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Former cruise ship employee explains hidden adult meaning if you spot someone wearing a black ring
If you notice someone wearing a simple black ring while onboard a cruise ship, it might not just be a fashion choice; it could be a subtle signal meant for those in the know.
According to a former cruise worker, certain communities have developed secret ways of identifying each other at sea, and the meaning behind this understated accessory may surprise many passengers.
The Hidden Signal Behind A Black Ring
Even though society has become more accepting of non-monogamous relationships, many people prefer not to broadcast their lifestyle publicly.
As a result, subtle signs have emerged to help like-minded individuals find one another without drawing attention.
According to The Swinger Symbol (SS), one of those signs is wearing a black ring, which sends out a “clear and loud message that you're interested in a swinging adventure with the person you're meeting”.
Former cruise ship employee Lucy Southerton, 28, from Birmingham, who worked on cruise ships for a decade, runs the YouTube channel “Cruising As Crew” where she regularly discusses what life at sea is really like and offers tips learned during her years onboard.
In a video shared in 2023, which has since amassed over 1.1 million views, she told viewers that “a black ring on your right hand” is a widely used signal on cruises, but added a word of caution: “You can never really be sure if that's just something they like to wear, or whether it is a signal.”
She further explained that when worn on the right hand, a black ring might simply be a fashion choice, warning passengers not to assume its meaning unless other “clear signs” are present.
How Lucy Discovered The Secret
Lucy recalled first learning about the hidden meanings while working at a spa on a cruise. She described how a couple arrived for a massage wearing matching silver upside-down pineapple necklaces.
After complimenting their “cute” jewellery and asking what the pineapple represented, the pair burst into laughter before explaining: “Look, we're swingers, this is how people can identify us as swingers.”
During conversations with passengers, Lucy also learned about various symbols and terminology used within the community.
She explained: “There is a unicorn, which is basically a woman who wants to swing on her own - so wants to sleep with a couple. And then a rhino is a single man willing to swing," per Daily Mail.
“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," she added.
She also noted that phrases such as DDF - meaning “drug and disease free” - and HMP, which stands for “height, weight, proportional,” are sometimes used to communicate preferences or personal information discreetly.
What To Do If Someone Approaches You
The Swinger Symbol explained that if someone wearing a black ring approaches you, it may be an invitation to start a conversation.
The website advises: “On the off chance that somebody wearing a black ring approaches you, start conversing with them. 'I see you're wearing a piece of special jewellery. Perhaps, we are the members of the same club'.”
And if someone wants to avoid revealing any hidden meaning, the suggested response is simple: “Tell them anything you might want...'Oh, it's nothing. Don't you like my style?'”