Coinage

[learnedax]

lemon twist \'le-mən-'twist\ n (2004) [from mishearing of 'love interest'] 1 : a partner in any of a variety of romantic relationships, characterized usu. by a certain breezy affection 2 : the object of such affection regardless of existing relationship

Comments

[londo.livejournal.com]

Is this an intentional play on the 1920s/30s slang 'twist?' (Think 'dame' or 'chick.')

[learnedax.livejournal.com]

That's just a happy coincidence.

[juldea.livejournal.com]

That IS happy coincidence!! :)

[juldea.livejournal.com]

Another happy coincidence: a archaic term for sweetheart was 'leman,' pronounced (according to Merriam Webster) just like lemon.

[alexx-kay.livejournal.com]

Speaking as someone whose first (successful) romantic experiences all revolved around cloved lemons, I heartily approve of this term :-)