Do you know what Polari is?
Wanna go just a little bit extra?
Polari was a form of slang in Britain used by actors, showmen, merchant navy sailors, sex workers was adopted by gay subculture.
It’s been around since at least the 19th century – some have found its origins as far back as the 16th century.
It’s had its ups and down, but it’s a rather Fantabulosa way of expressing yourself.
So we’ve dragged out our Polari dictionary to rediscover 14 words we need to start using again…
Aunt Nell danglers.
Earrings think subtle…
Basket.
The trouser bulge
Corybungus.
Your buttocks
Crimper.
Hairdresser
Fantabulosa.
Fabulous/ Wonderful
Handbag.
Money
HP (homy polone).
Effeminate gay man
Mangarie.
Food
Naff.
Awful, dull, hetero
So.
Homosexual… Is he so?
Tootsie trade.
Bottom to bottom – sex between two passive guys
Trade.
Sex- or a potential sexual partner.
Zhoosh / Tzsju.
Tart up your hair
Alamo!
They’re attractive
Bold
Homo
Palare / polari pipe
The telephone
Quongs
Testicles!
