Derogatory names for gay people

TermContextual noteTime/Region Referencesace queenEmerging in the 1970s, this term signifies a 'magnificent queen'. Within penal institutions, it functioned as argot for a male individual adopting a decidedly 'feminine' aesthetic, exemplified by features such as shaven legs and meticulously sculpted eyebrows. Furthermore, it could be characterized as an element intrinsic to the subculture of homosexual individuals within correctional facilities. Crucially, this phrase ought not to be mistaken for the more commonly encountered appellation 'ace,' which serves as an abbreviation for 'asexual'. For further elucidation, consult the entry for 'asexual'. UK, USA, 1970s Mosca de Colores - Gay Dictionary alphabet peopleThis derogatory contemporary expression refers to individuals identifying as LGBTQ+ and is frequently employed by those on the political right, often in response to perceived advancements in the rights of LGBTQ+ communities. 2020s- Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ bathroom queen

bog queen

This gay slang designation denotes individuals who frequent public restrooms with the intent of finding sexual encounters.

Equivalent terms include Bathsheba (a combination of 'bathroom' and 'Sheba' intended to evoke the Queen of Sheba) and Ghost (a 1950s term, so named because these individuals would often roam the bathroom corridors).

USA, UK Mosca de Colores - Gay Dictionary batting for the other teamA euphemistic expression, it implies that someone (regardless of gender identity) is gay. While this phrase is not inherently a slur or particularly offensive, and is typically used with a touch of humor, it has become antiquated. The inherent euphemistic reluctance to normalize terms such as "gay" or "lesbian" suggests an underlying belief that open discussion of LGBTQ+ individuals should be avoided. Its usage risks hindering discoverability if employed instead of more explicit terminology. 20th and early 21st century bean queenThis slang term, prevalent in male homosexual communities within the United States, is utilized to characterize Mexican homosexuals. It carries distinct racist undertones. Additionally, it has been applied to Latinx drag queens, as well as to Caucasian men drawn to Latino men. Mexico, USA Mosca de Colores - Gay Dictionary bearA community-specific term encompassing various meanings. Primarily, it describes a gay or bisexual man possessing facial and/or body hair, often with a robust physique. Secondly, it functions as an overarching designation referring to adherents of a subculture within gay and bisexual male communities, frequently characterized as more of an inherent disposition or a sense of ease with natural masculinity and physical appearance. It may be adopted as a self-descriptor; however, 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

These terms refer to individuals who feign a romantic or dating relationship with someone with whom they are not genuinely involved, typically for the purpose of keeping that person's sexual orientation private. Most commonly, it describes a woman who pretends to be dating a gay man. 20th Century-, Europe, USA Homosaurus bicycleDuring the 1960s, this term functioned as slang for a bisexual individual. Furthermore, it gained broader usage to denote promiscuity, particularly in reference to women; this specific application is deemed offensive. 1960s-, UK Mosca de Colores - Gay Dictionary bottomAn individual who assumes the "receiving" role in sexual encounters is known as a "bottom." Although widely understood, its usage in archival descriptions necessitates enclosure in quotation marks and appropriate contextualization. Within queer communities, it is occasionally employed as a self-descriptor; nevertheless, its replication should be undertaken with circumspection. It can sometimes function as a verb, as in "to bottom for someone." The term becomes offensive if it is applied to LGBTQ+ individuals from outside of queer communities. Furthermore, readers may wish to consult the terms "top" and "switch." Homosaurus bronco

bronc

This term designates a young gay man, or alternatively, someone newly introduced to the gay community. 1930s-, USA Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ butterfly

butterfly boy

Within the gay community, this slang described an effeminate man. It is no longer in common parlance. 1960s-1970s Mosca de Colores - Gay Dictionary

Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/

caponDerived from a term in animal husbandry for a castrated rooster, this word was first applied to castratos in the 17th century. During the 20th century, it was adopted by American gay communities to characterize a young or sexually inexperienced gay man.

While no longer in current usage, it would today be considered pejorative.

USA, 1930s-1970s Mosca de Colores - Gay Dictionary

Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.21:50:52

Charlie Ronce

Charley

This is British rhyming slang for the word 'ponce,' in its meaning of "pimp." UK Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ chaserAn abbreviation of "tranny chaser," this term refers to a person who inherently perceives trans individuals (most often trans women) as solely sexual objects, thereby sexually objectifying them. This differs significantly from merely being primarily attracted to trans women; a chaser fails to view trans women respectfully as complete individuals possessing humanity and self-determination, instead reducing them to roles in a sexual fantasy.

It is crucial to remember that "tranny" is an extremely offensive term, and speaking it aloud should be avoided.

20th Century-, Europe, USA GenderMinorities.com - Trans 101: glossary of trans words and how to use them cornhole

cornholer

This American rural slang denotes anal sex or, alternatively, a gay man. It is generally considered highly offensive.

This term should not be confused with the popular game of the same name, which involves tossing beanbags into an aperture on a raised wooden platform.

1920s-, USA Oxford English Dictionary. curry queenA pejorative term for a gay man who is sexually attracted to men of Indian descent. It possesses offensive and racist implications. 1990s-, USA Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ Doric loveAn expression from the 1920s, it refers to gay sex or romance, drawing parallels with classical Greece, sometimes carrying connotations of pederasty. 1920s, UK Mosca de Colores - Gay Dictionary double-gaitedThis term serves as 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 United States, this refers to a collective of drag queens who have received mentorship from a "mother," also known as a "house." These groups frequently adopt shared family drag names and cultivate tightly-knit communities. For additional information, please refer to section 3.1.1 LGBTQIA+ Communities and History, specifically the entry for "chosen family." 20th Century-, US Wikipedia - Drag Race Terminology [2]dyke

bulldyke

bulldagger

This is contested terminology. As a slur for a lesbian, it is profoundly offensive if applied externally to a lesbian or transmasculine individual. However, the term has been reclaimed by some lesbian communities and is occasionally used affirmingly within these groups. Its usage is appropriate only if an individual self-describes in this manner, and it should then be enclosed in quotation marks to signify this.

"Bulldyke" and "bulldagger" are frequently employed to characterize butch or masculine queer women, sometimes with implications of resilience or assertiveness. These terms should only be used if an individual explicitly uses them for self-description, and they must be enclosed in quotation marks for proper attribution.

1930s-, US, UK LGBTQ+ Terminology, Montclair State University [3]

Oxford English Dictionary Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/

eggAn online-originated slang term, it denotes a person who has not yet recognized their transgender identity, has not yet publicly disclosed it, or is in the nascent phases of transitioning. Transgender individuals often use this term (with affection) to identify aspects of someone's personality or actions that remind them of their own gender-related experiences prior to realizing their trans identity.

Should it become necessary to reference this concept in a description, alternatives like "speculations about transness" or "discussion about pre-/early-transition experience" are advised.

21st century, online Wikipedia - List of LGBT Slang Terms

Emily St. James, Vox[4]

faggot

fagot

faggotry

faggoty

fag

faggy

fagged

This is an exceedingly offensive slur directed at gay men, frequently employed to imply effeminacy; a lack of potency or vigor; weakness, cowardice; or ineffectiveness. When used in reference to a gay man, particularly in the United States, it constitutes hate speech.

It should not be confused with other interpretations: "Fag" is also a British English colloquialism for a cigarette, widely used and inoffensive in the UK. "Faggot" can also denote a collection of sticks or herbs, often intended for a fire. Historically, dating back to the Middle Ages, it was linked to the bundles of wood utilized for burning individuals accused of heresy or witchcraft, though this usage is now largely archaic. There is speculation that the term evolved into a slur due to this association with moral transgression and punishment, yet no definitive consensus exists regarding its origins. Moreover, "faggot" is employed in the UK Midlands to name a regional culinary dish—a specific type of meatball—and is inoffensive in this context, albeit uncommon. "Fagged" or "fagged out" were historically (from the 18th to 20th century) employed to convey exhaustion or fatigue. If these alternative contexts are pertinent, consider incorporating additional clarification or quotation marks within the description to ensure clarity.

(as a slur) 1940s-, US, later UK Oxford English Dictionary

Moscas de Colores

fag hagThis term describes a woman, typically heterosexual and potentially older, who favors, enjoys, or actively seeks out the company of homosexual men. It is considered offensive to gay men and misogynistic towards heterosexual women. Although once common, its use within queer communities is now infrequent. 1960s- Oxford English Dictionary

Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/

fag stagThis designation refers to a heterosexual man who appreciates the companionship of gay men. Its usage is rare. 1990s- Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ fairyA colloquialism for a homosexual man, likely stemming from an earlier slang application denoting a promiscuous woman. For more context, see section 3.2 Women's History. It is a contentious term—originally pejorative, yet reclaimed by gay men during the 1960s. Its usage is permissible only if an individual self-identifies with this term. 1890s- Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ fairy ladyCertain sources suggest this term indicates a feminine lesbian, while others interpret it as a bisexual person of any gender.

It primarily emerged in informal slang dictionaries from the 1920s onward, which were not always reliable, and cannot be corroborated by other existing sources.

1920s-? Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ flame

flamer

flaming

While "flaming" can generally serve as an intensifier or an expletive, it has become notably associated with effeminate gay men and camp sensibilities. Even today, it is often used with affection, particularly by older generations of gay men; however, it is offensive if applied by others. Employ this term only if an individual self-describes in this manner, and indicate this specific usage with quotation marks. 20th Century- Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ flip-flop

flip flop

This slang term denotes either 1) bisexuality or 2) an individual who prefers to alternate between "top" and "bottom" roles during sexual activity. It is particularly prevalent among incarcerated individuals in the United States. 1970s- Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ flower

daisy

pansy

tulip

water-lily

Various floral terms are utilized to characterize effeminate gay men, with "pansy" being arguably the most common.

This association links gay men with misogynistic notions of femininity, implying weakness, a non-threatening demeanor, and cowardice. It is considered offensive and is frequently employed as an intentional slur.

1890s- Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ flute

fluter

flute-player

An antiquated slang term for fellatio, or for a person engaging in the act of fellatio. 1900s- Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ foopThis rare slang term refers to a gay man. 1890s Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ forty-one

41

The expression "forty-one" is utilized in the state of Texas, USA, to refer to homosexual men. Its genesis lies in neighboring Mexico, where the identical expression is employed in Spanish, stemming from a scandal that unfolded in 1901 within Mexico City. Forty-one individuals were apprehended at a private dance, where nearly half were engaged in cross-dressing. This particular incident is widely recognized as 'The Dance of the Forty-One.' It is recounted that, in actuality, there were forty-two attendees, but one individual, being the son-in-law of President Porfirio Diaz, was permitted to evade arrest. Those unable to secure their freedom or maintain silence were condemned to arduous labor in the Oaxaca National Valley. Consequently, the number forty-one evolved into a euphemism for illicit sexuality and became a number to be avoided. Texas, USA; Mexico Mosca de Colores - Gay Dictionary friend of dorothyThis term serves as coded slang for gay, referencing Judy Garland's iconic character, Dorothy, from The Wizard of Oz, a figure revered by the gay community. UK, USA, 1970s- Moscas de Colores

Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/

fritThis is a rare slang term for a gay man. UK, USA, 1970s Moscas de Colores

Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/

fruit

fruity

A colloquialism for a gay man, particularly an effeminate one. It is considered antiquated and frequently offensive, as it implies an individual is easily "selected," or it associates someone with its other informal meanings such as "dupe," "victim," or a person afflicted by mental illness.

Numerous variations of this term, including "bowl of fruit," "fruitcake," "fruit-eater," "fruitloop," and "fruit-picker," were employed for queer individuals throughout the 20th century and across diverse geographical areas.

20th Century- Moscas de Colores

Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/

gay cat

gaycat

This slang was predominantly used within unhoused and/or criminal subcultures during the first half of the 20th century in the United States. It generally signified a younger homosexual companion. 1900s-1950s, USA Mosca de Colores - Gay Dictionary

Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/

gay lord

gaylord

This is a pejorative term for a gay man. 1970s-, UK, USA Oxford English Dictionary

Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/

gentleman of the back doorAn 18th-century colloquialism for a gay man. Its presence is exclusively noted in popular slang dictionaries from that period, with scant corroborating evidence to suggest actual widespread 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

This constitutes Cockney rhyming slang for the term "queer." 20th Century-, UK Mosca de Colores - Gay Dictionary girlOccasionally, this term functions as a slur directed at a gay man, operating on the assumption that exhibiting "feminine" traits confers "lower status," thereby offending both gay men and women broadly.

More frequently, it is utilized as a (now widely recognized) term of endearment among gay men, though it is generally more indicative of friendship than romance.

1910s- Mosca de Colores - Gay Dictionary

Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/

giverThis slang term denotes the "active" participant role during gay sexual activity. The binary classification of giver/taker is now largely acknowledged as contrived and heteronormative. 20th Century-, UK, USA Moscas de Colores gold starA slang expression for an individual who has never engaged in sexual relations with someone of the opposite gender, sometimes including bisexual people of their own gender. Predominantly used within lesbian communities, it is now widely recognized as biphobic. 20th Century- Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ gonsel

gunsel

gunshel

gunsil

This slang was employed by incarcerated and unhoused communities in the United States to designate a young gay man or boy. 20th Century, USA Moscas de Colores

Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/

gumpA slang term, used by incarcerated men in the United States, to denote a person assuming 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 ardent sports enthusiast; typically, one who habitually frequents fitness centers and training grounds; often applied to young gay men who are engrossed in 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

This is Cockney rhyming slang, functioning as a slur for gay men (rhyming with "poofter" or "poof"). 20th Century- Wikipedia - List of LGBT Slang Terms hip-hitterA term from the 1970s, signifying a "top" gay man. 1970s, USA Moscas de Colores

Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/

homoA truncated version of "homosexual," frequently carrying derogatory connotations. In descriptive contexts, the complete term should invariably be utilized. 1920s- Moscas de Colores

Oxford English Dictionary

jockerThis slang term was used by incarcerated and unhoused communities in the United States to denote an older or "predatory" gay man. 1890s-, USA Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ left-handedDuring the 1930s in the USA, this term was pejoratively employed as slang for gay. It is offensive to both left-handed individuals and gay people, as the association implies an inherent "wrongness" in both groups. 1930s, USA Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ lipstick lesbianThis term typically refers to a lesbian exhibiting a feminine gender expression. Its usage can range from positive to pejorative, contingent on the speaker. Occasionally, it is also applied to a lesbian who is perceived as effortlessly "passing" for heterosexual. Its use is appropriate only if an individual self-identifies in this manner, and it should then be enclosed in quotation marks to signify this. The phrase "femme lesbian" may represent a more suitable alternative. 20th Century- "LGBTQ+ Terminology," Montclair State University [5]Nancy

Nancy boy

Nance

Mary

Mary-Ann

Molly

Nelly

Women's names have frequently been co-opted as slurs for gay men, especially for effeminate gay men and transfeminine individuals. "Nancy" is arguably the most pervasive across the 20th century globally.

All these terms are offensive and should not be reproduced in descriptions unless absolutely essential. For a historically specific application of "Molly," please consult section 3.1.1 LGBTQIA+ Communities and History.

Mosca de Colores - Gay Dictionary

Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/

prushonThis slang term was employed by unhoused communities in the United States to designate a young gay man who traveled in the company of an older companion. 1890s-1980s Moscas de Colores

Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/

punk

punker

Initially a designation for a sex worker in the late 19th century, this term later came to signify a gay man, often one who adopted the "bottom" role or was coerced into gay sexual activity. Its initial use was found within incarcerated and unhoused communities, subsequently evolving into a slur for gay men within African-American communities.

It should be noted that "punk rock" emerged as a distinct musical and political movement during the 1970s.

(as slang for gay) 19th Century- Oxford English Dictionary rough tradeThis slang refers to a man who identifies as heterosexual but occasionally engages in sexual activity with queer men (typically assuming the "top" role). 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

This Cockney rhyming slang refers to "gay," specifically rhyming with "bent." 1980s-, UK Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ studThis community-specific term refers to an African-American and/or Latinx masculine queer woman, also recognized as "ag." Its use is appropriate only if an individual self-identifies in this manner, and it should not be applied to white individuals, as this term was specifically developed by and for African-American and Latinx communities. 20th Century-, USA "LGBTQ+ Terminology," Montclair State University [7]sugar daddyAn expression originating within the Black community in the 1920s, it described an older, affluent partner. Over time, this phrase was also adopted by the LGBTQIA+ community. 1920s- Mosca de Colores - Gay Dictionary swings the other way

swinging both ways

These euphemistic phrases suggest that an individual (irrespective of gender) is gay or bisexual. While not inherently slurs or particularly offensive, and generally used with a humorous inflection, they are considered outdated. The inherent euphemistic hesitancy to normalize terms like "gay," "lesbian," or "bisexual" implies that LGBTQ+ individuals should not be openly discussed. Their application risks impeding discoverability if used in place of more direct terminology. They should not be conflated with the term "swinging" when used independently, which can signify non-monogamous practices. 1960s- Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/ swish

swisher

swishy

This slang, originating from the 1930s in the USA, describes a feminine gay man. While not deemed overtly offensive, it should nevertheless be accompanied by clearer LGBTQ+ terminology to facilitate 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, see "top" and "bottom."

"Vers" is an abbreviation for "versatile." "Switch" is also occasionally employed in a BDSM context to indicate someone who oscillates between dominant and submissive roles.

20th Century- Homosaurus switch-hitterAn American slang term for a bisexual individual, derived from baseball terminology. 20th Century-, US Moscas de Colores topAn individual who takes on the "giving" role in sexual encounters is known as a "top." This term is widely used, but in archival descriptions, it must be enclosed in quotation marks and contextualized as necessary. Within queer communities, it is sometimes employed as a self-descriptor, though its reproduction should be approached with caution. It can also function as a verb, as in "to top someone." The term becomes offensive if applied to LGBTQ+ individuals from outside of queer communities. Additionally, readers may wish to consult the terms "bottom" and "switch." Homosaurus trannyThis is a highly offensive slur directed at a trans person. Originally, it served to conflate "transsexual" individuals, "transvestites," and drag queens. Although primarily used in reference to transfeminine people, it is offensive to all trans individuals.

It is important to remember that "tranny" is an extremely offensive term, and uttering it aloud should be avoided.

1970s- Green's Dictionary of Slang [9]

Oxford English Dictionary

twinkA slang term extensively utilized within gay communities to describe a young or youthful-looking man characterized by minimal or absent facial or body hair. While it can be pejorative, it also functions as a self-descriptor. If its use in a description becomes necessary, it should invariably be enclosed in quotation marks and appropriately contextualized. 20th Century- "LGBTQ+ Terminology," Montclair State University [10]