| Expression | Explanatory note | Time/Region | References |
|---|
| ace queen | A 1970s usage signifying "exceptional queen." Prison vernacular for a male sporting a more "feminine" appearance; consider, for instance, shaved legs, plucked eyebrows. This term might be a facet of incarcerated homosexual culture. It shouldn't be confused with the more prevalent "ace", which is a shortened version of "asexual." See "asexual." | UK, USA, 1970s | Mosca de Colores - Gay Dictionary |
| alphabet people | An offensive contemporary descriptor, often employed by right-leaning individuals in response to perceived advances within LGBTQ+ rights. | 2020s- | Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| bathroom queen bog queen | A gay vernacular expression utilized for individuals frequently visiting public restrooms, searching for sexual meetings. Synonyms: Bathsheba (amalgamation of "bathroom" and "Sheba" - evoking the Queen of Sheba), Ghost (50s slang; a "ghost" because they roam the bathroom corridors). | USA, UK | Mosca de Colores - Gay Dictionary |
| batting for the other team | A euphemistic phrase indicating that someone, irrespective of gender, is gay. This expression is not considered a slur nor particularly offensive; it's generally used humorously. However, it's antiquated, as the euphemistic avoidance of normalizing terms such as "gay" or "lesbian" proposes that LGBTQ+ individuals should not be openly discussed. Employing this phrase instead of direct terminology risks hindering discoverability. | 20th and early 21st century |
| bean queen | A term used in male homosexual circles within the USA to describe Mexican homosexuals, carrying racist undertones. Also describes Latinx drag queens and white men attracted to Latino males. | Mexico, USA | Mosca de Colores - Gay Dictionary |
| bear | A communal term with multiple significations. 1. A gay or bisexual man characterized by facial or body hair and a physically robust build. 2. A wide-ranging term referencing members of a subculture within gay and bisexual male groups, often defined more as an attitude or an appreciation of natural masculinity and bodies. It might be replicated as a self-description, but consider using quotation marks to indicate this. | 20th Century- | "LGBTQ+ Terminology," Montclair State University [1] |
| beard Miss Beard | Persons who pretend to be the companion or partner of someone they aren't in a relationship with, usually to keep their sexuality undisclosed. Mostly used to refer to a woman feigning a relationship with a gay man. | 20th Century-, Europe, USA | Homosaurus |
| bicycle | Used as gay slang for bisexuals in the 1960s. Also broadly used to denote promiscuity, notably for women; this application is viewed as offensive. | 1960s-, UK | Mosca de Colores - Gay Dictionary |
| bottom | A "bottom" is an individual who takes on the "receiving" role during sexual encounters. Widely used, but if needed in archival description it should be enclosed in quotation marks and contextualized. Sometimes used for self-identification within queer communities, but should be replicated cautiously. Sometimes used as a verb ("to bottom for someone"). Considered offensive when used for LGBTQ+ individuals outside queer communities. See also "top" and "switch." | Homosaurus |
| bronco bronc | A young gay man, or someone fresh to the gay community. | 1930s-, USA | Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| butterfly butterfly boy | Gay community slang denoting an effeminate male. No longer in general circulation. | 1960s-1970s | Mosca de Colores - Gay Dictionary Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| capon | Originating from an animal husbandry term for a castrated rooster, this word started to be applied to castratos in the 1600s. During the 20th century, it was used in American gay circles to depict a young or inexperienced gay man. No longer in usage, yet it would be considered offensive. | USA, 1930s-1970s | Mosca de Colores - Gay Dictionary Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| Charlie Ronce Charley | British rhyming slang for 'ponce,' in the sense of "pimp." | UK | Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| chaser | Short for "tranny chaser." A person who considers trans individuals, often trans women, inherently sexual and sexually objectifies them. As opposed to someone merely attracted to trans women; a chaser doesn't see trans women respectfully as people with humanity and agency, but as participants in a sexual fantasy. reminder - "tranny" is extremely offensive - avoid speaking aloud | 20th Century-, Europe, USA | GenderMinorities.com - Trans 101: glossary of trans words and how to use them |
| cornhole cornholer | American rural slang used to indicate anal sex or a gay man. Generally considered offensive. It should not be confused with the game of the same name, which involves throwing beanbags into a hole in a wooden platform. | 1920s-, USA | Oxford English Dictionary. |
| curry queen | A gay man fascinated by Indian men. Offensive, with racist implications. | 1990s-, USA | Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| Doric love | A 1920s expression for gay sex/romance, referencing classical Greece, potentially with undertones of pederasty. | 1920s, UK | Mosca de Colores - Gay Dictionary |
| double-gaited | Slang for "bisexual." | 1920s-, USA | Mosca de Colores - Gay Dictionary Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| drag family drag mother house of | Within the US, it is a group of drag queens mentored by a "mother," also known as a "house." These groups often adopt family drag names and create close-knit communities. Refer to 3.1.1 LGBTQIA+ Communities and History, "chosen family." | 20th Century-, US | Wikipedia - Drag Race Terminology [2] |
| dyke bulldyke bulldagger | A contested term. It is a slur for lesbian, highly offensive when applied to a lesbian or transmasc person externally. This term has been reclaimed by select lesbian communities, and it is sometimes used in an affirmative way within the community. Only use if self-identified, and enclose in quotation marks. "Bulldyke" and "bulldagger" are often used to indicate butch or masculine queer women, occasionally with connotations of toughness or aggression. Only use these terms if someone self-identifies in this fashion, and employ quotation marks to show this. | 1930s-, US, UK | LGBTQ+ Terminology, Montclair State University [3] Oxford English Dictionary Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| egg | A slang term, which originated online, for a person who hasn't realized they're transgender, hasn't come out yet, or is at the beginning stages of transitioning. Typically utilized (affectionately) by trans individuals to recognize when facets of someone's personality or behavior remind them of gender-related aspects of themselves prior to realizing they were trans. In case a reference is necessary, use "speculations about transness" or "discussion about pre-/early-transition experience." | 21st century, online | Wikipedia - List of LGBT Slang Terms Emily St. James, Vox[4] |
| faggot fagot faggotry faggoty fag faggy fagged | This is an extremely offensive slur for a gay man, usually used to imply someone is effeminate, lacking power or vigor, weak, cowardly, or ineffectual. Considered hate speech when used to describe a gay man, especially in the US. Not to be confused with other significations: "Fag" is also British English slang for a cigarette. It is widely utilized in this way in the UK, and it is inoffensive. "Faggot" can refer to a bundle of sticks or herbs, frequently for a fire. Historically (Middle Ages), this was related to the bundles of wood used to burn people accused of heresy/witchcraft. This is mostly obsolete. There's speculation that the term evolved into a slur due to this association with immorality and punishment, though there's no consensus about its origins. "Faggot" is also used in the UK Midlands to denote a regional cuisine - a type of meatball. Inoffensive in this context, though rare. "Fagged" or "fagged out" were used historically (18th-20th century) to mean tired or exhausted. If employed in these alternative contexts, consider adding additional explanation or quotation marks in the description, to provide clarification. | (as a slur) 1940s-, US, later UK | Oxford English Dictionary Moscas de Colores |
| fag hag | A woman, typically heterosexual, potentially older, who prefers, enjoys, or seeks out the company of homosexual men. This term is offensive to gay men and misogynistic toward heterosexual women. Once commonplace, it's rarely utilized in queer circles now. | 1960s- | Oxford English Dictionary Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| fag stag | A heterosexual man who enjoys the company of gay men. Uncommon. | 1990s- | Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| fairy | This is slang for a homosexual man, probably derived from earlier slang meanings indicating a promiscuous woman. Refer to 3.2 Women's History. This is a contested term - initially offensive but reclaimed by gay men in the 1960s. Only use if an individual self-identifies in this manner. | 1890s- | Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| fairy lady | Certain sources mention that this term signifies a feminine lesbian, while others state that it indicates a bisexual individual of any gender. Primarily appeared in the 1920s and onward in informal slang dictionaries that weren't always reliable. It cannot be corroborated from other sources. | 1920s-? | Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| flame flamer flaming | "Flaming" may be used generally as an intensifier or curse, but has become especially linked with feminine gay men and campness. Often, it is still fondly used, particularly by older generations of gay men, however, it's offensive if applied by others. Only utilize this term if an individual self-identifies using it, and indicate this with quotation marks. | 20th Century- | Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| flip-flop flip flop | Slang used to indicate either 1) bisexuality or 2) a person that likes to switch between "top" and "bottom" roles during sex. Specifically used by incarcerated people in the US. | 1970s- | Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| flower daisy pansy tulip water-lily | Various flowers are utilized to reference effeminate gay men, although "pansy" is likely the most widespread. This connects gay men with misogynistic ideas of femininity; implying weakness, a non-threatening appearance, and cowardice. It's offensive, and frequently used as an intentional slur. | 1890s- | Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| flute fluter flute-player | Outdated slang for fellatio, or someone performing fellatio. | 1900s- | Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| foop | An uncommon slang word for a gay man. | 1890s | Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| forty-one 41 | "Forty-one" is a phrase used in Texas (USA) to describe homosexual men. This expression's origin is traced to neighboring Mexico, where the identical term is employed in Spanish, stemming from a scandal that occurred in Mexico City in 1901. Forty-one people were apprehended during a private dance, where nearly half were cross-dressing. This episode is known as "The Dance of the Forty-One." It's said that in actuality, there were 42 individuals, but one of them was the son-in-law of President Porfirio Diaz, who was permitted to escape. Those who could not pay for freedom or silence were sentenced to hard labor in the Oaxaca National Valley. Thus, the number 41 became a euphemism for forbidden sexuality, and it was avoided. | Texas, USA; Mexico | Mosca de Colores - Gay Dictionary |
| friend of dorothy | A coded slang expression for gay. It refers to Judy Garland's Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, who is a gay icon. | UK, USA, 1970s- | Moscas de Colores Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| frit | This is rare slang for a gay man. | UK, USA, 1970s | Moscas de Colores Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| fruit fruity | Slang for a gay man, especially for an effeminate gay man. This is outdated and is often offensive because it implies someone is easily "picked," or it associates them with its other slang meanings of "dupe," "victim," or someone dealing with mental illness. There are many variations of this term utilized for queer individuals across the 20th century and across various regions, including bowl of fruit, fruitcake, fruit-eater, fruitloop, and fruit-picker. | 20th Century- | Moscas de Colores Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| gay cat gaycat | Slang used predominantly in communities of unhoused and/or criminal people from the first half of the twentieth century in the US. It generally signifies a younger homosexual companion. | 1900s-1950s, USA | Mosca de Colores - Gay Dictionary Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| gay lord gaylord | Slur for a gay man. | 1970s-, UK, USA | Oxford English Dictionary Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| gentleman of the back door | An 18th-century slang term for a gay man. It's only found in popular slang dictionaries of the era and has little corroborating evidence of actual use. | 18th Century-, UK | Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ Norena Shopland, A Practical Guide to searching LGBTQIA historical records (Routledge 2021 |
| ginger ginger beer Brighton Pier jere gear King Lear | Cockney rhyming slang for "queer." | 20th Century-, UK | Mosca de Colores - Gay Dictionary |
| girl | Sometimes employed as a slur for a gay man, assuming that being "feminine" is a "lower status." Thus, it is offensive to gay men and women in general. It's more often utilized as a term of affection, which is now widely recognized, between gay men, though probably more as a friendly term than a romantic one. | 1910s- | Mosca de Colores - Gay Dictionary Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| giver | Slang for the "active" part during gay sex. The giver/taker binary is now largely considered to be artificial and heteronormative. | 20th Century-, UK, USA | Moscas de Colores |
| gold star | Slang for someone who has never engaged in sex with someone of the opposite gender, which sometimes includes bisexual individuals of their own gender. It's most commonly utilized in lesbian communities, and it is widely recognized now as biphobic. | 20th Century- | Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| gonsel gunsel gunshel gunsil | Slang used by incarcerated and unhoused communities in the US to denote a young gay man or boy. | 20th Century, USA | Moscas de Colores Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| gump | Slang employed by incarcerated men in the US to describe a person in the "passive" role in gay sex. | 1980s-, USA | Mosca de Colores - Gay Dictionary Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| gym rat gym bunny muscle mary | An exercise enthusiast; usually one who frequents gyms and training grounds; often used of young gay men obsessed with bodybuilding. | 1970s-, USA, Scotland | Mosca de Colores - Gay Dictionary Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| Harry Hoofter iron hoofter iron hoof iron woolie woofter wooly | Cockney rhyming slang - a slur for gay men (rhyming with "poofter" or "poof"). | 20th Century- | Wikipedia - List of LGBT Slang Terms |
| hip-hitter | This is a 1970s term for a "top" gay man. | 1970s, USA | Moscas de Colores Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| homo | A shortened form of "homosexual." It's frequently derogatory. Always employ the entire term when describing. | 1920s- | Moscas de Colores Oxford English Dictionary |
| jocker | Slang employed by incarcerated and unhoused communities in the US to denote an older or "predatory" gay man. | 1890s-, USA | Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| left-handed | A term used pejoratively in 1930s USA as slang for gay. Offensive to both left-handed and gay people, as it presumes that both are "wrong." | 1930s, USA | Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| lipstick lesbian | Usually refers to a lesbian with a feminine gender presentation. It can be used in a positive or a derogatory way, based on who is using it. Sometimes, it is also used to refer to a lesbian who is perceived as automatically "passing" for heterosexual. Only employ this if someone self-describes in this manner, and place it in quotation marks to denote this. The phrase "femme lesbian" may be more suitable. | 20th Century- | "LGBTQ+ Terminology," Montclair State University [5] |
| Nancy Nancy boy Nance Mary Mary-Ann Molly Nelly | Women's names have often been adopted as slurs for gay men, particularly for effeminate gay men and transfeminine individuals. "Nancy" is likely the most commonplace, across the 20th century globally. All are offensive, and they shouldn't be reproduced in description unless required. Refer to 3.1.1 LGBTQIA+ Communities and History, "Molly" for a historically-specific application of this name. | Mosca de Colores - Gay Dictionary Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| prushon | Slang used by unhoused communities in the US to denote a young gay man who travels with an older companion. | 1890s-1980s | Moscas de Colores Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| punk punker | Originated as a term for sex workers in the late 19th Century, it came to indicate a gay man, frequently a "bottom" or someone coerced into gay sex. Initially employed by incarcerated and unhoused communities, later as a slur for gay men in African-American circles. "Punk rock" surfaced as a musical and political movement in the 1970s. | (as slang for gay) 19th Century- | Oxford English Dictionary |
| rough trade | Slang for a man who identifies as heterosexual but sometimes has sex with queer men, usually as a "top." | 1960s- | Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ Claire Hayward, "Queer Terminology: LGBTQ Histories and the Semantics of Sexuality." [6] |
| stoke Stoke-on-Trent | Cockney rhyming slang for gay, rhyming with "bent." | 1980s-, UK | Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| stud | A community term for an African-American and/or Latinx masculine queer woman. It's also known as "ag." Only use if self-identified, and evade using it for white individuals, as this is a term explicitly developed by and for African-American and Latinx groups. | 20th Century-, USA | "LGBTQ+ Terminology," Montclair State University [7] |
| sugar daddy | A phrase within the Black community of the 1920s, utilized to refer to an older, wealthy partner. Over time, this expression was also adopted by the LGBTQIA+ community. | 1920s- | Mosca de Colores - Gay Dictionary |
| swings the other way swinging both ways | A euphemistic phrase suggesting that an individual, irrespective of gender, is gay or bisexual. These phrases aren't considered slurs nor particularly offensive, and are normally used with a touch of humor. However, they're dated, because the euphemistic reluctance to normalize terms such as "gay," "lesbian," or "bisexual" suggests that LGBTQ+ individuals should not be openly addressed. It risks blocking discoverability if employed instead of more direct terms. Not to be confused with "swinging" on its own, which may signify non-monogamous practices. | 1960s- | Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| swish swisher swishy | Slang for an effeminate gay man, originating in 1930s USA. Not particularly offensive, though it still should be accompanied by more explicit LGBTQ+ terminology to aid discoverability. | 1930s-, US | Mosca de Colores - Gay Dictionary Green's Dictionary of Slang [8] |
| switch vers | LGBTQ+ community slang referring to someone who "switches" between the "giving" and "receiving" roles during sex. Refer also to "top" and "bottom." "Vers" is a shortened form of "versatile." "Switch" is sometimes also employed in a BDSM context, to indicate someone who "switches" between the dominant and submissive roles. | 20th Century- | Homosaurus |
| switch-hitter | USA slang for bisexual, originating from baseball terminology. | 20th Century-, US | Moscas de Colores |
| top | A "top" refers to an individual who takes on the "giving" role during sexual encounters. Widely used, but should be enclosed in quotation marks and contextualized if needed in archival description. Sometimes employed for self-description within queer communities, but should be replicated cautiously. Sometimes utilized as a verb ("to top someone"). This is offensive when applied to LGBTQ+ individuals who are outwith queer communities. See also "bottom" and "switch." | Homosaurus |
| tranny | A highly offensive slur aimed at trans individuals. Originally utilized to conflate "transsexual" individuals, "transvestites", and drag queens. Primarily used about transfeminine individuals, though offensive to all trans individuals. reminder - "tranny" is extremely offensive - avoid speaking aloud | 1970s- | Green's Dictionary of Slang [9] Oxford English Dictionary |
| twink | A slang term commonly used within gay communities to portray a young or young-looking man with minimal or no facial or body hair. It can be pejorative, but it can also serve as a self-descriptor. Always enclose in quotation marks if needed when used in a description, and contextualize. | 20th Century- | "LGBTQ+ Terminology," Montclair State University [10] |