Hump Day History
Image is borrowed from a page I'm linking to because it was on their podcast that I learned of today's topic.
That topic is Polari - a code language used by gay men to communicate in order to survive.
It was used in the UK in response to strict anti-homosexuality laws in the 1920's but it originates from at least the 19th century. It's a combination of Italian, Romani, London slang, backslang, sailor slang, circus slang, and thieves' cant. It later expanded to include some Yiddish as well.
The core lexicon includes words such as:
ajax - nearby
eek (or ecaf) - face
cod - bad, vile
naff - bad, dull
lattie - room, house, flat
nanti - no
omi - man
palone - woman
trade - sex
There were specific words to identify oneself and to compliment others on their hair or fashion. Drag, queen, and butch are Polari terms. It allowed gay men to interact with one another without fear of the law, or getting beat up when reaching out to a new cute guy. If he understands, then he's gay. If he doesn't, then you're safe.
It was used extensively in the British Navy as well as cruise ships where gay men joined, not to mention theatrical entertainment that relied heavily on gay performers.
But it was also used among Punch and Judy showmen.
Although some of these words remain in the vernacular, the use of Polari declined in the late 60's as homosexuality was decriminalized (for adults over 21, in private) in 1967.
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