gender mender

n. [common] 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 RS232C specification and the distinction between DTE
and DCE. Used esp. for RS-232C parts in either the original D-25 or the IBM
PC's bogus D-9 format. Also called gender bender , gender blender , sex
changer , and even homosexual adapter; however, there appears to be some
confusion as to whether a male homosexual adapter has pins on both sides (is
doubly male) or sockets on both sides (connects two males).

