The term Achillean describes romantic or sexual attraction between men and is often used in queer, literary, or historical contexts. It draws its name from the ancient Greek hero Achilles, whose close relationship with Patroclus in classical literature has been interpreted by many as romantic or homoerotic. The term is used as an alternative to "gay" or "homosexual" in contexts that emphasize cultural heritage, poetic expression, or inclusivity, and it is embraced by some as a way to connect modern queer identity with historical narratives.

What is the origin and meaning of the word "Achillean"?

Achillean

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In LGBTQIA+ slang, a beard is a person who serves as a date, partner, or spouse to someone who is hiding their sexual orientation, often to avoid suspicion or social stigma. The term has been in use since at least the mid-20th century and is most commonly associated with closeted gay men dating women to appear heterosexual, though it can apply to any gender combination. While sometimes used humorously, it also reflects the pressures of heteronormativity and the lengths people may go to protect their privacy or safety.

What is the origin and meaning of the word "beard"?

beard

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Binding refers to the act or practice of wearing tight clothing or specially designed compression garments to flatten the chest, often used by transgender men, nonbinary people, and some gender-nonconforming individuals to achieve a more masculine or androgynous appearance. Binding can be done with commercial binders, sports bras, or other methods, though safe practices are emphasized to avoid health risks. The practice is both a form of gender expression and a way to alleviate gender dysphoria, and it has a long history in various cultures.

What is the origin and meaning of the word "binding"?

binding

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The term camp describes an exaggerated, theatrical, and often humorous style that embraces artifice, irony, and extravagance, and it has deep roots in queer culture. Popularized in part by Susan Sontag's 1964 essay "Notes on 'Camp'," the aesthetic celebrates what is over-the-top, playful, and self-aware, often turning bad taste into high art. Camp can be expressed through fashion, performance, or behavior, and it has been a hallmark of drag culture, LGBTQIA+ theater, and pop icons who embrace flamboyance.

What is the origin and meaning of the word "camp"?

camp

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The term closeted describes someone who has not openly revealed their sexual orientation or gender identity, often due to fear of discrimination, rejection, or personal safety concerns. The metaphor of the "closet" has been used in queer discourse since at least the mid-20th century, symbolizing secrecy and concealment. Being closeted can be a deeply personal choice or a necessity in hostile environments, and the term is often contrasted with "out" to describe levels of openness.

What is the origin and meaning of the word "closeted"?

closeted

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The idiom "come out of the closet" originated within the LGBTQ+ community in the mid-20th century as a metaphorical expression. The "closet" symbolizes the secrecy and concealment of one's non-heterosexual or non-cisgender identity due to societal pressures, stigma, and discrimination. The phrase gained prominence during the gay rights movement and was popularized in the 1960s and 1970s as individuals began to advocate for greater visibility and acceptance. Since then, it has become a widely recognized and used term to describe the process of disclosing one's LGBTQ+ identity and embracing authenticity.

What is the origin of the idiom "make a go of something" and when to use it?

to [come] out of the closet

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Folx is an alternative, gender-inclusive spelling of "folks" used to address a group of people in a way that explicitly signals inclusivity, particularly toward communities such as LGBTQIA+ individuals. The spelling gained popularity in activist and online spaces in the 2010s as a way to make language more welcoming and to challenge assumptions about gender and identity in group terms.

What is the origin and meaning of the word "folx"?

folx

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In queer slang, to cruise means to seek a casual sexual encounter in a public place, typically between men. The term became widely recognized in the mid-20th century, especially in urban gay communities, and is associated with specific locations such as parks, bars, or bathhouses. While cruising has been a discreet way for men to meet in times and places where homosexuality was criminalized, it is also celebrated in some circles as part of queer sexual culture.

What is the origin and meaning of the word "cruise"?

to cruise

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A femboy is a male who presents or expresses themselves in a feminine or androgynous way, often through clothing, mannerisms, or makeup. The term can be used positively within LGBTQIA+ and online communities to celebrate gender nonconformity and playful self-expression, though it can also be used derogatorily depending on context. Femboys may or may not identify as transgender, and the style is often embraced as a rejection of rigid gender norms.

What is the origin and meaning of the word "femboy"?

femboy

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The slang term gaydar is a blend of "gay" and "radar" and refers to the supposed ability to detect someone's sexual orientation, particularly whether they are gay, through observation of behavior, mannerisms, voice, or appearance. The concept became popular in the late 20th century, especially in LGBTQIA+ communities, as a humorous way to describe intuitive recognition among queer people. While often used playfully, it can also reinforce stereotypes, and its accuracy is subjective, relying more on social cues than any real "detection" ability.

What is the origin and meaning of the word "gaydar"?

gaydar

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The term gaymer combines "gay" and "gamer" to describe an LGBTQIA+ person who plays video games. It emerged in the early 2000s as online gaming communities grew, providing a way for queer players to connect, share experiences, and create inclusive spaces in a hobby often dominated by heteronormative culture. Gaymer communities organize events, conventions, and online groups, celebrating both gaming and queer identity.

What is the origin and meaning of the word "gaymer"?

gaymer

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Homoflexible is an orientation label describing someone who is primarily attracted to the same sex but occasionally experiences attraction to the opposite sex. The term offers a nuanced alternative to rigid sexual orientation categories, allowing individuals to express fluidity in their attractions while still identifying closely with a same-sex orientation. It is often used in LGBTQIA+ spaces to acknowledge the complexity of human sexuality.

What is the origin and meaning of the word "homoflexible"?

homoflexible

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In this context, an outsider is someone who does not fit in with the main group or follow the usual rules, whether in society at large or even within a smaller community. It can be a label someone wears proudly to show independence, or it can describe feeling left out. The meaning depends on how the person sees themselves and how others treat them.

What is the origin and meaning of the word "outsider"?

outsider

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Miss Thing is a playful nickname for someone who is confident, stylish, and knows how to make an impression. It has been used for decades in lively, social settings, especially in drag and performance culture, to either compliment someone's flair or tease them for showing off. The tone can be friendly, sassy, or both at the same time.

What is the origin and meaning of the phrase "Miss Thing"?

Miss Thing

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In LGBTQ slang, trade refers to a man who appears heterosexual or masculine but engages in sexual activity with other men. Historically, the term was associated with casual or discreet encounters, sometimes involving men who did not identify as gay. In modern usage, it can also simply refer to an attractive, masculine-presenting man.

What is the origin and meaning of the word "trade"?

trade

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Roommate is a slang term historically used as a discreet reference to a same-sex romantic partner with whom one shares a home. The expression was common in periods and locations where openly acknowledging such relationships could lead to social, legal, or professional consequences. It served as a socially acceptable explanation for cohabitation, avoiding unwanted attention or suspicion. The term appears in personal accounts, historical records, and obituaries as a coded way to indicate a long-term partnership without explicitly stating its romantic nature.

What is the origin and meaning of the word "roommate"?

roommate

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In LGBTQ slang, a gold star gay or lesbian is a person who has never had heterosexual sexual intercourse. The term is generally used informally and often humorously within the community. While it can be a point of pride for some, it is typically intended as a lighthearted label rather than a formal identity.

What is the origin and meaning of the phrase "gold star"?

gold star

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Heteroflexible describes a person who is primarily heterosexual but occasionally experiences attraction to the same sex. The term is used to indicate some flexibility in sexual orientation without adopting a broader label such as bisexual. It is most often used in casual or conversational contexts.

What is the origin and meaning of the word "heteroflexible"?

heteroflexible

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Top is a slang term used in gay communities to describe the dominant or active sexual partner, especially during anal sex. The term arose in mid-20th-century English from the simple spatial and metaphorical idea of being "on top" during a sexual position. It is primarily descriptive rather than insulting, used to signal sexual roles within gay relationships or encounters. While neutral within LGBTQ+ contexts, using it outside knowledgeable or accepting circles can sound explicit or crude.

What is the origin of the term "top" and how is it used?

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Bottom is the counterpart to "top" in LGBTQIA+ sexual slang and refers to the partner who takes the receptive role during sexual activity, particularly in penetrative sex between men. The term can also be applied more generally to situations where one partner prefers a more passive or yielding role. Like "top," it is a descriptor of sexual preference or behavior rather than a fixed identity, and some individuals may switch between roles depending on the partner or situation. The term is widely recognized in gay male culture but is also used in other queer and kink communities.

What is the origin and meaning of the word "bottom"?

bottom

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A service top is a person who takes the active or dominant role in sexual activity but does so with the primary goal of fulfilling the desires and instructions of the receptive partner. The term is most often used in BDSM and kink contexts, where the service top may physically lead the activity but is guided by the bottom's preferences, limits, and requests. This role blends elements of dominance with attentiveness and responsiveness, and it emphasizes mutual satisfaction rather than unilateral control.

What is the origin and meaning of the phrase "service top"?

service top

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Power bottom is a slang term for a receptive sexual partner who is energetic, confident, and actively engaged during sex, often taking control of the pace or intensity despite being in the bottom role. The phrase is most common in gay male communities and is sometimes used humorously or as a compliment to describe someone with stamina and enthusiasm. While the term can carry a playful tone, it also reflects the idea that sexual roles do not necessarily dictate who holds control or influence in an encounter.

What is the origin and meaning of the phrase "power bottom"?

power bottom

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Vers is short for "versatile" and describes a person who enjoys both topping and bottoming in sexual activity, switching between the dominant and receptive roles depending on the partner, mood, or situation. The term is widely used in gay male communities but is also found in other queer and kink spaces. Being vers is often seen as offering flexibility in sexual compatibility, and some people identify strongly with the label while others use it informally to indicate openness to different roles.

What is the origin and meaning of the word "vers"?

vers

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In sexual slang, particularly within BDSM and kink communities, a switch is someone who enjoys both dominant and submissive roles and alternates between them. The term is similar to "vers" in that it indicates flexibility, but it is more often used in the context of power dynamics rather than specific sexual positions. A switch may change roles within a single encounter or across different partners, and the label emphasizes adaptability and variety in sexual expression.

What is the origin and meaning of the word "switch"?

switch

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A drag queen is a performer, usually a man, who dresses in exaggerated women's clothing and makeup, often for entertainment purposes such as lip-syncing, comedy, or theatrical performance. Drag queens are a central part of drag culture, which has roots in vaudeville, cabaret, and LGBTQIA+ nightlife, and they often use elaborate costumes, wigs, and personas to create a heightened form of gender expression. While drag is closely associated with queer culture, it is a performance art that can be practiced by people of any gender or sexual orientation.

What is the origin and meaning of the phrase "drag queen"?

drag queen

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A bio queen is a cisgender woman who performs in drag, adopting the exaggerated style, makeup, and costumes associated with drag queens. The term distinguishes these performers from male drag queens while acknowledging their participation in the same art form. Bio queens may perform in LGBTQIA+ venues, competitions, and shows, and their presence reflects the diversity of drag as a performance style that is not limited by gender identity.

What is the origin and meaning of the phrase "bio queen"?

bio queen

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Here you will find slang and expressions from queer communities, reflecting identities, experiences, and culture in casual, creative language.

Queer English Slang & Expressions