I appreciate the TED talk!! I have a curious question: How about "vers"? :o
In regards to what exactly? Are you asking about its usage or origin?
Yup, both!
While not completely sure (as I have not done any extensive research and only have a vague memory of reading about it somewhere years ago), it still seems fairly obvious to me that “vers” is just shorthand for “reversible.” Since “reversible” has four syllables, unlike “switch” which has one, shortening the former to one syllable makes the most sense.
By the way...
"Switch" is often misused (I've done it myself before) and mistaken for being the same as "reversible," but it's not. "Switch/Switching" is a dynamic in BDSM where someone can be both sadistic and masochistic, and it also refers to the title of being both dominant and submissive (as in "switching" roles). Meanwhile, "reversible" refers to someone who can both bottom and top. Since using "switch" to describe actually reversible relationships took off (even as a mistaken identity), the latter word hasn't been used as much in fiction.
Thanks for dropping by to read the transcript of my TED talk. (⌒▽⌒)