🏳️🌈 Polari: The Secret Gay Language That Shaped LGBTQ+ History
No, we’re not talking about modern slang like “yas queen” or “okurrr.” We’re talking about Polari—a hidden LGBTQ+ language that played a vital role in queer identity, survival, and resistance in mid-20th-century Britain.
🌈 What Is Polari?
Polari is a secret code-like language historically used by gay men in the UK to communicate discreetly during a time when homosexuality was illegal. The language is a mix of:
English
Italian
Romani
Yiddish
Theatrical & circus slang
Polari was playful, witty, and full of coded meaning—often using female pronouns for men and creative wordplay to mask meaning from outsiders.
The Sense of Belonging
Why Was Polari Used?
In a society where being openly gay could lead to imprisonment, violence, or social exclusion, Polari offered:
A sense of safety and privacy
A way to identify others in the LGBTQ+ community
A shared cultural identity and in-group humor
It thrived in underground queer spaces like London’s gay clubs, drag shows, and West End theatres—becoming both a survival tool and a badge of belonging.
💬 Examples of Polari Language
Some Polari phrases and meanings:
“Vada the dolly dish” = Look at the attractive man
“Bijou lallies” = Small legs
“Trade” = Casual sexual partner
“Slap” = Makeup
“Camp” = Flamboyant or exaggerated
“Butch/Femme” = Masculine/Feminine presentation
“Naff” = Uncool or rubbish
Polari was more than slang—it was a linguistic shield in a hostile world.
📉 The Decline of Polari
After the decriminalisation of homosexuality in England and Wales in 1967, the need for secrecy lessened. Polari gradually faded from mainstream LGBTQ+ spaces. By the 1970s, it was largely out of use, though it remains culturally significant.
💡 Polari fun fact: British comedian Kenneth Williams helped bring Polari into the public eye through his performances in the “Julian and Sandy” sketches on BBC Radio.
🔁 Polari’s Legacy in 2025
Although Polari isn’t widely spoken today, its legacy lives on in:
Modern LGBTQ+ slang
Drag culture
Queer identity and community language
Pop culture references (e.g., Olly Alexander’s 2025 album Polari)
Even today, words like “drag,” “camp,” and “naff” have roots in Polari and remain part of everyday British and queer language.
Polari continues to inspire creativity and connection in queer culture today.
🌍 Why Understanding Polari Matters for Inclusive Workplaces
As businesses strive to build diverse and inclusive environments in 2025, understanding the power of language is essential. Polari is a striking example of how language can both protect and empower communities under pressure.
🔑 Takeaways for employers:
Language isn’t neutral—it carries history and bias
Inclusive language creates safer, more respectful work cultures
Educating teams about linguistic diversity fosters empathy and belonging
📣 Looking to Build a More Inclusive Workplace?
Want to train your team on inclusive communication, challenge everyday bias, or better understand LGBTQ+ history? We offer bespoke DEI workshops covering:
✅ Inclusive language & workplace banter
✅ LGBTQ+ allyship
✅ The history and impact of coded language like Polari
📩 Contact us today to find out more and book a session tailored to your team.
Vada the dolly dish, shame about his bijou lallies
Look at that attractive man, shame about his legs.
Polari Today
Some Polari terms are still used in todays language for example:
- Trade – casual sexual partner
- *Butch/Femme – masculine/feminine*
- Naff – rubbish.
- Drag – clothing
- Camp – funny, flamboyant
- Slap – Makeup
- Drag – Women’s Clothes
Had you heard of Polari before? Although it’s near enough died out, you can still see the language being used in popular culture. A good example is of Kenneth Williams, who introduced the language to a more mainstream audience via TV and radio.
More recently, although not strictly Polari. Kylie’s comeback banger of summer 2023, ‘Padam Padam’ has been claimed by the LGBTQIA+ community. As for what ‘Padam‘ means, that’s all up for discussion.
As an employer are you looking to be more inclusive? Perhaps you want to educate your team about banter and what language is not appropriate in the workplace. Get in touch to see how we can help with our workshops.