We queers are fine at communicating. Hell, sometimes we don’t even need words. With just a subtle look or a nod of the head, we can telegraph our intentions towards a hot guy. Or put a particular-coloured hanky in a particular back pocket. But to design a completely queer language takes a fair bit of flair.
Though gay folks often are the first to form or latch onto a new buzzword, slang or saying (yeah, we’re on fleek that way), there are numerous examples around the world of LGBTI communities constructing and speaking a language all their control . But for the most part, it was more a method of protected communication during less enlightened times than anything to complete with being cutting edge.
A queer code
Coded languages, known in linguistics studies as cant or argot, are specifically created and used to be understood only by a certain group at the exclusion of others. In some societies, it was a great way for criminals and thieves to secretly articulate their plans and intentions without entity discovered, so it became a handy method for same-sex attracted men to recognize and communicate with each other in times and places when same-sex relations were frowned upon. Or even illegal.
“Bona to Vad
Polari: The SEA-cret Gay Language
25 Jun Polari: The SEA-cret Gay Language
This #TallShipTuesday, we got a chance to dig into how and why the sea has been a home to LGBTQ+ people for hundreds of years. From the start, ships like Providence were places that those who were outcasts or not proper members of polite society could uncover a home. This legacy continued into the 20th century when the entire industry shifted. Queer Sailors created these thriving lgbtq+ communities and families where there was safety to be themselves. These sailors knew that they would be accepted and amongst their people. It was in these queer spaces that a language emerged that allowed them to bond as a team, but also to preserve themselves safe in a world that was unfriendly towards the LGBTQ+ community.
What is Polari?
Polari is a mix of several different languages, but has its roots in Thieves Cant. According to Baker and Stanley in Hello Sailor, the Concealed History of Gay Being at Sea, this language changed over time from Thieves Cant to one called Parlyaree used mostly by rogues and beggars. This then passed on to sailors due to English laws established around 1713. These laws made wandering for
Illustration by Lili Emtiaz
Three years ago, after Wil Dasovich completed his bachelor’s degree at California Polytechnic State University, he did what many young graduates do: He planned a several-month-long backpacking trip abroad. The only difference is that Dasovich never returned to the United States.
Instead, after traveling through Indonesia and Singapore, he was scouted for commercial modeling in Manila. He decided to endure, and soon create himself working his way up the ranks of the Philippines’ entertainment industry. Half Filipino, he realized he wanted to connect with his roots on a deeper level.
“I figured I might as adequately immerse myself in the culture. It was a bucket-list thing,” he told VICE. “My entire life I wanted to speak Filipino—since I am Filipino—so I thought this was an opportunity to learn it.”
Dasovich began picking up bits of Tagalog (also called Filipino), the country’s first official language, listening closely to conversations and repeating things he heard his friends utter . This, however, wasn’t nearly as straightforward a method as he imagined.
An archipelago republic of more than 7,500 islands
The Secret LGBTQ+ Language // Polari [CC]
Introduction to Polari
The speaker introduces the topic of Polari, a covert language used primarily by gay men within the LGBTQ+ community.
A light-hearted bring up of personal merchandise and a humorous take on parenting during a pandemic is shared.
Importance of Polari
Polari is highlighted as an important part of Queer history in the UK, with limited formal documentation but significant cultural relevance.
Linguistic expert Paul Baker's contributions to understanding Polari are noted, including his books "Polari - The Missing Language of Gay Men" and "Fantabulosa: A Dictionary of Polari and Same-sex attracted Slang."
The term 'fantabulous' is identified as originating from Polari, showcasing its affect on modern language.
Historical Context
In the 20th century, Polari served as a protective communication tool for vulnerable groups amidst societal discrimination against homosexuality.
It functioned as an anti-language, allowing individuals to discuss taboo topics without revealing their sexual orientation.
Societal Challenges Faced by LGBTQ+ Individuals
T
Polari – The Secret Homosexual Language
Why Was Polari Used?
In a society where entity openly gay could advantage to imprisonment, violence, or social exclusion, Polari offered:
A sense of safety and privacy
A way to recognize others in the Gay community
A shared cultural self and in-group humor
It thrived in underground queer spaces like London’s gay clubs, drag shows, and West End theatres—becoming both a survival tool and a badge of belonging.
💬 Examples of Polari Language
Some Polari phrases and meanings:
“Vada the dolly dish” = See at the attractive man
“Bijou lallies” = Small legs
“Trade” = Casual sexual partner
“Slap” = Makeup
“Camp” = Extravagant or exaggerated
“Butch/Femme” = Masculine/Feminine presentation
“Naff” = Uncool or rubbish
Polari was more than slang—it was a linguistic shield in a unwelcoming world.
📉 The Decline of Polari
After the decriminalisation of homosexuality in England and Wales in 1967, the need for secrecy lessened. Polari gradually faded from mainstream LGBTQ+ spaces. By the 1970s, it was largely out of exploit, though it remains culturally significant.
