply move on.
However, if you enjoy these symbols of hospitality and fun don’t let their deeper meaning keep you from enjoying them in your own campground.
Related Reading:
–RV Window Tinting – Increase Privacy and Reduce Heat
–18 Best Decorating Ideas for Your Travel Trailer or RV
–10 Best Facebook Groups for RV Owners
–35 Biggest RV Beginner Mistakes to Avoid!
Terri Nighswonger – Author and Full Time RVer
Terri Nighswonger and her husband Todd have been RVing and work camping for six years with their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Newton, and their Minnie Australian Shepherd, Remi.
In Addition to the RVBlogger team, Terri has written for RV Life and RV Camping Magazine and is always excited to talk about her passion for RVing and her knowledge and experience in work camping.
Writing is Terri’s passion, but she also loves hiking, kayaking, walking her dogs, and anything she can do outdoors.
They originate from the Midwest but plan to enjoy the West for a few years, wintering in Arizona and summering wherever the road may lead.
Flamingos are a classic Americana symbol shared by Airstream owners to represent the heritage of the brand and travelling America. Plastic flamingos are intertwined with the Airstream brand, and are proudly displayed by Airstreamers and even shared as greetings among Airstreamers (in the form of small flamingos left on your step, similar to Jeep ducking).
It sounds like any yard ornament or jewelry could signify swinging. Weird. Gnomes? Flamingos? Pineapples? Good grief. That’s some wishful thinking.
I think these “swingers” symbols are ridicules! Good wholesome meaning symbols trying to be turned into something other than they should be. if you want to swing that’s your business of course, but really!?
The “other symbols” list is ridiculous as these are common everyday items.
It is unfortunate that there is a secret meaning behind the flamingo. Me and my wife’s home our saying has been Flamingo Moon for a very long time say 20 years and our saying has been “Pirates for the care of beings”. We always display our name plate and a metal flamingo at our camp site with the name “Flamingo Moon Campers”. And sometimes we fly a Pirate flag at our camp site. We Hadley get any visitors or people saying hi when we sit out. I figured it was because of our Flamingo or flag. Don’t plan on stopping to display my flamingo, we also have a flamingo stuffed animal that we carry with us as our mascot. It is unfortunate that people view these symbols negatively. BTW we are normal people that don’t swing or anything else people like to associate with these symbols.