We know D.C. Get our free newsletter to stay in the know.
The cataloging of sexual euphemisms in rap songs continues. This time:
SEXUAL EUPHEMISM: “Banana Split.”
[youtube:v=xzj7gPuaoK4]
DEFINING MOMENT: The recent remix to Robin Thicke‘s “Sex Therapy,” in which Ludacris opines, “Got the banana. Now let me split you.”
LITERALLY: A form of ice cream sundae in which scoops of vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate ice cream are served between two halves of a banana, split lengthwise.
UNDERLYING MEANING: Vaginal penetration by a penis. There’s nothing sweet about this dessert—-on the track, Ludacris’ treat-based innuendo comes straight on the heels of a bathroom-based euphemism. “I”ll be your one and only lover and your one and only plumber,” Ludacris announces. “When you need me I’ll be moving through your pipeline.”
HISTORY: Luda’s cherry-on-top lyric has been hailed as a “goofy XXX winner.” But the rapper wasn’t the first to invite comparisons between sex and the sundae; in fact, he appears to have picked up the euphemism from a colleague.
[youtube:v=vG_qCdhlVik]
On the 2001 remix to Mariah Carey‘s “Loverboy,” Ludacris showed up alongside Da Brat, who invited her sex partner to “banana split my Dairy Queen.” In a verse that also lends a sexual connotation to Butterfinger candy bars, tangerines, and chickens, Da Brat notes that “bitches be imitating me lately.” Indeed they have.
This isn't a paywall.
We don't have one. Readers like you keep our work free for everyone to read. If you think that it's important to have high quality local reporting we hope you'll support our work with a monthly contribution.