Slang Glossary

Language is a powerful tool for self-expression, identity, and community building. Within the LGBTI+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex +) community, slang plays a pivotal role in fostering connection, resisting oppression, and celebrating individuality. Often vibrant, humorous, and deeply rooted in queer history and culture, LGBTI+ slang offers a unique lens into the lived experiences of its members. This glossary provides an A-to-Z overview of popular and historic LGBTI+ slang terms, helping readers navigate the colorful language of the community with understanding and respect.

A

  • And I Oop: A phrase popularized by drag culture, used to express surprise or shock.
  • Ally: Someone who supports LGBTI+ individuals and advocates for equality.
  • Aura: A term used to describe the vibe or energy someone gives off, often in the context of attraction or style.

B

  • Ball Culture: An underground LGBTI+ subculture, particularly within Black and Latinx communities, centered on extravagant competitions and performances.
  • Beat: Refers to applying makeup with precision; “beat face” means flawless makeup.
  • Butch: A term often used to describe someone with a masculine gender expression, typically within lesbian or queer communities.

C

  • Camp: An exaggerated, over-the-top style or behavior, often used humorously or ironically.
  • Chosen Family: Close friends who become like family, especially important for those who may face rejection from biological relatives.
  • Clock: To notice or call out something, often used to refer to recognizing someone’s gender identity or drag persona.

D

  • Drag: A performance art where individuals dress and act in an exaggerated gender expression, typically male or female.
  • Down Low (DL): Refers to men who have sexual relationships with other men but do not openly identify as gay or bisexual.
  • Diva: A confident, commanding person, often with a flair for drama and glamour.

E

  • Extra: Someone who is over-the-top in their behavior or style.
  • Eleganza: A term from ball culture, referring to high-fashion elegance and extravagance.

F

  • Family: A colloquial term LGBTI+ individuals use to refer to others within the community.
  • Fierce: Fabulous, stylish, or empowering; often used as a compliment.
  • Fishy: A term in drag culture meaning someone looks convincingly feminine.

G

  • Gagging: Extreme excitement or amazement.
  • Genderfuck: A style or expression that intentionally mixes masculine and feminine elements.
  • Gurl: A playful or affectionate way of addressing someone, regardless of gender.

H

  • Henny: A term of endearment popularized by drag queens, combining “honey” and “girl.”
  • House: A family-like structure in ball culture, led by a “house parent” who mentors younger members.
  • Hunty: A mix of “honey” and a more playful tone, often used in drag culture.

I

  • Iconic: Something or someone highly regarded within the LGBTI+ community.
  • In the Life: A phrase historically used to discreetly refer to someone as LGBTI+.
  • Is She Though?: A phrase used to express skepticism or playful doubt.

J

  • Judy: A term for a close friend, inspired by Judy Garland, an LGBTI+ icon.

K

  • Kiki: A casual get-together, often involving gossip, laughter, and bonding.
  • King: A term for a drag performer who presents as male or masculine.

L

  • Legendary: Someone or something with a significant impact or status in LGBTI+ culture.
  • Lip Sync: A popular drag performance art where the performer mimes to recorded music.
  • Living: To be fully enjoying or obsessed with something.

M

  • Mug: Refers to someone’s face, often in the context of makeup or appearance.
  • Mother: A term of respect for someone who nurtures or mentors others, especially in drag or ball culture.
  • Masc: Short for masculine, used to describe someone’s gender expression or appearance.

N

  • No Tea, No Shade: A phrase meaning “no offense” or “I’m just being honest.”
  • Non-Toxic Masc: A positive term for men or masculine-presenting individuals who reject traditional toxic masculinity.

O

  • Ovah: A term meaning over-the-top fabulous or impressive.
  • Out: To openly identify as LGBTI+.

P

  • Pad: Refers to foam padding used in drag to create a feminine silhouette.
  • Passing: The ability to be perceived as one’s identified gender.
  • Peaches: A term of endearment or compliment.

Q

  • Queening Out: Expressing excitement or enthusiasm, often about something dramatic or fabulous.
  • Queer: A reclaimed term for LGBTI+ identity that is inclusive and fluid.

R

  • Read: To critique someone humorously or sharply; “reading” is a key element of drag culture.
  • Realness: The ability to embody a specific identity or look convincingly.
  • Rainbow Mafia: A playful term for the LGBTI+ community.

S

  • Shade: A subtle or not-so-subtle insult.
  • Slay: To perform exceptionally well or look amazing.
  • Soft Butch: A term for someone with a slightly masculine gender expression, often within lesbian or queer communities.

T

  • Tea: Gossip or the truth about a situation.
  • Throwing Shade: Delivering a cutting remark or subtle insult.
  • Trade: A slang term for a man who is sexually appealing, often with a rough or masculine edge.

U

  • U-Haul: A humorous stereotype about lesbians moving in together quickly after beginning a relationship.
  • Unclockable: Impossible to detect, often referring to passing as one’s identified gender.

V

  • Voguing: A dance style from ball culture that involves striking dramatic poses.
  • Vibe: A person’s overall energy or atmosphere.
  • Verse: Short for versatile, meaning someone who is open to both active and passive roles in sexual contexts.

W

  • Werk: A term of encouragement or celebration, often meaning to perform exceptionally well.
  • Wig: An expression of amazement or shock, as if one’s wig has been metaphorically blown off.
  • WLW: An acronym for “women-loving women,” inclusive of lesbians and bisexual women.

X

  • Xtravaganza: A term from ball culture, emphasizing excess and glamour.

Y

  • Yaaas: An enthusiastic way of saying yes, often used to show support or excitement.

Z

  • Zen: A slang term for being at peace, often used humorously.
  • Zaddy: A term for an attractive, stylish, and confident person, often older.

This glossary captures the creativity and spirit of LGBTI+ slang, celebrating its role in shaping and reflecting queer culture. Language evolves, and so too does this vibrant lexicon, which continues to empower and unite the LGBTI+ community.

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