What does swinging mean slang? - The Environmental Literacy Council (2025)

Swinging, in slang, primarily refers to the practice of swapping sexual partners within a group, often habitually. This activity, sometimes called wife-swapping, husband-swapping, or partner-swapping, involves both singles and partners in a committed relationship engaging in sexual encounters with others for recreational purposes. It is a form of non-monogamy and an open relationship structure. However, it’s crucial to understand that “swinging” in slang has several vastly different meanings depending on the context, including physical actions and other less common interpretations. It’s not just one monolithic definition; instead, it branches into several meanings depending on context, tone and region. Let’s break them down:

The Primary Meaning: Partner Swapping

The most common meaning of swinging, when used as slang, refers to the consensual exchange of sexual partners. This can occur in various settings, from private parties to dedicated clubs. This is an activity that focuses on recreational sexual activity outside of a monogamous relationship, with the full knowledge and consent of all involved parties. It differs from cheating because all partners are aware and have agreed to this type of sexual exploration. This specific meaning is what often comes to mind first when using “swinging” in modern conversations, or when seeing the word written in articles or entertainment.

Other Meanings of Swinging

While the above definition is the most prevalent, “swinging” also has other less common meanings:

UK Old-Fashioned Informal: To Hit Someone

In old-fashioned British informal language, “swinging” can mean to hit someone. This usage harks back to the physical motion of swinging an arm or object to strike someone. The connotation here is one of physical violence and is not to be confused with the partner-swapping definition. This usage is rare today.

Swinging At Someone: Attempting to Strike

The phrase “swinging at someone” means to try to hit someone. This denotes the action of attempting a physical strike, regardless of whether the blow lands or not. This is quite distinct from the primary sexual definition and is important not to confuse. It’s usually associated with conflict and aggressive behaviour.

The Physical Act of Swinging

The word “swinging” can also refer to the actual physical act of swinging, like swinging your legs, or swinging on a playground swing. This is the most literal use of the word, and is often used when describing motion and movement. In this context, it is completely unrelated to the sexual connotations and generally describes a back-and-forth motion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Swinging

To further illuminate the nuances of “swinging”, here are 15 frequently asked questions and their detailed answers:

1. Is swinging illegal in the US?

Swinging itself is not illegal in the US, but the legal landscape can be complex. Some states have stricter regulations regarding public indecency or events that could be considered “brothels”. Therefore, organizing swinging parties or gatherings can be tricky in certain jurisdictions. Ethic laws in some East Coast states can restrict what type of events can be advertised. It’s crucial to understand local laws before participating in any such activities.

2. Why do adults engage in swinging?

Adults engage in swinging for various reasons, including increased intimacy, heightened sexual experiences, exploration, and open communication. Some couples report it strengthens their relationship by fostering trust and honest conversation about desires and boundaries. It also allows some individuals to explore sexual desires and experiences they might not find within their regular relationship. Furthermore, the sense of novelty and shared excitement can add a different dimension to their relationship.

3. Does swinging hurt a relationship?

Swinging can either help or hurt a relationship. If both partners are fully on board and have open and honest communication, it can lead to increased intimacy, trust, and communication. However, if one partner feels pressured or uncomfortable, or if there is a lack of open communication, it can severely damage the relationship. It’s crucial that the decision to swing is a mutual one, with clearly established boundaries, and with an understanding of the risks.

4. What happens during a swinging session?

Swinging sessions can vary greatly. Some involve swapping partners for various sexual activities, while others might include group sex. It’s important to note that consent is paramount in all swinging encounters and that the specific activities are determined by the desires and boundaries of the individuals involved. Some may participate in soft-swapping, which includes activities like kissing and oral sex, and some may participate in full sexual intercourse with different partners.

5. What should you do if someone is swinging at you?

If someone is swinging at you, your first priority should be ensuring your safety. Maintain distance, anticipate their movements, and look for opportunities to avoid their strikes. If the situation escalates, it’s essential to seek help or remove yourself from the situation entirely.

6. Is swinging considered adultery?

Whether swinging is considered adultery is a nuanced issue. From a purely legal perspective, it depends on the definition of adultery in a particular jurisdiction. However, many people, particularly those with traditional views, consider any sexual activity outside of a marriage to be adultery, regardless of whether it’s consensual with the spouse’s knowledge.

7. How common is swinging in marriage?

The prevalence of swinging is difficult to determine due to the private nature of the activity. Research estimates that somewhere between 2 and 10 percent of married couples have engaged in swinging, with the lower end of that range being considered more reliable. This means that while it is not common, it is also not as rare as some might assume.

8. What is soft swinging behavior?

Soft swinging refers to non-penetrative sexual relations outside of a primary relationship. This might include activities like kissing, touching, or oral sex with other partners but not full intercourse. This term is often used within the swinger community to differentiate between different levels of engagement.

9. Is swinging good for people with ADHD?

Swinging, the physical activity, can be beneficial for individuals with ADHD. The rhythmic motion of swinging helps in refocusing the brain, making it easier to engage in structured activities afterward. The vestibular stimulation experienced while swinging also assists in sensory regulation.

10. Is swinging good for seniors?

The physical act of arm swinging during walking is good for seniors and reduces the metabolic cost of walking. It can contribute to stability and is a healthy form of light exercise for older adults. This, of course, is unrelated to the sexual meaning of the term.

11. Why is swinging good for couples?

Swinging can be good for couples when approached correctly, as it necessitates open and honest conversations about desires, boundaries, and expectations. This level of communication fosters a deeper understanding of each other’s needs and can increase trust and vulnerability within the relationship.

12. What is the lifestyle of swinging?

The lifestyle of a swinger is one where couples engage sexually with others together, often other couples, with the full knowledge and agreement of both partners. It requires significant communication, clear boundaries, and mutual respect. This life choice is not for everyone.

13. Can a single man get into swinging?

Yes, a single man can get into swinging, but success is not guaranteed and usually more difficult than it is for couples. Single men must be respectful, understand the social dynamics, and follow the guidelines of the particular swingers’ community they are involved in. It is often easier for single females to get involved, so men can often find themselves at a disadvantage in this scene.

14. Does swinging lead to divorce?

The claim that swinging leads to divorce is not always true. Research suggests that couples who swing can have as strong or stronger relationships as their monogamous counterparts. However, like all relationships, there are no guarantees. Divorce among swingers can happen when there’s a lack of clear communication or when boundaries are crossed, but it is not more common than for monogamous relationships.

15. Does kissing count as adultery?

Legally, kissing does not usually constitute adultery. Adultery, in many legal contexts, requires actual sexual intercourse. While kissing may be viewed as a betrayal of trust in some relationships, it typically doesn’t meet the legal definition of adultery for the purposes of divorce proceedings. However, in a relationship, kissing another person could be viewed as adultery, depending on personal definitions and boundaries within a partnership.

Conclusion

“Swinging” is a term with multiple meanings, with the most common and current slang use pertaining to the consensual exchange of sexual partners. However, it also carries definitions as an old-fashioned term for hitting someone, or the literal act of moving back and forth. It is essential to understand the context in which the word is being used to interpret its meaning accurately. Whether you’re discussing a physical act, sexual activity, or even old British slang, being aware of these different meanings will help you navigate conversations accurately and respectfully.