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switch-hitter

switch-hitter

1 9.9
An informal term for a person who is sexually attracted to both men and women
  • noun
  • /ˈswɪtʃˌhɪtər/
  • Slang
translation icon : bisexual
  • Many people consider themselves open-minded and describe themselves as a switch-hitter.

Examples

  • Rumors about her being a switch-hitter soon spread throughout the small town.

  • At the party, Jake proudly identified as a switch-hitter, embracing his attraction to both men and women.

  • She didn't realize at first that Mark was a switch-hitter until he mentioned his ex-boyfriend.

  • The magazine featured an article on famous switch-hitters in Hollywood.

  • Alex is a proud switch-hitter!

  • Many people see being a switch-hitter as a positive thing.

  • In conversations about relationships, she confidently referred to herself as a switch-hitter.

Synonyms

bisexual
vsswitch-hitter
7 4.2

A person who is sexually attracted to both men and women

is used as a slang label rather than a neutral term
Bi
vsswitch-hitter
  • Informal
3 7.2

A short form of bisexual for someone attracted to people of more than one gender

is used as a slang label rather than an abbreviated form
bisexual person
vsswitch-hitter
1 3.7

A person who is attracted to both men and women

is used as a slang label rather than a neutral term

Surface Forms

switch-hitter singular

Morphology

switch-hitter = switch + hitter (semi-transparent) = switch + hitter

The slang sense is a metaphorical extension of the baseball term; components hint at alternating/dual behaviour but the specific meaning 'bisexual' is a cultural slang usage not directly deducible for all learners.

Etymology

Switch-hitter is also slang that uses the same baseball image: switch ('change') and hitter ('one who hits') suggest someone who can 'hit' from both sides. So, in slang it is used for a person who is attracted to both men and women.