LGBTQIA+ Slurs and Slang: Difference between revisions

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|Green's  Dictionary of Slang - <nowiki>https://greensdictofslang.com/</nowiki>
|Green's  Dictionary of Slang - <nowiki>https://greensdictofslang.com/</nowiki>
|-
|-
|'''bathroom  queen'''
|'''bathroom  queenbog queen'''
'''bog queen'''
|Gay slang expression for people  who frequent public toilets looking for sexual encounters.
|Gay slang expression for people  who frequent public toilets looking for sexual encounters.
Synonyms: Bathsheba (composition  between bathroom and Sheba to create a name reminiscent of the Queen of  Sheba), Ghost (50s, ghost, because they wander the corridors of the  bathroom).  
Synonyms: Bathsheba (composition  between bathroom and Sheba to create a name reminiscent of the Queen of  Sheba), Ghost (50s, ghost, because they wander the corridors of the  bathroom).  
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|Mosca de Colores – Gay Dictionary
|Mosca de Colores – Gay Dictionary
|-
|-
|'''beard'''
|'''beardMiss Beard'''
'''Miss Beard'''
|Individuals who pose as the date or partner of someone they are  not in a relationship with, typically to prevent that person's sexuality from  becoming public knowledge; most commonly used to refer to a woman pretending  to be dating a gay man.
|Individuals who pose as the date or partner of someone they are  not in a relationship with, typically to prevent that person's sexuality from  becoming public knowledge; most commonly used to refer to a woman pretending  to be dating a gay man.
|20th Century-, Europe, USA
|20th Century-, Europe, USA
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|Green's Dictionary of  Slang - <nowiki>https://greensdictofslang.com/</nowiki>
|Green's Dictionary of  Slang - <nowiki>https://greensdictofslang.com/</nowiki>
|-
|-
|'''butterfly'''
|'''butterflybutterfly boy'''
'''butterfly boy'''
|Gay community slang for an effeminate man. No  longer in general use.
|Gay community slang for an effeminate man. No  longer in general use.
|1960s-1970s
|1960s-1970s
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Green's Dictionary of Slang -  <nowiki>https://greensdictofslang.com/</nowiki>
Green's Dictionary of Slang -  <nowiki>https://greensdictofslang.com/</nowiki>
|-
|-
|'''Charlie  Ronce'''
|'''Charlie  RonceCharley'''
'''Charley'''
|British  rhyming slang for “ponce,” in the sense of "pimp."
|British  rhyming slang for “ponce,” in the sense of "pimp."
|UK
|UK
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|GenderMinorities.com – Trans 101: glossary of trans  words and how to use them
|GenderMinorities.com – Trans 101: glossary of trans  words and how to use them
|-
|-
|'''cornhole'''
|'''cornholecornholer'''
'''cornholer'''
|American rural slang to indicate  anal sex, or a gay man. Generally considered offensive.
|American rural slang to indicate  anal sex, or a gay man. Generally considered offensive.
Should not be confused with the  game of the same name, which involves throwing beanbags into a hole in a  wooden platform.
Should not be confused with the  game of the same name, which involves throwing beanbags into a hole in a  wooden platform.
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Green's Dictionary of Slang - <nowiki>https://greensdictofslang.com/</nowiki>
Green's Dictionary of Slang - <nowiki>https://greensdictofslang.com/</nowiki>
|-
|-
|'''drag family'''
|'''drag familydrag motherhouse of'''
'''drag mother'''
'''house of'''
|In the  US, a group of drag queens who have been mentored by a "mother,"  also known as a "house." These groups often take on family drag  names and form close-knit communities. See also 3.1.1 LGBTQIA+ Communities and History, "chosen  family."
|In the  US, a group of drag queens who have been mentored by a "mother,"  also known as a "house." These groups often take on family drag  names and form close-knit communities. See also 3.1.1 LGBTQIA+ Communities and History, "chosen  family."
|20th Century-, US
|20th Century-, US
|Wikipedia  - Drag Race Terminology [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drag_Race_terminology]
|Wikipedia  - Drag Race Terminology [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drag_Race_terminology]
|-
|-
|'''dyke'''
|'''dykebulldykebulldagger'''
'''bulldyke'''
'''bulldagger'''
|Contested  terminology. Slur for lesbian, highly offensive if applied to a lesbian or  transmasc person externally. Term has been reclaimed by some lesbians  communities, and is sometimes used affirmingly within communities. Only use  if someone self-describes in this way, and enclose in quotation marks to  indicate this.
|Contested  terminology. Slur for lesbian, highly offensive if applied to a lesbian or  transmasc person externally. Term has been reclaimed by some lesbians  communities, and is sometimes used affirmingly within communities. Only use  if someone self-describes in this way, and enclose in quotation marks to  indicate this.
"Bulldyke"  and "bulldagger" are often used to indicate butch or masculine  queer women, sometimes with overtones of toughness or aggression.
"Bulldyke"  and "bulldagger" are often used to indicate butch or masculine  queer women, sometimes with overtones of toughness or aggression.
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Emily St. James, ''Vox'' [https://www.vox.com/culture/2019/3/30/18286436/the-matrix-wachowskis-trans-experience-redpill]
Emily St. James, ''Vox'' [https://www.vox.com/culture/2019/3/30/18286436/the-matrix-wachowskis-trans-experience-redpill]
|-
|-
|'''faggot'''
|'''faggotfagotfaggotryfaggotyfagfaggyfagged'''
'''fagot'''
'''faggotry'''
'''faggoty'''
'''fag'''
 
'''faggy'''
'''fagged'''
|Extremely  offensive slur for a gay man, often used to imply someone is effeminate;  lacking power or vigour; weak, cowardly; ineffectual. Hate speech when used  about a gay man, especially in the US.
|Extremely  offensive slur for a gay man, often used to imply someone is effeminate;  lacking power or vigour; weak, cowardly; ineffectual. Hate speech when used  about a gay man, especially in the US.
Not to be  confused with other meanings:
Not to be  confused with other meanings:
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|Green's  Dictionary of Slang - <nowiki>https://greensdictofslang.com/</nowiki>
|Green's  Dictionary of Slang - <nowiki>https://greensdictofslang.com/</nowiki>
|-
|-
|'''flame'''
|'''flameflamerflaming'''
'''flamer'''
'''flaming'''
|"Flaming" can be used generally as an  intensifier or curse, but has become especially associated with feminine gay  men and campness. Often still used fondly, especially by older generations of  gay men, but offensive if applied by others. Only use if an individual  self-describes in this way, and indicate this with quotation marks.
|"Flaming" can be used generally as an  intensifier or curse, but has become especially associated with feminine gay  men and campness. Often still used fondly, especially by older generations of  gay men, but offensive if applied by others. Only use if an individual  self-describes in this way, and indicate this with quotation marks.
|20th Century-
|20th Century-
|Green's  Dictionary of Slang - <nowiki>https://greensdictofslang.com/</nowiki>
|Green's  Dictionary of Slang - <nowiki>https://greensdictofslang.com/</nowiki>
|-
|-
|'''flip-flop'''
|'''flip-flopflip flop'''
'''flip flop'''
|Slang  to indicate either 1) bisexuality or 2) a person that likes to switch between  "top" and "bottom" roles during sex. Especially used by  incarcerated people in the US.
|Slang  to indicate either 1) bisexuality or 2) a person that likes to switch between  "top" and "bottom" roles during sex. Especially used by  incarcerated people in the US.
|1970s-
|1970s-
|Green's  Dictionary of Slang - <nowiki>https://greensdictofslang.com/</nowiki>
|Green's  Dictionary of Slang - <nowiki>https://greensdictofslang.com/</nowiki>
|-
|-
|'''flower'''
|'''flowerdaisypansytulipwater-lily'''
'''daisy'''
'''pansy'''
'''tulip'''
'''water-lily'''
|Various flowers  are used to refer to feminine gay men, though "pansy" is probably  the most common.
|Various flowers  are used to refer to feminine gay men, though "pansy" is probably  the most common.
Associates gay  men with misogynistic ideas of femininity; implies weakness, unthreateneaning  appearance, cowardliness.
Associates gay  men with misogynistic ideas of femininity; implies weakness, unthreateneaning  appearance, cowardliness.
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|Green's Dictionary of  Slang - <nowiki>https://greensdictofslang.com/</nowiki>
|Green's Dictionary of  Slang - <nowiki>https://greensdictofslang.com/</nowiki>
|-
|-
|'''flute'''
|'''flutefluterflute-player'''
'''fluter'''
'''flute-player'''
|Outdated slang for fellatio, or someone  performing fellatio.
|Outdated slang for fellatio, or someone  performing fellatio.
|1900s-
|1900s-
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|Green's  Dictionary of Slang - <nowiki>https://greensdictofslang.com/</nowiki>
|Green's  Dictionary of Slang - <nowiki>https://greensdictofslang.com/</nowiki>
|-
|-
|'''forty-one'''
|'''forty-one41'''
'''41'''
|“Forty-one” is an expression used in the state  of Texas (USA) to refer to homosexual men. The origin of this expression is  found in neighboring Mexico, where the same expression is used in Spanish,  due to a scandal that occurred in 1901 in Mexico City. 41 people were  arrested at a private dance, at which almost half were cross-dressing. This  incident is known as “The Dance of the Forty-One”. It is said that in  reality, they were 42, but one of them was the son-in-law of President  Porfirio Diaz, who was allowed to escape. Those who could not afford freedom  or silence were sentenced to hard labor in the Oaxaca National Valley. So the  number 41 became a euphemism for illicit sexuality, and was avoided.
|“Forty-one” is an expression used in the state  of Texas (USA) to refer to homosexual men. The origin of this expression is  found in neighboring Mexico, where the same expression is used in Spanish,  due to a scandal that occurred in 1901 in Mexico City. 41 people were  arrested at a private dance, at which almost half were cross-dressing. This  incident is known as “The Dance of the Forty-One”. It is said that in  reality, they were 42, but one of them was the son-in-law of President  Porfirio Diaz, who was allowed to escape. Those who could not afford freedom  or silence were sentenced to hard labor in the Oaxaca National Valley. So the  number 41 became a euphemism for illicit sexuality, and was avoided.
|Texas, USA; Mexico
|Texas, USA; Mexico
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Green's Dictionary of Slang - <nowiki>https://greensdictofslang.com/</nowiki>
Green's Dictionary of Slang - <nowiki>https://greensdictofslang.com/</nowiki>
|-
|-
|'''fruit'''
|'''fruitfruity'''
'''fruity'''
|Slang  for a gay man, especially for a feminine gay man. Outdated and often  offensive, because it implies someone is easily "picked," or  associates someone with its other slang meanings of "dupe,"  "victim," or someone living with mental illness.
|Slang  for a gay man, especially for a feminine gay man. Outdated and often  offensive, because it implies someone is easily "picked," or  associates someone with its other slang meanings of "dupe,"  "victim," or someone living with mental illness.
There are many  variations of this term used for queer people across the 20th century and  across different regions, inlcuding bowl of fruit, fruitcake, fruit-eater,  fruitloop, and fruit-picker.
There are many  variations of this term used for queer people across the 20th century and  across different regions, inlcuding bowl of fruit, fruitcake, fruit-eater,  fruitloop, and fruit-picker.
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Green's Dictionary of Slang - <nowiki>https://greensdictofslang.com/</nowiki>
Green's Dictionary of Slang - <nowiki>https://greensdictofslang.com/</nowiki>
|-
|-
|'''gay cat'''
|'''gay catgaycat'''
'''gaycat'''
|Slang used primarily in unhoused and/or criminal  communities from the first half of the twentieth century in the US. Generally  denoting a younger homosexual companion.
|Slang used primarily in unhoused and/or criminal  communities from the first half of the twentieth century in the US. Generally  denoting a younger homosexual companion.
|1900s-1950s, USA
|1900s-1950s, USA
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Green's  Dictionary of Slang - <nowiki>https://greensdictofslang.com/</nowiki>
Green's  Dictionary of Slang - <nowiki>https://greensdictofslang.com/</nowiki>
|-
|-
|'''gay lord'''
|'''gay lordgaylord'''
'''gaylord'''
|Slur for a gay man.
|Slur for a gay man.
|1970s-, UK, USA
|1970s-, UK, USA
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Norena Shopland, A Practical Guide to searching LGBTQIA  historical records (Routledge 2021
Norena Shopland, A Practical Guide to searching LGBTQIA  historical records (Routledge 2021
|-
|-
|'''ginger'''
|'''gingerginger beerBrighton PierjeregearKing Lear'''
'''ginger beer'''
'''Brighton Pier'''
'''jere'''
'''gear'''
'''King Lear'''
|Cockney rhyming slang for "queer."
|Cockney rhyming slang for "queer."
|20th Century-, UK
|20th Century-, UK
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|Green's  Dictionary of Slang - <nowiki>https://greensdictofslang.com/</nowiki>
|Green's  Dictionary of Slang - <nowiki>https://greensdictofslang.com/</nowiki>
|-
|-
|'''gonsel'''
|'''gonselgunselgunshelgunsil'''
'''gunsel'''
'''gunshel'''
'''gunsil'''
|Slang used by incarcerated and unhoused  communities in the US to denote a young gay man or boy.
|Slang used by incarcerated and unhoused  communities in the US to denote a young gay man or boy.
|20th Century, USA
|20th Century, USA
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Green's Dictionary of Slang - <nowiki>https://greensdictofslang.com/</nowiki>
Green's Dictionary of Slang - <nowiki>https://greensdictofslang.com/</nowiki>
|-
|-
|'''gym rat'''
|'''gym ratgym bunnymuscle mary'''
'''gym bunny'''
'''muscle mary'''
|A sports enthusiast; usually one who frequents  gyms and training grounds; often used of young gay men obsessed with body  building.
|A sports enthusiast; usually one who frequents  gyms and training grounds; often used of young gay men obsessed with body  building.
|1970s-, USA, Scotland
|1970s-, USA, Scotland
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Green's Dictionary of Slang - <nowiki>https://greensdictofslang.com/</nowiki>
Green's Dictionary of Slang - <nowiki>https://greensdictofslang.com/</nowiki>
|-
|-
|'''Harry  Hoofter'''
|'''Harry  Hoofteriron hoofteriron hoofironwoolie woofterwooly'''
'''iron hoofter'''
'''iron hoof'''
'''iron'''
'''woolie woofter'''
'''wooly'''
|Cockney rhyming slang - slur for gay men (rhyming with  "poofter" or "poof").
|Cockney rhyming slang - slur for gay men (rhyming with  "poofter" or "poof").
|20th Century-
|20th Century-
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|Green's  Dictionary of Slang - <nowiki>https://greensdictofslang.com/</nowiki>
|Green's  Dictionary of Slang - <nowiki>https://greensdictofslang.com/</nowiki>
|-
|-
|'''Nancy'''
|'''NancyNancy boyNanceMaryMary-AnnMollyNelly'''
'''Nancy boy'''
'''Nance'''
'''Mary'''
'''Mary-Ann'''
'''Molly'''
'''Nelly'''
|Women's  names have often been appropriated as slurs for gay men, especially for  feminine gay men and transfeminine people. "Nancy" is probably the  most common, across the 20th Century globally.
|Women's  names have often been appropriated as slurs for gay men, especially for  feminine gay men and transfeminine people. "Nancy" is probably the  most common, across the 20th Century globally.
All are offensive and  should not be reproduced in description unless necessary.
All are offensive and  should not be reproduced in description unless necessary.
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Green's Dictionary of Slang - <nowiki>https://greensdictofslang.com/</nowiki>
Green's Dictionary of Slang - <nowiki>https://greensdictofslang.com/</nowiki>
|-
|-
|'''punk'''
|'''punkpunker'''
'''punker'''
|Originating  as a term for sex worker, in the late 19th Century, it came to indicate a gay  man, often a "bottom" or someone coerced into gay sex. Originally  used by incarcerated and unhoused communities, later as a slur for gay man in  African-American communities.
|Originating  as a term for sex worker, in the late 19th Century, it came to indicate a gay  man, often a "bottom" or someone coerced into gay sex. Originally  used by incarcerated and unhoused communities, later as a slur for gay man in  African-American communities.
"Punk  rock" emerged as a musical and political movement in the 1970s.
"Punk  rock" emerged as a musical and political movement in the 1970s.
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Claire Hayward, "Queer Terminology: LGBTQ Histories and the  Semantics of Sexuality."  <nowiki>https://notchesblog.com/2016/06/09/queer-terminology-lgbtq-histories-and-the-semantics-of-sexuality/</nowiki>
Claire Hayward, "Queer Terminology: LGBTQ Histories and the  Semantics of Sexuality."  <nowiki>https://notchesblog.com/2016/06/09/queer-terminology-lgbtq-histories-and-the-semantics-of-sexuality/</nowiki>
|-
|-
|'''stoke'''
|'''stokeStoke-on-Trent'''
'''Stoke-on-Trent'''
|Cockney rhyming slang for gay, rhyming with  "bent."
|Cockney rhyming slang for gay, rhyming with  "bent."
|1980s-, UK
|1980s-, UK
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|Mosca de Colores  – Gay Dictionary
|Mosca de Colores  – Gay Dictionary
|-
|-
|'''swings  the other way'''
|'''swings  the other wayswinging both ways'''
'''swinging both ways'''
|A euphemistic phrase indicating that someone (of any gender) is  gay or bisexual. These phrases are not a slur or especially offensive, and  are generally used with a note of humour. However, they are outdated, because  the euphemistic reluctance to normalise terms such as "gay,"  "lesbian," or "bisexual" suggests that LGBTQ+ people  should not be openly talked about. Risks blocking discoverability if used  instead of more direct terms. Not to be confused with the term "swinging"  on its own, which can indicate non-monogamous practices.
|A euphemistic phrase indicating that someone (of any gender) is  gay or bisexual. These phrases are not a slur or especially offensive, and  are generally used with a note of humour. However, they are outdated, because  the euphemistic reluctance to normalise terms such as "gay,"  "lesbian," or "bisexual" suggests that LGBTQ+ people  should not be openly talked about. Risks blocking discoverability if used  instead of more direct terms. Not to be confused with the term "swinging"  on its own, which can indicate non-monogamous practices.
|1960s-
|1960s-
|Green's Dictionary of Slang - <nowiki>https://greensdictofslang.com/</nowiki>
|Green's Dictionary of Slang - <nowiki>https://greensdictofslang.com/</nowiki>
|-
|-
|'''swish'''
|'''swishswisherswishy'''
'''swisher'''
'''swishy'''
|Slang for a feminine gay man, originating from  1930s USA. Not especially offensive, but should still be accompanied by  clearer LGBTQ+ terminology to aid discoverability.
|Slang for a feminine gay man, originating from  1930s USA. Not especially offensive, but should still be accompanied by  clearer LGBTQ+ terminology to aid discoverability.
|1930s-, US
|1930s-, US
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Green's Dictionary of Slang - <nowiki>https://greensdictofslang.com/</nowiki>
Green's Dictionary of Slang - <nowiki>https://greensdictofslang.com/</nowiki>
|-
|-
|'''switch'''
|'''switchvers'''
'''vers'''
|LGBTQ+  community slang for someone who "switches" between the  "giving" and "receiving" during sex. See  also "top" and "bottom."
|LGBTQ+  community slang for someone who "switches" between the  "giving" and "receiving" during sex. See  also "top" and "bottom."
"Vers"  is short for "versatile." "Switch" is sometimes also used  in a BDSM context, to indicate someone who "switches" between the  dominant and submissive roles.
"Vers"  is short for "versatile." "Switch" is sometimes also used  in a BDSM context, to indicate someone who "switches" between the  dominant and submissive roles.
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== List of slurs that generally refer to gay and feminine men ==
== List of slurs that generally refer to gay and feminine men ==
All of these terms are highly offensive and should never be replicated unless a necessary part of a title or other identifier, in which case enclose in quotation marks to indicate this.
All of these terms are offensive and should never be replicated unless a necessary part of a title or other identifier, in which case enclose in quotation marks to indicate this,
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|arse  bandit
|arse  bandit
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|-
|-
|bum chum
|bum chum
|-
|chichi
|-
|-
|chutney ferret
|chutney ferret
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|cocksucker
|cocksucker
|-
|-
|flit
|effie
|-
|flitty
|-
|-
|fudge packer
|fudge packer
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|-
|-
|limp wristed
|limp wristed
|-
|mincing
|-
|-
|pillow biter
|pillow biter
|-
|ponce
|-
|poncy
|-
|-
|shirt lifter
|shirt lifter
|-
|-
|shirtlifterish
|shirtlifterish
|-
|sissified
|-
|sissy
|-
|-
|three-letter man
|three-letter man
|-
|-
|turd burglar
|turd burglar
|}
== List of slurs that generally refer to lesbians ==
Some of these All of these terms are highly offensive and should never be replicated unless a necessary part of a title or other identifier, in which case enclose in quotation marks to indicate this.
{| class="wikitable"
|bean  flicker
|-
|carpet muncher
|-
|kitty puncher
|-
|lesbo
|-
|lezzer
|-
|lezzie
|-
|lezzy
|-
|muff diver
|-
|pussy puncher
|-
|rug muncher
|-
|todger dodger
|}
|}

Revision as of 15:25, 13 December 2023

***PARTIAL DRAFT - TO BE UPDATED***

This section contains many abhorrent and harmful terms.

These terms are listed to help archivists and cultural heritage professionals:

  1. recognise materials that relate to LGBTQ+ people; and
  2. identify potentially harmful material that may require content warnings to protect users.

None of these terms should generally be used within archival description, unless:

  1. the word forms part of a title or other form of identifying a material item or collection, in which case it should be enclosed in quotation marks; or
  2. the contextual note indicates a specific situation in which it may be used.

Common slurs and slang

Term Contextual note Time/Region References
ace queen 1970s term meaning “great queen”. Prison slang for a man who wears a more “feminine” look i.e. shaved legs, plucked eyebrows. May be described as part of incarcerated homosexual culture. Should not be confused with the more widely-used term "ace," a shortening of "asexual." See "asexual." UK, USA, 1970s Mosca de Colores – Gay Dictionary
alphabet people Offensive contemporary term for LGBTQ+ people, often used by right-wing people reacting to perceived advancements in LGBTQ+ people's rights. 2020s- Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/
bathroom queenbog queen Gay slang expression for people who frequent public toilets looking for sexual encounters.

Synonyms: Bathsheba (composition between bathroom and Sheba to create a name reminiscent of the Queen of Sheba), Ghost (50s, ghost, because they wander the corridors of the bathroom).

USA, UK Mosca de Colores – Gay Dictionary
batting for the other team A euphemistic phrase indicating that someone (of any gender) is gay. This phrase is not a slur or especially offensive, and is generally used with a note of humour. However, it is outdated, because the euphemistic reluctance to normalise terms such as "gay" or "lesbian" suggests that LGBTQ+ people should not be openly talked about. Risks blocking discoverability if used instead of more direct terms. 20th and early 21st century
bean queen Slang used in male homosexual communities in the USA to describe Mexican homosexuals. Racist overtones. Also used to describe Latinx drag queens, as well as white men who are attracted to Latino men. Mexico, USA Mosca de Colores – Gay Dictionary
beardMiss Beard Individuals who pose as the date or partner of someone they are not in a relationship with, typically to prevent that person's sexuality from becoming public knowledge; most commonly used to refer to a woman pretending to be dating a gay man. 20th Century-, Europe, USA Homosaurus
bicycle Used as slang for bisexual in the 1960s. Also more widely used to indicate promiscuity, esp for women; this usage is considered offensive. 1960s-, UK Mosca de Colores – Gay Dictionary
bottom A "bottom" is an individual who acts as the "receiving" partner in sexual encounters. Widely used, but should be enclosed in quotation marks and contextualised if needed in archival description. Sometimes used as a self-descriptor within queer communities, but should be replicated with caution. Sometimes used as a verb ("to bottom for someone"). Offensive if applied to LGBTQ+ individuals from outwith queer communities. See also "top" and "switch." Homosaurus
bronco

bronc

A young gay man, or someone new to the gay community. 1930s-, USA Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/
butterflybutterfly boy Gay community slang for an effeminate man. No longer in general use. 1960s-1970s Mosca de Colores – Gay Dictionary

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

capon Coming from a word from animal husbandry for a castrated rooster, the word was from the 1600s applied to castratos. During the 20th century, it was used by American gay communities to describe a young or inexperienced gay man.

No longer in use, but would be considered offensive.

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

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

Charlie RonceCharley 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 sees trans people (usually trans women) as inherently sexual, and sexually objectifies them. As opposed to someone who simply is predominantly attracted to trans women; a chaser does not view trans women respectfully as people with humanity and agency, but rather as players 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
cornholecornholer American rural slang to indicate anal sex, or a gay man. Generally considered offensive.

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 who is attracted to Indian men. Offensive, racist overtones. 1990s-, USA Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/
Doric love 1920s expression for gay sex/romance referencing classical Greece, sometimes with overtones 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 familydrag motherhouse of In the US, a group of drag queens who have been mentored by a "mother," also known as a "house." These groups often take on family drag names and form close-knit communities. See also 3.1.1 LGBTQIA+ Communities and History, "chosen family." 20th Century-, US Wikipedia - Drag Race Terminology [1]
dykebulldykebulldagger Contested terminology. Slur for lesbian, highly offensive if applied to a lesbian or transmasc person externally. Term has been reclaimed by some lesbians communities, and is sometimes used affirmingly within communities. Only use if someone self-describes in this way, and enclose in quotation marks to indicate this.

"Bulldyke" and "bulldagger" are often used to indicate butch or masculine queer women, sometimes with overtones of toughness or aggression. Only use these terms if someone self-describes in this way, and enclose in quotation marks to indicate this.

1930s-, US, UK LGBTQ+ Terminology, Montclair State University [2]

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

egg Slang term (originating online) for a person who has not yet realised they are transgender, has not yet come out, or is in the early stages of transitioning. Usually used (fondly) by trans people to recognise when aspects of someone's personality or behavior remind them of gender-related aspects of themselves before they realized they were trans.

If necessary to refer to this in description, use "speculations about transness" or "discussion about pre-/early-transition experience."

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

Emily St. James, Vox [3]

faggotfagotfaggotryfaggotyfagfaggyfagged Extremely offensive slur for a gay man, often used to imply someone is effeminate; lacking power or vigour; weak, cowardly; ineffectual. Hate speech when used about a gay man, especially in the US.

Not to be confused with other meanings: "Fag" is also British English slang for a cigarette. Widely used in this way in the UK, inoffensive. "Faggot" can mean a bundle of sticks or herbs, often for a fire. Historically (Middle Ages) associated with the bundles of wood used to burn people accused of heresy/witchcraft. Now mostly obsolete. There is speculation that the term came to be a slur due to this association with immorality and punishment, but there is no consensus on its origins. "Faggot" is also used in the UK Midlands to indicate a regional cuisine - a type of meatball. Inoffensive in this context, though rare. "Fagged" or "fagged out" were historically (18th-20th century) used to mean tired or exhausted. If used in these alternative contexts, consider including further explanation or quotation marks in description, to make this clear.

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

Moscas de Colores

fag hag A woman, typically a heterosexual one, possibly ageing, who prefers, enjoys, or seeks out the company of homosexual men. This term is offensive to gay men and misogynistic to heterosexual women. Once common, now rarely used within queer communities. 1960s- Oxford English Dictionary

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

fag stag A heterosexual man who enjoys the company of gay men. Rare. 1990s- Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/
fairy Slang for homosexual man, probably derived from earlier slang use meaning a promiscuous woman. See 3.2 Women's History. Contested term - originally offensive, but reclaimed by gay men in the 1960s. Only use if an individual self-describes in this way. 1890s- Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/
fairy lady Some sources cite this term to mean a feminine lesbian, others to mean a bisexual person of any gender.

Mostly appeared originally in 1920s-onwards in informal dictionaries of slang, which were not always reliable. Cannot corroborate from other sources.

1920s-? Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/
flameflamerflaming "Flaming" can be used generally as an intensifier or curse, but has become especially associated with feminine gay men and campness. Often still used fondly, especially by older generations of gay men, but offensive if applied by others. Only use if an individual self-describes in this way, and indicate this with quotation marks. 20th Century- Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/
flip-flopflip flop Slang to indicate either 1) bisexuality or 2) a person that likes to switch between "top" and "bottom" roles during sex. Especially used by incarcerated people in the US. 1970s- Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/
flowerdaisypansytulipwater-lily Various flowers are used to refer to feminine gay men, though "pansy" is probably the most common.

Associates gay men with misogynistic ideas of femininity; implies weakness, unthreateneaning appearance, cowardliness. Offensive, often used as an intentional slur.

1890s- Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/
flutefluterflute-player Outdated slang for fellatio, or someone performing fellatio. 1900s- Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/
foop Rare slang for a gay man. 1890s Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/
forty-one41 “Forty-one” is an expression used in the state of Texas (USA) to refer to homosexual men. The origin of this expression is found in neighboring Mexico, where the same expression is used in Spanish, due to a scandal that occurred in 1901 in Mexico City. 41 people were arrested at a private dance, at which almost half were cross-dressing. This incident is known as “The Dance of the Forty-One”. It is said that in reality, they were 42, but one of them was the son-in-law of President Porfirio Diaz, who was allowed to escape. Those who could not afford freedom or silence were sentenced to hard labor in the Oaxaca National Valley. So the number 41 became a euphemism for illicit sexuality, and was avoided. Texas, USA; Mexico Mosca de Colores – Gay Dictionary
friend of dorothy Coded slang for gay. Referring to gay icon Judy Garland's Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. UK, USA, 1970s- Moscas de Colores

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

frit Rare slang for a gay man. UK, USA, 1970s Moscas de Colores

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

fruitfruity Slang for a gay man, especially for a feminine gay man. Outdated and often offensive, because it implies someone is easily "picked," or associates someone with its other slang meanings of "dupe," "victim," or someone living with mental illness.

There are many variations of this term used for queer people across the 20th century and across different regions, inlcuding bowl of fruit, fruitcake, fruit-eater, fruitloop, and fruit-picker.

20th Century- Moscas de Colores

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

gay catgaycat Slang used primarily in unhoused and/or criminal communities from the first half of the twentieth century in the US. Generally denoting a younger homosexual companion. 1900s-1950s, USA Mosca de Colores – Gay Dictionary

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

gay lordgaylord Slur for a gay man. 1970s-, UK, USA Oxford English Dictionary

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

gentleman of the back door 18th-century slang for a gay man. Only found in popular slang dictionaries of the period - little corroborating evidence that this was actually used. 18th Century-, UK Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/

Norena Shopland, A Practical Guide to searching LGBTQIA historical records (Routledge 2021

gingerginger beerBrighton PierjeregearKing Lear Cockney rhyming slang for "queer." 20th Century-, UK Mosca de Colores – Gay Dictionary
girl Sometimes used as a slur for a gay man, assuming that being "feminine" is "lower status." Therefore offensive to gay men and to women more generally.

More often used as a (now widely recognised) term of affection between gay men, though more likely as a friendly term than as a romantic one.

1910s- Mosca de Colores – Gay Dictionary

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

giver Slang for the "active" role during gay sex. The giver/taker binary is now largely acknowledged as artificial and heteronormative. 20th Century-, UK, USA Moscas de Colores
gold star Slang for someone who has never had sex with someone of the opposite gender, sometimes including bisexual people of their own gender. Most commonly used in lesbian communities, now widely recognised as biphobic. 20th Century- Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/
gonselgunselgunshelgunsil 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 used by incarcerated men in the US to denote 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 ratgym bunnymuscle mary A sports enthusiast; usually one who frequents gyms and training grounds; often used of young gay men obsessed with body building. 1970s-, USA, Scotland Mosca de Colores – Gay Dictionary

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

Harry Hoofteriron hoofteriron hoofironwoolie woofterwooly Cockney rhyming slang - slur for gay men (rhyming with "poofter" or "poof"). 20th Century- Wikipedia – List of LGBT Slang Terms
hip-hitter 1970s term for "top" gay man. 1970s, USA Moscas de Colores

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

homo Shortened form of "homosexual." Often derogatory. Always use the full term in description. 1920s- Moscas de Colores

Oxford English Dictionary

jocker Slang used 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 Term used pejoratively in 1930s USA as slang for gay. Offensive to both left-handed and gay people, as the association assumes that both are "wrong." 1930s, USA Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/
NancyNancy boyNanceMaryMary-AnnMollyNelly Women's names have often been appropriated as slurs for gay men, especially for feminine gay men and transfeminine people. "Nancy" is probably the most common, across the 20th Century globally.

All are offensive and should not be reproduced in description unless necessary. See 3.1.1 LGBTQIA+ Communities and History, "Molly" for a historically-specific usage 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/

punkpunker Originating as a term for sex worker, in the late 19th Century, it came to indicate a gay man, often a "bottom" or someone coerced into gay sex. Originally used by incarcerated and unhoused communities, later as a slur for gay man in African-American communities.

"Punk rock" emerged 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 straight, 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." https://notchesblog.com/2016/06/09/queer-terminology-lgbtq-histories-and-the-semantics-of-sexuality/

stokeStoke-on-Trent Cockney rhyming slang for gay, rhyming with "bent." 1980s-, UK Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/
sugar daddy Expression of the Black community in the 1920s, to refer to an older, wealthy partner. Over time, this expression became used by the LGBTQIA+ community as well. 1920s- Mosca de Colores – Gay Dictionary
swings the other wayswinging both ways A euphemistic phrase indicating that someone (of any gender) is gay or bisexual. These phrases are not a slur or especially offensive, and are generally used with a note of humour. However, they are outdated, because the euphemistic reluctance to normalise terms such as "gay," "lesbian," or "bisexual" suggests that LGBTQ+ people should not be openly talked about. Risks blocking discoverability if used instead of more direct terms. Not to be confused with the term "swinging" on its own, which can indicate non-monogamous practices. 1960s- Green's Dictionary of Slang - https://greensdictofslang.com/
swishswisherswishy Slang for a feminine gay man, originating from 1930s USA. Not especially offensive, but should still be accompanied by clearer LGBTQ+ terminology to aid discoverability. 1930s-, US Mosca de Colores – Gay Dictionary

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

switchvers LGBTQ+ community slang for someone who "switches" between the "giving" and "receiving" during sex. See also "top" and "bottom."

"Vers" is short for "versatile." "Switch" is sometimes also used 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" is an individual who acts as the "giving" partner in sexual encounters. Widely used, but should be enclosed in quotation marks and contextualised if needed in archival description. Sometimes used as a self-descriptor within queer communities, but should be replicated with caution. Sometimes used as a verb ("to top someone"). Offensive if applied to LGBTQ+ individuals from outwith queer communities. See also "bottom" and "switch." Homosaurus
twink Slang term widely used in gay communities to describe a young or young-looking man with little or no facial or body hair. Can be pejorative, but can also be a self-descriptor. Always enclose in quotation marks if necessary to use in description, and contextualise. 20th Century- "LGBTQ+ Terminology," Montclair State University [4]

List of slurs that generally refer to gay and feminine men

All of these terms are offensive and should never be replicated unless a necessary part of a title or other identifier, in which case enclose in quotation marks to indicate this,

arse bandit
ass fucker
booty bandit
brownie
bum bandit
bum boy
butt pirate
bender
bent
bum chum
chutney ferret
cocksucker
effie
fudge packer
girlyboy
light in the loafers
limp wristed
pillow biter
shirt lifter
shirtlifterish
three-letter man
turd burglar