Feeling fruity? The interesting concept of the upside-down pineapple…

If you’ve spent any time wandering around campsites or motorhome park ups, there’s a slight chance you might have noticed a peculiar trend popping up: that of displaying pineapples. Not just any pineapples, though - we’re specifically talking about upside-down ones. They pop up in all sorts of places - on stickers, doormats, even as actual fruit perched precariously on dashboards. But what does it all mean? Is it a new-age navigation system? Just a love of tropical fruit? Or is it something a tad spicier?

Let’s delve into this interesting phenomenon…

The pineapple’s newfound secret identity

The humble pineapple has long been a symbol of hospitality and welcome. In bygone times, sailors coming back from far-flung places would put them outside their homes to signal their return from a successful voyage. For a long time, pineapples were rare and expensive to have in the UK, making them the ultimate symbol of wealth and status - centuries ago wealthy people even used to rent them at great cost, just to display at parties!

Fast forward a few centuries, and the fruit has taken on a rather different meaning in certain social circles…

These days, displaying an upside-down pineapple is widely recognised as a discreet (or not-so-discreet) sign of swinging, including in the motorhome community. Yes, that’s right - couples who are open to, shall we say, ‘extracurricular activities’ with other like-minded adventurers use this particular symbol to identify themselves. It’s effectively the fruity version of its cousin, the pampas grass. 

And it’s not just the actual fruit that’s used. Displaying an upside-down pineapple on your motorhome, whether on a sticker, or a flag, for example, is akin to raising a tropical beacon that says, ‘Fancy a chat… and maybe more?’

This might be a totally new concept to you, and if it is, there might be a proportion of you reading this now that are going off to check that all your pineapple items are suitably upright…

Indeed - gets you thinking about that fridge magnet you brought home from the Caribbean now, doesn’t it - the one that goes a bit wonky of its own accord. And maybe that’s why that the neighbour looked at you a bit funny when you emerged from the fridge after fumbling about for an egg to lend them? Ooh, it’s all coming together now… 

Where did this all come from?

Like many of life’s most intriguing mysteries, the origins of the upside-down pineapple as a sign of swinging are a little hazy. Some say it began on cruise ships, where couples looking to mingle would place an upside-down pineapple on their cabin door. Others insist it started in suburban American neighbourhoods, where a well-placed pineapple garden ornament would signal a more ‘social’ household. Either way, the trend has well and truly freewheeled into the motorhome community, where some people travel from site to site, perhaps hoping to make more than just new friends around the, dare we say it, ‘hook up’.

So it’s not just about real fruit?

Well, as we mentioned, apparently not. Window stickers are popular, pineapple cushions strategically placed in view are common, and at nighttime strings of pineapple festoon lights can be seen. It’s a creative pastime, that’s for sure, and the actual fruit itself might not even get a mention. Sometimes, its very obvious what’s going on, and sometimes, it’s a subtle statement being made… 

Fancy a bit of pineapple?

Seen one? Fancy a bit of, er, pineapple? Well, Bob’s your uncle. Each to their own, and all that. If you think you’ve found another pineapple lover, it’s probably a good idea to look for other signs though before making a move in that direction. Do bear in mind it might just be an unfortunately displayed pineapple, and you might offend the owner if that was definitely not their intent! Communication is key.

What to do if you feel uncomfortable...

Now, if you’re sitting there, glancing nervously at the pineapple-patterned tea towel you’ve just hung up to dry in your motorhome, don’t panic - nobody is going to assume you’re hosting an open house for adventurous couples just because you enjoy a bit of tropical decor. 

However, if you do find yourself being approached by friendly (but slightly too friendly) neighbours, a polite but firm ‘No, thank you!’ should suffice. Most people in those circles are respectful and understand that not everyone is in the same club, nor looking to be…

And if you feel uneasy at all, you can always move on or switch up your parking spot - you should never be made to feel uncomfortable, and the beauty of being on wheels means that you can move on if you need to.

Well, there we have it. Who’d have thought that a modest, spiky fruit would cause such a conversation! At the end of the day, it’s a funny phenomenon that gives rise to a few laughs, as well as being a little hint as to what some people get up to in their spare time. 

And if you’re genuinely worried about giving off the wrong impression? Maybe just focus on keeping your pineapples the right way up… Happy camping!