| Term | Contextual note | Time/Region | References |
|---|
| ace queen | Emerging in the 1970s, this descriptor signified a "great queen." Within carceral environments, it functioned as argot for a male exhibiting a notably "feminine" appearance, such as shaven legs or meticulously shaped eyebrows. It can be characterized as an element of the homosexual subculture found amongst those who are incarcerated. Crucially, it must not be conflated with the more prevalent term "ace," which is an abbreviation for "asexual." (Refer to the "asexual" entry for more information.) | UK, USA, 1970s | Mosca de Colores - Gay Dictionary |
| alphabet people | A derogatory modern expression, typically directed at LGBTQ+ individuals, frequently utilized by those on the political right in response to what they view as progress in the realm of LGBTQ+ people's rights. | 2020s- | Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| bathroom queen bog queen | An informal gay term designating individuals who regularly visit public washrooms in search of sexual interactions. Similar terms include: Bathsheba (a neologism formed by blending "bathroom" with "Sheba," evoking the Queen of Sheba), and Ghost (from the 1950s, this refers to their tendency to meander through restroom corridors). | USA, UK | Mosca de Colores - Gay Dictionary |
| batting for the other team | This is a euphemistic idiom implying an individual (irrespective of gender identity) is homosexual. While not considered a slur or overtly offensive, and often employed humorously, it is, however, an antiquated expression. Its euphemistic nature reflects a hesitancy to normalize words like "gay" or "lesbian," thereby intimating that open discussion of LGBTQ+ individuals should be avoided. Its usage, instead of more explicit terminology, jeopardizes content discoverability. | 20th and early 21st century |
| bean queen | An informal term employed within male homosexual circles in the United States to characterize Mexican homosexuals. It carries distinct racist connotations. Additionally, this epithet has been applied to Latinx drag queens, and to white males exhibiting attraction towards Latino men. | Mexico, USA | Mosca de Colores - Gay Dictionary |
| bear | A community-specific expression encompassing several interpretations. One definition describes a gay or bisexual man possessing significant facial or body hair and a stocky physique. Another posits it as an overarching descriptor for individuals belonging to a subculture within the gay and bisexual male communities, frequently understood as embodying a particular mindset or comfort with inherent masculinity and body types. Though it might be repeated as a self-identification, it is advisable to enclose it in quotation marks to signify its status as an individual's chosen nomenclature. | 20th Century- | "LGBTQ+ Terminology," Montclair State University [1] |
| beard Miss Beard | Persons who pretend to be the romantic companion or significant other of someone with whom they lack an actual relationship, generally doing so to safeguard that individual's sexual orientation from public disclosure; it is predominantly utilized to describe a female who feigns a romantic association with a gay man. | 20th Century-, Europe, USA | Homosaurus |
| bicycle | During the 1960s, this term functioned as an informal identifier for bisexual individuals. Furthermore, it gained broader application to denote promiscuity, particularly concerning women; this latter application is deemed pejorative. | 1960s-, UK | Mosca de Colores - Gay Dictionary |
| bottom | An individual performing the "receiving" role during sexual interactions is referred to as a "bottom." This widely recognized term, when employed in archival descriptions, should be enclosed in quotation marks and provided with contextual information. While occasionally adopted as a self-identifier within queer communities, its reproduction requires careful consideration. It can also function as a verb, as in "to bottom for someone." However, its application to LGBTQ+ persons outside of queer communities is considered offensive. For related terms, consult "top" and "switch." | Homosaurus |
| bronco bronc | This term designates either a young homosexual male or an individual recently introduced to the gay community. | 1930s-, USA | Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| butterfly butterfly boy | An informal term originating from the gay community, used to describe an effeminate male. It has largely fallen out of common parlance. | 1960s-1970s | Mosca de Colores - Gay Dictionary Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| capon | Derived from an animal husbandry term for a castrated rooster, this word was, from the 1600s, applied to castrati. Throughout the twentieth century, it found use within American gay communities to characterize a young or naive homosexual male. Presently, it is obsolete, yet its use would be perceived as derogatory. | USA, 1930s-1970s | Mosca de Colores - Gay Dictionary Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| Charlie Ronce Charley | This expression represents British rhyming argot for "ponce," specifically referring to a "pimp." | UK | Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| chaser | An abbreviation of "tranny chaser." This refers to an individual who perceives trans individuals (typically trans women) as intrinsically sexual objects, thereby reducing them to their sexuality. In contrast to someone who merely possesses a primary attraction to trans women, a chaser fails to regard trans women with dignity, as human beings possessing inherent agency, instead relegating them to roles within a sexual fantasy. Important note: "tranny" is a highly offensive term; verbal use should be strictly avoided. | 20th Century-, Europe, USA | GenderMinorities.com - Trans 101: glossary of trans words and how to use them |
| cornhole cornholer | An American rustic colloquialism denoting either anal intercourse or a homosexual male. It is broadly regarded as pejorative. This term must not be mistaken for the identically named pastime, which entails tossing beanbags into an aperture on a wooden surface. | 1920s-, USA | Oxford English Dictionary. |
| curry queen | A homosexual male who is drawn to men of Indian descent. This term is considered offensive and carries strong racist implications. | 1990s-, USA | Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| Doric love | An expression from the 1920s signifying homosexual sexual activity or romantic entanglement, drawing parallels to classical Greece, occasionally imbued with suggestions of pederasty. | 1920s, UK | Mosca de Colores - Gay Dictionary |
| double-gaited | This serves as an informal synonym 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 United States, this denotes a collective of drag queens who have received guidance from a "mother," an entity sometimes referred to as a "house." Such collectives frequently adopt familial drag names and cultivate tightly-bound social units. Consult subsection 3.1.1, "LGBTQIA+ Communities and History," specifically the entry for "chosen family," for additional context. | 20th Century-, US | Wikipedia - Drag Race Terminology [2] |
| dyke bulldyke bulldagger | This constitutes contentious nomenclature. It functions as a derogatory epithet for a lesbian, proving deeply insulting if imposed upon a lesbian or transmasculine individual by an outsider. However, certain lesbian communities have reappropriated the term, occasionally employing it affirmatively internally. Its use is warranted solely if an individual self-identifies in this manner, and it should be enclosed in quotation marks to signify this. Terms such as "bulldyke" and "bulldagger" frequently characterize butch or masculine queer women, at times conveying implications of resilience or assertiveness. These expressions should only be utilized if an individual applies them to themselves, and must be encapsulated within quotation marks to denote this specific usage. | 1930s-, US, UK | LGBTQ+ Terminology, Montclair State University [3] Oxford English Dictionary Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| egg | An informal expression (which arose in online contexts) for an individual who has not yet become aware of their transgender identity, has not yet disclosed it, or is in the nascent phases of gender transition. It is typically employed (affectionately) by trans individuals to identify when certain traits of another's personality or conduct evoke gender-related facets of their own experiences prior to their realization of being trans. Should it become necessary to allude to this concept within a description, phrases such as "speculations concerning transness" or "discourse regarding pre-/early-transition experiences" are more appropriate. | 21st century, online | Wikipedia - List of LGBT Slang Terms Emily St. James, Vox[4] |
| faggot fagot faggotry faggoty fag faggy fagged | This represents an exceptionally derogatory epithet for a homosexual man, frequently invoked to suggest effeminacy; an absence of strength or vitality; weakness, timidity; or overall ineffectiveness. Its application to a gay man, particularly in the United States, constitutes hate speech. It is crucial not to conflate this term with its other denotations: "Fag" also serves as British English vernacular for a cigarette; this usage is common across the UK and is not offensive. "Faggot" can denote a collection of sticks or herbs, often intended for combustion. Historically (during the Middle Ages), it bore an association with the bundles of timber employed in the immolation of individuals accused of heresy or sorcery. This meaning is largely antiquated today. Although some theories propose that the term evolved into a slur owing to this link with depravity and chastisement, a definitive consensus on its genesis remains elusive. Furthermore, "faggot" in the UK Midlands refers to a regional culinary dish—a type of savory meatball. In this specific context, it is innocuous, albeit uncommon. Historically (spanning the 18th to 20th centuries), "fagged" or "fagged out" conveyed a state of fatigue or exhaustion. Should these alternative contexts necessitate its use in a description, the inclusion of additional clarification or quotation marks is advisable for lucidity. | (as a slur) 1940s-, US, later UK | Oxford English Dictionary Moscas de Colores |
| fag hag | This term denotes a woman, usually heterosexual and potentially older, who favors, delights in, or actively pursues the companionship of homosexual men. It is considered derogatory to gay men and exhibits misogynistic tendencies towards heterosexual women. Although formerly widespread, its usage within queer communities has become infrequent. | 1960s- | Oxford English Dictionary Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| fag stag | An infrequent term for a heterosexual male who appreciates the companionship of homosexual men. | 1990s- | Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| fairy | An informal descriptor for a homosexual man, likely stemming from a previous slang usage referring to a promiscuous woman. (Refer to section 3.2, "Women's History" for further context.) This is a disputed term—initially pejorative, yet it was reappropriated by gay men during the 1960s. Its application is appropriate only when an individual explicitly employs it as a self-identification. | 1890s- | Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| fairy lady | Certain references indicate this term signifies a feminine lesbian, while others suggest it denotes a bisexual individual regardless of gender. Its primary appearance dates from the 1920s onward, predominantly in unofficial slang dictionaries whose accuracy was not consistently assured. Independent verification from alternative sources has proven impossible. | 1920s-? | Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| flame flamer flaming | While "Flaming" can function broadly as an intensifier or an expletive, it has gained particular association with effeminate gay men and camp aesthetics. Though frequently employed affectionately, particularly by elder gay men, it is deemed offensive if used by external parties. Its utilization is appropriate only when an individual adopts it for self-description, and such usage should be denoted by quotation marks. | 20th Century- | Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| flip-flop flip flop | This informal term denotes either, firstly, bisexuality, or secondly, an individual who prefers to alternate between the "top" and "bottom" roles during sexual activity. It finds particular prevalence among incarcerated populations in the United States. | 1970s- | Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| flower daisy pansy tulip water-lily | Numerous floral terms have been employed to characterize effeminate gay men, with "pansy" likely being the most widely recognized. This practice connects gay men with misogynistic perceptions of femininity; it suggests fragility, a non-threatening demeanor, and a lack of courage. It is considered derogatory, frequently serving as a deliberate slur. | 1890s- | Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| flute fluter flute-player | An antiquated informal term referring to fellatio, or an individual engaged in performing it. | 1900s- | Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| foop | An uncommon informal term denoting a homosexual male. | 1890s | Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| forty-one 41 | The phrase "Forty-one" serves as an expression within the state of Texas, United States, to allude to homosexual men. Its genesis can be traced to contiguous Mexico, where an identical phrase exists in Spanish, arising from a scandal that unfolded in Mexico City in the year 1901. A total of 41 individuals were apprehended at a private social gathering, wherein nearly fifty percent were observed cross-dressing. This occurrence is famously recognized as "The Dance of the Forty-One." While it is asserted that the actual count was 42, one participant, being President Porfirio Diaz's son-in-law, was reportedly permitted to evade capture. Those unable to secure their liberty or maintain discretion faced punitive sentencing to arduous labor within the Oaxaca National Valley. Consequently, the numerical designation "41" transformed into a veiled reference for forbidden sexuality and was subsequently eschewed. | Texas, USA; Mexico | Mosca de Colores - Gay Dictionary |
| friend of dorothy | This serves as a coded informal expression for homosexual individuals. It alludes to Dorothy, the character portrayed by gay icon Judy Garland in "The Wizard of Oz." | UK, USA, 1970s- | Moscas de Colores Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| frit | An uncommon informal term for a homosexual male. | UK, USA, 1970s | Moscas de Colores Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| fruit fruity | An informal designation for a homosexual man, particularly an effeminate one. This term is considered antiquated and frequently derogatory, as it suggests an individual is readily "picked," or links them to its other colloquial interpretations such as a "dupe," a "victim," or someone afflicted with a mental health condition. Numerous variations of this expression have been employed to describe queer individuals throughout the twentieth century and across diverse geographical locations, 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 | This informal term was predominantly utilized within unhoused and/or criminal communities during the initial half of the twentieth century in the United States. It typically designated a younger homosexual associate. | 1900s-1950s, USA | Mosca de Colores - Gay Dictionary Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| gay lord gaylord | A derogatory epithet for a homosexual man. | 1970s-, UK, USA | Oxford English Dictionary Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| gentleman of the back door | An 18th-century informal expression identifying a homosexual man. Its appearance is limited to widely circulated slang dictionaries of that era, with scant corroborative evidence to suggest its actual common usage. | 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 | These terms constitute Cockney rhyming argot for the word "queer." | 20th Century-, UK | Mosca de Colores - Gay Dictionary |
| girl | Occasionally employed as a derogatory term for a homosexual male, based on the presumption that "femininity" equates to "inferior status." Consequently, it is offensive both to gay men and to women broadly. More frequently, however, it serves as a (presently widely acknowledged) term of endearment exchanged between gay men, though it typically functions as a friendly appellation rather than a romantic one. | 1910s- | Mosca de Colores - Gay Dictionary Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| giver | An informal term denoting the "active" participant during homosexual sexual activity. The binary distinction between giver and taker is currently broadly recognized as both contrived and heteronormative. | 20th Century-, UK, USA | Moscas de Colores |
| gold star | This informal term refers to an individual who has never engaged in sexual intercourse with someone of the opposite gender, occasionally extending to bisexual individuals of their own gender. Predominantly found in lesbian communities, it is currently broadly perceived as biphobic. | 20th Century- | Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| gonsel gunsel gunshel gunsil | Informal terminology utilized by incarcerated and unhoused populations in the United States to designate a young homosexual man or boy. | 20th Century, USA | Moscas de Colores Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| gump | An informal term employed by incarcerated males in the United States to describe an individual occupying the "passive" position during homosexual sexual activity. | 1980s-, USA | Mosca de Colores - Gay Dictionary Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| gym rat gym bunny muscle mary | An individual keenly interested in athletics; typically someone who regularly visits fitness centers and exercise facilities; frequently applied to young homosexual men preoccupied 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 | These phrases constitute Cockney rhyming argot, functioning as a derogatory term for gay men (by rhyming with "poofter" or "poof"). | 20th Century- | Wikipedia - List of LGBT Slang Terms |
| hip-hitter | An expression from the 1970s, signifying a "top" homosexual man. | 1970s, USA | Moscas de Colores Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| homo | An abbreviated rendition of "homosexual." This term frequently carries pejorative connotations. In descriptions, the complete term should invariably be utilized. | 1920s- | Moscas de Colores Oxford English Dictionary |
| jocker | Informal language employed by incarcerated and unhoused communities in the United States to signify an older or "predatory" homosexual man. | 1890s-, USA | Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| left-handed | During the 1930s in the USA, this term was pejoratively employed as an informal descriptor for homosexual individuals. Its use is offensive to both left-handed and gay people, given that the underlying association presumes an inherent "wrongness" in both characteristics. | 1930s, USA | Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| lipstick lesbian | Generally, this designates a lesbian exhibiting a feminine gender presentation. Its application can range from affirmative to disparaging, contingent upon the speaker. Occasionally, it also describes a lesbian who is perceived as effortlessly "passing" as heterosexual. This term should only be utilized if an individual self-identifies in this manner, and it must be enclosed within quotation marks to denote this specific usage. The descriptor "femme lesbian" might prove more fitting. | 20th Century- | "LGBTQ+ Terminology," Montclair State University [5] |
| Nancy Nancy boy Nance Mary Mary-Ann Molly Nelly | Female given names have frequently been co-opted as derogatory terms for homosexual males, particularly those who are effeminate, and for transfeminine individuals. Among these, "Nancy" likely stands as the most prevalent throughout the 20th Century worldwide. All such terms are pejorative and ought not to be re-stated in descriptions unless absolutely indispensable. For a historically particular application of the name "Molly," please consult section 3.1.1, "LGBTQIA+ Communities and History." | Mosca de Colores - Gay Dictionary Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| prushon | This informal term was employed by unhoused communities in the United States to characterize a young homosexual man who accompanies an older partner. | 1890s-1980s | Moscas de Colores Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| punk punker | Initially functioning as a term for a sex worker in the late 19th Century, this word evolved to signify a homosexual man, frequently one assuming the "bottom" role or someone compelled into homosexual acts. It was first adopted by incarcerated and unhoused communities, subsequently becoming a derogatory epithet for gay men within African-American communities. "Punk rock" arose as a distinct musical and socio-political phenomenon during the 1970s. | (as slang for gay) 19th Century- | Oxford English Dictionary |
| rough trade | An informal term denoting a man who identifies as heterosexual but occasionally engages in sexual activity with queer men (typically assuming the "top" position). | 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 | These expressions represent Cockney rhyming argot for "gay," rhyming with "bent." | 1980s-, UK | Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| stud | A term prevalent within certain communities, referring to an African-American and/or Latinx queer woman with a masculine presentation. It is also recognized as "ag." Its use is only appropriate if an individual applies it to themselves, and it should not be used for white individuals, as this nomenclature was specifically forged by and for African-American and Latinx communities. | 20th Century-, USA | "LGBTQ+ Terminology," Montclair State University [7] |
| sugar daddy | Originating within the Black community in the 1920s, this phrase designated an older, affluent companion. Subsequently, over time, its usage extended to encompass the LGBTQIA+ community. | 1920s- | Mosca de Colores - Gay Dictionary |
| swings the other way swinging both ways | These euphemistic idioms imply that an individual (regardless of gender) is either homosexual or bisexual. While not considered pejorative or particularly offensive, and often employed with a hint of amusement, they are nevertheless antiquated. The euphemistic aversion to normalizing terms like "gay," "lesbian," or "bisexual" inherently suggests that discussions about LGBTQ+ individuals should not be direct. Their application, in lieu of more explicit terminology, poses a risk to discoverability. It is important not to conflate these phrases with the standalone term "swinging," which can denote non-monogamous arrangements. | 1960s- | Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ |
| swish swisher swishy | An informal term for an effeminate homosexual man, which originated in the United States during the 1930s. While not overtly offensive, it should nonetheless be paired with more precise LGBTQ+ terminology to enhance discoverability. | 1930s-, US | Mosca de Colores - Gay Dictionary Green's Dictionary of Slang [8] |
| switch vers | Within the LGBTQ+ community, this slang refers to an individual who alternates between the "giving" and "receiving" roles during sexual activity. (For related terms, consult "top" and "bottom.") "Vers" is an abbreviation for "versatile." Furthermore, "switch" is occasionally employed within a BDSM framework to denote someone who shifts between dominant and submissive positions. | 20th Century- | Homosaurus |
| switch-hitter | This term serves as an American informal expression for bisexuality, drawing its origins from baseball parlance. | 20th Century-, US | Moscas de Colores |
| top | An individual fulfilling the "giving" role in sexual interactions is known as a "top." While this term is commonly understood, it ought to be enclosed in quotation marks and contextualized in archival descriptions if necessary. Although occasionally employed as a self-identifier within queer communities, its reproduction warrants careful consideration. It can also function as a verb, as in "to top someone." Applying it to LGBTQ+ individuals outside of queer communities is deemed offensive. Refer also to "bottom" and "switch" for related concepts. | Homosaurus |
| tranny | This represents an exceptionally derogatory epithet for a trans individual. Initially, its usage served to conflate "transsexual" persons, "transvestites," and drag queens. Although primarily applied to transfeminine people, it is offensive to all trans individuals. Please remember that "tranny" is an utterly offensive term and should never be spoken aloud. | 1970s- | Green's Dictionary of Slang [9] Oxford English Dictionary |
| twink | An informal term widely circulated within gay communities, employed to characterize a youthful or youthful-appearing man with minimal or absent facial and body hair. This term can possess pejorative connotations, but may also function as a self-identifier. Should its inclusion in a description become necessary, it must invariably be enclosed in quotation marks and appropriately contextualized. | 20th Century- | "LGBTQ+ Terminology," Montclair State University [10] |