A former cruise ship retail worker has spoken about what it can mean when some passengers are seen wearing black rings while at sea.
Cruise holidays have a reputation for feeling a bit like a world of their own, where people let their guard down far more than they might on land.
With endless buffets, drinks on tap, and the sense of being far removed from everyday routines, it can also create the kind of setting where certain adult social scenes are easier to explore.
Lucy Southerton, 28, spent around a decade working on ocean liners and says she repeatedly came across guests who were part of that scene during her time onboard.
In a YouTube video, Lucy claimed there are subtle ways some passengers communicate with each other on cruises, adding that working at sea for years meant she picked up on plenty of signals.
She was referring to the swinging community.
Many people have heard of the “pineapple” association: a pineapple displayed on a cabin door, or pineapple-themed jewellery, is often said to suggest someone is open to meeting other like-minded travellers.
But, according to Lucy, pineapples aren’t the only symbol people talk about.
She said black jewellery can also be used as a quiet identifier, including a black ring in particular.
Lucy said she first learned about it while working in a cruise spa during a couples’ massage, when she noticed the pair had pineapple accessories.
“Look, we’re swingers. This is how people can identify us as swingers.”
Lucy added: “One other that I’ve heard is there’s a black ring on your right hand.”
She also shared that there’s plenty of slang used within the community, including terms describing different preferences or arrangements.
“There is a unicorn, which is basically a woman who wants to swing on her own – so wants to sleep with a couple,” Lucy explained. “And then a rhino is a single man willing to swing.
“A mermaid is a married woman willing to swing with a couple on her own, and then rainbow is pretty obvious that they’re happy to swing with everyone and anyone.”
However, commenters on Reddit argued that these supposed “codes” are often far from definitive, and that it’s easy to misread everyday choices as a sign.
“So the thing about the black ring on the right hand is that it isn’t reliable. Honestly, no ‘signal’ about swingers is reliable unless it’s a giant sign that says ‘I/we are swingers and want to f**k, come talk to us about it and f**k!
“Anyone could wear a black ring on either hand. Anyone can wear a shirt with a pineapple on it, anyone can put flamingos on their lawn, anyone can wear an anklet… (all swinger ‘signs’ I’ve heard of).”
One person, who said they were part of the swinging lifestyle, also dismissed the idea that common items automatically function as a message to others.
“I have a ceramic pineapple in my library and 4 pink flamingos in my backyard. Do I swing? Yep. Are they signals to the general community? Nope.
“The pineapple was an impulse purchase from HomeGoods and I think plastic lawn flamingos are tacky and hilarious. I love them. There’s no deep meaning. You’ll be hard pressed to find someone wearing a black ring that is trying to send you a message.”