The term "swinging both ways" is often used to describe individuals who are sexually attracted to both men and women. The pronunciation of this phrase can be broken down using phonetic symbols, such as /ˈswɪŋɪŋ bəʊθ weɪz/. The "sw" phoneme is pronounced with a slight /w/ sound in English, while the "th" in "both" is pronounced with a voiceless dental fricative, as opposed to the voiced /ð/ in "bath". The final syllable is pronounced with a diphthong, combining the sounds /eɪ/ and /z/.
The phrase "swinging both ways" typically refers to someone who is sexually or romantically attracted to both males and females, commonly known as being bisexual. It implies that the person is open to engaging in intimate relationships or sexual encounters with both genders. The term "swinging" here denotes the ability to freely move between or explore different gender preferences in relationships or sexual activities.
However, it is important to note that this slang phrase can have multiple interpretations depending on the context in which it is used. While it can predominantly refer to bisexuality, it can also be used more broadly to describe someone who is open-minded, experimental, or flexible regarding their sexual orientation or preferences.
The phrase "swinging both ways" is often used informally and can carry a degree of stereotype or implication of being promiscuous, due to its connection to the term "swinger" which refers to someone who participates in consensual non-monogamous activities or relationships. Nonetheless, it is vital to be respectful and sensitive towards individuals when discussing such personal and delicate topics, as sexuality is diverse and personal experiences may vary.