Why are loofahs tied to cars in the Villages retirement community in Florida?
If you live in Florida or have spent time on TikTok, you’ve likely encountered the so-called Loofah Code associated with The Villages, a popular retirement community in Central Florida. But what exactly do the various colored loofahs signify? The rumor goes that swingers use different colored loofahs to signal their sexual preferences. In this article, we’ll explain what each color represents, delve into the origins of the Loofah Code, and discuss whether there's any truth to the myth. We’ll also look at other symbols that are commonly linked to swingers.
What do the different colors of loofahs mean?The Loofah Code assigns specific meanings to different loofah colors, supposedly representing an individual’s swinging inclinations. A white loofah signals a beginner, purple is for voyeurs, and pink is associated with those who prefer soft swapping. Blue, yellow, and black loofahs correspond to low, medium, and full partner-swapping preferences. A teal loofah indicates bisexuality.
StepsWhat Do Loofah Colors Represent?

Loofah colors are tied to swinging preferences. Each color reveals something unique about an individual’s comfort level and experience with swinging. Here’s a breakdown of what each common loofah color represents:
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White: Beginners or those new to the scene.
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Purple: Voyeurs; those who enjoy watching others.
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Pink: Soft swap; individuals who are comfortable with others in the same space during intimate moments.
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Blue: Basic level of full swap; those who are open to sharing partners but with boundaries.
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Yellow: Mid-tier swap; participants who are willing but still feel somewhat tentative.
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Black: Full swap; individuals who are open to engaging fully in partner swapping.
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Teal: Bisexual; those who are attracted to multiple genders in a sexual context.
What exactly is the Loofah Code?

The Loofah Code is a signal for swingers to identify each other. Born in The Villages retirement community in Florida, the Loofah Code suggests that swingers use colored loofahs tied to their cars or golf carts as a way of marking their sexual preferences. The color of the loofah indicates the ‘level’ of swinging a person is comfortable with.
- Though the Loofah Code originated in The Villages, it has spread to other places where swingers gather.
- A swinger refers to a person who engages in consensual sexual activities with someone outside of their established relationship, with the mutual agreement of both partners.
History Behind the Loofah Code

The Loofah Code originated in a Florida retirement community but exploded in popularity on TikTok. The loofah color trend began in The Villages, a retirement community for residents aged 55 and up in central Florida. Visitors began noticing loofahs hanging from the cars and golf carts of many residents and were curious about their meaning. The Loofah Code went viral in 2023 when TikToker and drag queen Torah Himan shared a
video featuring Villages residents shopping for loofahs and attaching them to their vehicles.
- Torah Himan’s video has amassed over 9.8 million views.
- Social media platforms, such as Reddit, have also seen the spread of loofah color charts.
Is the Loofah Code a genuine phenomenon?

Many people dismiss the Loofah Code as a myth. It's hard to say for sure if the Loofah Code is real, as those who might use it may not be eager to speak out about it. However, numerous residents and workers from The Villages have publicly stated that the Loofah Code is not authentic. According to them, loofahs are simply used to make it easier for people to spot their cars in crowded parking lots.
Other Symbols of the Swinger Lifestyle

Upside-down pineapples Upside-down pineapples are widely recognized as symbols associated with swingers. The upside-down pineapple is often displayed on doors (especially in cruise ship cabins) to signify that the occupants are interested in swinging. Additionally, swingers may wear clothing or accessories featuring the upside-down pineapple symbol to publicly indicate their lifestyle.

Pampas grass If you spot pampas grass in someone's yard, it could be a subtle clue that they’re a swinger. Once a trendy landscaping feature in the 50s and 60s, pampas grass has gained a new reputation over the past two decades as a symbol of swinging. As this grass isn't as commonly used in modern gardens, it's likely there for a reason.

A black ring on the right hand Many swingers wear a black ring on their right hand as a discreet way to signal their lifestyle. It's a subtle hint that they’re open to meeting others who share the same interests. Some also wear jewelry featuring the swinger symbol—a circle with lines resembling a playground swing—to help attract like-minded individuals.

Pink flamingos and garden gnomes Pink flamingos have become a recognized
symbol of swinging, often linked to fronds and pineapples. This symbol is especially common among swingers on cruises. Similarly, garden gnomes can also be a discreet indicator of swinging, particularly if the gnome is positioned in a suggestive way.
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Don't jump to conclusions about someone's lifestyle based solely on the presence of a popular swinger symbol. They may not be aware of its meaning, or if they are a swinger, it’s entirely their personal matter to share—if they choose to do so.