Gay Slang Dictionary

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Gay scene and culture

The places, codes and words of gay life, from cruising grounds and bathhouses to ballroom and camp.

A long look, a slow walk, and a nod toward the bushes.

Sex with a wall in the middle and no names on either side.

A public toilet where nobody comes for the tea.

A cottage with no roses round the door, just urinals.

Steam, towels, and nobody there for the steam.

Lights off, hands on, names optional.

The bar is out front. The point is out back.

Boots on, harness on, beer in hand.

A weekend of house music, muscle and no shirts.

Not a single event: a habit for life.

The cupboard we all lived in for a while.

The girlfriend for the photos.

The best friend at every gay bar, and proud of it.

Radar, but for spotting the other gays in the room.

Friend of Dorothy

Somewhere over the rainbow, in code.

Gay's favorite color before the rainbow.

Your kinks, folded neatly in your back pocket.

Too much, on purpose, and loving it.

Wig, heels, lip sync, and a lot of nerve.

Where half of today's gay slang was born.

A magazine cover that learned to dance, and fight.

Your chosen family, with a surname and a trophy shelf.

Part role model, part boss, all icon.

Pass so well nobody looks twice: that's the trophy.

An insult so precise it deserves applause.

The insult you never actually said.

Gossip, served hot.

Wine, gossip and your people. No dress code.

Work, but with attitude and an e.

You came, you served, you killed it.

A look delivered on a silver tray.

Yes, but louder, longer and with a queen on the end.

Gorgeous, but armed.

Bear, otter, twink or jock: pick your box, or three.

The gay bar that fits in your pocket.

Shame's opposite, with a parade attached.

Six stripes that say: you are welcome here.

A badge of persecution turned into a badge of defiance.