gender mender

hardware (Or "gender bender", "gender blender", "sex

changer", and even "homosexual adaptor") A cable connector

shell with either two male or two female connectors on it,

used to correct the mismatches that result when some loser

didn't understand the EIA-232C specification and the

distinction between DTE and DCE. Used especially for

EIA-232C parts in either the original D-25 or the IBM PC's

D-9 connector.

There appears to be some confusion as to whether a "male

homosexual adaptor" has pins on both sides (is doubly male) or

sockets on both sides (connects two males).

[Jargon File]

(1995-04-16)