In the early to mid-20th century, Polari was the secret language of Britain’s LGBTQ+ subculture. Polari was a unique blend of English, Italian, Yiddish, and slang, used primarily by gay men to communicate discreetly in a society that was hostile and discriminatory towards their sexual orientation.

Originating from the LGBT communities in London and other major cities in the UK, Polari was a way for gay men to identify each other, build solidarity, and protect themselves from persecution. The language was characterized by its colorful and inventive vocabulary, which often borrowed from theater and circus slang, sometimes from sailors’ cant and criminal jargon. The language was also notoriously campy and theatrical, reflecting the subculture’s penchant for self-expression and humor.

Polari was used in a variety of social settings, from bars and clubs to public spaces where gay men could signal their identity to each other discreetly. Popular phrases and expressions included “bona to vada” (good to see) and “lallylugs” (legs), as well as unique terms for specific subcultures and sexual behaviors. In Polari, a “basket” referred to a man’s genitals, while a “naff omi” meant a heterosexual man.

However, Polari was not just a language of convenience. It was also a form of resistance against the oppressive social norms of the time. By developing their own language and codes, LGBTQ+ individuals were able to carve out a space for themselves in a society that often denied their existence or sought to erase their identities.

But Polari was not without controversy. Some LGBTQ+ individuals rejected the language, seeing it as reinforcing negative stereotypes and promoting exclusion within the community. Additionally, as attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals have evolved and society has become more accepting, the use of Polari has declined.

Despite this decline, Polari remains an important part of LGBTQ+ history and culture. It serves as a reminder of the resilience and creativity of marginalized communities in the face of societal oppression. Polari has influenced contemporary LGBTQ+ slang and language, with terms like “camp” and “zhoosh” still commonly used today.

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in Polari, with efforts to preserve and document the language for future generations. The Polari Mission, founded in 2012, aims to celebrate and promote the language through events, workshops, and educational resources. With its rich history and legacy, Polari continues to be a symbol of resilience, community, and creativity within the LGBTQ+ community.