During the latest episode of Love Island USA aired on Sunday, June 29, fans were treated to a revealing conversation between Cierra Ortega and Iris Kendall. The duo discussed Cierra’s intimate moments with Nic Vansteenberghe using the villa’s now-famous code word for sex, “journey.” The playful exchange highlighted the unique language developed by the Islanders to discuss private matters discreetly.
Cierra, 25, and Iris, also 25, were seen chatting about their sleeping arrangements following the Casa Amor recoupling. Cierra quipped, “Did you hear me taking my journey?” to which Iris, who is coupled with TJ Palma, responded with interest. Cierra continued, “Well, the journey was much longer this time than the first time,” adding a humorous touch by saying, “And we stopped for food on the way. Hotdogs and hamburgers were ordered. We both had a full course meal. Once we finished eating we ended at a waterfall. It was beautiful.”
The Language of Love Island
Meanwhile, on the other side of the villa, Nic shared his version of events with fellow contestants Ace Greene and Taylor Williams, describing the experience as the “best 40 seconds ever.” He humorously admitted it “was still subpar” compared to an earlier encounter with Cierra, which lasted only 25 seconds, a figure he later adjusted to 30 seconds in subsequent conversations.
For those unfamiliar with the series, the term “journey” is a euphemism for sexual encounters among the Islanders. This clever linguistic invention allows them to discuss intimate details without being overt, a necessity given the constant surveillance they are under. Hannah Fields, a former contestant, revealed to Us Weekly how the Islanders adopted this code. “We had a code name for intimacy,” she explained. “We would say, ‘How was your journey? What was this journey like?’”
Behind the Scenes: The Reality of Reality TV
Hannah, who experienced her own memorable “journey” with Pepe Garcia, shared insights into the challenges of maintaining privacy in the villa. “We had not slept in, like, 24 hours. It had been three hours after we went to bed,” she recounted. “You kind of forget that you’re on camera. I literally always forgot that I was being recorded and it would dawn on me because I’d just see a camera and I’d be like, ‘Oh s*** I’m being recorded.’”
Her candid account underscores the blurred lines between reality and performance that contestants navigate. Despite the cameras, the Islanders often find themselves caught up in the moment, leading to viral clips and unexpected revelations.
The Broader Impact and Future Episodes
The use of coded language on Love Island USA is not just a quirky gimmick but reflects a broader trend in reality TV where contestants create their own subcultures and communication methods. This adds a layer of intrigue for viewers who enjoy deciphering these codes alongside the show’s drama.
As the season progresses, fans eagerly anticipate more “journeys” and the inevitable fallout from these candid conversations. With the season 7 finale approaching, the dynamics between couples like Cierra and Nic, as well as Huda Mustafa and Jeremiah Brown, remain a focal point.
New episodes of Love Island USA continue to air daily on Peacock at 9 p.m. ET, offering fresh drama and more opportunities for fans to engage with the Islanders’ evolving stories.