If you think standard English is the only correct form, the gay dictionary will set you straight
If there’s a distinctive characteristic that defines gay men, it’s probably their affinity for taking everyday words and redefining them, subsequently making the rest of us feel ancient. In short, they make drab conversation sound FABULOUS.
If you think standard English is the only correct form, the gay dictionary will set you straight. That being said, the words you will be introduced to here are not the definitive list of gay slang — or even definitions for that matter — especially given the brief shelf-life they have in today’s fast evolving pop culture. Compiled from dictionaries and glossaries featuring centuries of queer words, here are a few of them you should commit to memory.
WERK
What it means: Mental or physical activity as a means of earning income; employment.
In gay lingo: A declaration of support yelled with passion. Appropriated into pop culture by Britney Spears.
Usage: “B****, you better werk!”
SHADE
What it means: A spot of darkness and coolness caused by shelter from direct sunlight.
In gay lingo: To insult or give attitude towards someone confidently.
Usage: “My man’s been throwing me shade because I haven’t been around as much.”
BEARD
What it means: A growth of hair on a man’s face.
In gay lingo: A woman used as a cover to hide a closeted man’s homosexuality.
Usage: “Most women at the movie premiere were not real dates, just beards.”
SUNDAY
What it means: The day before Monday, commonly observed as a day of rest.
In gay lingo: The ‘funday’ of the week when you ‘werk’.
Usage: “It’s Sunday, you better werk that booty before Monday comes calling.”
WOOF
What it means: The barking sound made by a dog.
In gay lingo: A term used to describe someone who is hot, sexy, or fine. Like an excited puppy when he sees his master.
Usage: “See that hot guy over there, woof!”
SLAY
What it means: To kill something in a violent manner.
In gay lingo: To completely dominate something in epic fashion, leaving the people around you utterly flabbergasted.
Usage: “You look awesome. Slay girl, slay!”
HIGH SCHOOL
What it means: A school that typically comprises classes nine through 12.
In gay lingo: Four long years of trying to (or pretending to) enjoy making out with girls.
Usage: “She’s coming on to me, it feels like high school again.”
BYE
What it means: A term used when parting from someone or used when ending a conversation.
In gay lingo: A term used prior to walking away from a conversation in an aggressive manner when you literally just can’t any more. Cause you’re too basic, honey.
Usage: Unattractive person: “Hey there!”
You: “Yeah, bye”
(Word of caution: Don’t try to ‘Hey, girl’ a gay friend or colleague any time soon. He probably will throw some shade at you, or the entire tree!)
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 "Decoding gay lingo")
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