Glossary by country: how swinger is said around the world

One of the first hurdles for anyone interested in the swinger lifestyle is vocabulary: the same type of venue or practice is named differently depending on the country, and even the city. Knowing this not only helps you understand what you read but also lets you search the internet successfully and avoid misunderstandings when you travel.

This glossary gathers the most common terms we have found on venues' official websites, in the media and in communities in each country. Usage changes over time and between generations, so treat it as an indicative guide. For a glossary of general concepts, see the terms worth knowing.

Spain

• Club liberal / local liberal: the most common term for venues.
• Intercambio de parejas: describes the practice; it also appears in searches, although it tends to have a more descriptive use.
• Swinger: in common use and understood throughout the country.
• Ambiente liberal: a general expression for the scene.
• Fiesta liberal, sesión de tarde: common venue formats.

Mexico

• Club swinger: the usual name for venues.
• SW: a frequent abbreviation of "swinger".
• Playroom: the intimacy area inside the club.
• Cover: the entry fee.
• Tardeada: an afternoon session.
• Fiesta temática: a night with a dress theme.

Colombia

• Swinger / SW: the most used terms; many venues carry "SW" in their name.
• Cover: entry fee.
• Noche mixta: a session open to couples and singles.

Argentina

• Swinger / SW: common terms.
• Hoteles SW: accommodation with a swinger atmosphere.
• Parejas / liberal: other ways to refer to the scene.

Brazil

Portuguese vocabulary is different:

• Casa de swing: the most widespread term for venues.
• Balada liberal: a night or venue with a liberal atmosphere.
• Casal liberal: a couple who live the lifestyle.
• Troca de casais: partner swapping.
• Swing: the lifestyle in general.

Portugal

• Clube swing: the usual name for venues.
• Bar liberal: venues with a liberal atmosphere.
• Swing: the lifestyle.

Germany

• Swingerclub: the most widespread term, although some search engines filter it.
• Pärchenclub: "couples club", widely used.
• Partnertausch: partner swapping.
• Gruppenerotik: a broader, less specific term.

France

• Club libertin / club échangiste: the two usual names; "échangiste" refers to swapping.
• Libertinage: the lifestyle in a broad sense.
• Soirée libertine: a night with a libertine atmosphere.
• Village naturiste: like the one at Cap d'Agde, linked to naturism.

English-speaking countries

• Lifestyle: "the lifestyle", the general term among those who practise it.
• Swingers club / lifestyle club: the venues.
• Couples-only: couples only.
• Single males / single females / unicorns: terms for single people; their use can feel uncomfortable to some, so use them respectfully.
• Soft swap / full swap: degrees of swapping.

Terms common worldwide

• Dress code: clothing code.
• Playroom: intimacy area.
• Consent: the basis of everything; see our guide to consent, boundaries and signals.
• Open relationship: a relationship in which both partners agree to have other relationships; it differs from swinging, which is usually done as a couple in organised settings.

Tips for searching well

1. Use the local term for the country or city you are travelling to.
2. Try several variants: "club liberal", "club swinger", "casa de swing".
3. Cross-check with the venue's official website.
4. Bear in mind that some search engines filter certain terms, so results can be thin.
5. Look at city guides from serious sources, such as our guides to Madrid and São Paulo.

How to use this glossary

Use the local terms when you search for a club and the general ones when you talk to people from other countries. Remember that some words change nuance with context and that not every community accepts the same labels. If in doubt, ask respectfully how the person or venue you are talking to prefers to refer to themselves. You can also start with our beginner guides, such as what a lifestyle club is and how it works and your first visit to a lifestyle club, where we explain these concepts with practical examples.

Summary by language

• Spanish: club liberal, club swinger, SW, swinger.
• Portuguese: casa de swing, clube swing, balada liberal, casal liberal.
• German: Swingerclub, Pärchenclub.
• French: club libertin, club échangiste.
• English: lifestyle club, swingers club, the lifestyle.

A note on respectful language

Words matter. Some labels are used affectionately within the community and can sound dismissive from outside. When in doubt, follow the lead of the people you are talking with and prefer neutral, descriptive terms.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between "swinger" and "liberal"?

In many contexts they mean the same thing. "Liberal" is heard more in Spain and Brazil; "swinger" and "SW" in Mexico, Colombia and Argentina. Usage varies with the person and the place.

What is "intercambio de parejas"?

It is a way of naming the practice. It is also the title of a well-known film, so search results sometimes mix.

Is "lifestyle" the same as "swinger"?

Many people use "lifestyle" as a broader, more discreet term. In practice they are often used as synonyms.

How do I search for a club in another country?

Use the local term, check the official website and compare with reliable guides. Keep the venue's language in mind.

Are there terms to avoid?

Yes: those that are offensive or reduce people to labels. Use respectful language.