Polari is a pretty intriguing and multifaceted form of slang that developed among gay men in the UK during the mid-20th century. It served as a covert means of communication, allowing people to converse openly without the fear of persecution in a time when homosexuality was illegal and heavily stigmatized.

The language is a blend of various linguistic influences, including Italian, Romani, Yiddish, and Cockney rhyming slang, making it a rich and diverse lexicon.

Origins and Development

Polari's origins are somewhat murky, but it's believed to have evolved from the cant slang used by various marginalized groups, including sailors, circus performers, and actors. These groups contributed to the language's eclectic mix of words and phrases, creating a vibrant and flexible mode of communication. By the mid-20th century, Polari had become firmly associated with the gay subculture in London, serving as a secret code that offered a degree of protection and solidarity in hostile environments.

The use of Polari peaked in the 1950s and 1960s. It was during this period that homosexuality was still criminalized in the UK, and those who identified as gay faced severe legal and social repercussions. Polari allowed for discreet communication, enabling people to express their identities and build connections without attracting unwanted attention. This clandestine aspect of Polari was both a necessity and a form of resistance, helping to carve out a space for gay men in a largely unwelcoming society.

Linguistic Features

Polari is notable for its vibrant vocabulary and creative use of language. Words and phrases were often derived from Italian, Romani, Yiddish, and Cockney rhyming slang, resulting in a unique and playful lexicon. 

The grammar and syntax of Polari were relatively simple, making it accessible and easy to learn for those within the subculture. This simplicity meant that the language remained fluid and adaptable, capable of accommodating the rapid changes and shifts that characterized gay culture during the mid-20th century.

Polari speakers often mixed and matched words to create a lively and spontaneous form of communication.

Polari Examples (Polamples, or Polaris)

1. Ajax - Nearby. Derived from Cockney rhyming slang "Ajax and Dart," meaning "near and far." The word "near" comes from the context of proximity.
2. Batter - Food. Likely derived from the British term "batter" used in cooking, giving it a playful twist in Polari.
3. Bitch - Complain or talk. A direct adoption from English with an emphasis on gossiping or complaining.
4. Bona - Good. From the Italian "buona," which means "good."
5. Butch - Masculine. Adopted from American slang, referring to someone with a rugged or masculine demeanor.
6. Camp - Effeminate or flamboyant. From theatrical slang, indicating exaggerated, over-the-top behavior.
7. Cove - Man. Common British slang for a person or man, used in Polari for simplicity.
8. Dish - An attractive man. From English slang, referring to someone appealing or "delicious."
9. Dolly - Pretty or nice. Derived from "doll," suggesting someone attractive and stylish.
10. Drag - Clothes or an outfit. From theatrical drag, where performers dress in exaggerated or opposite-gender clothing.
11. Eek - Face. "Ecaf" spelled backward, a playful linguistic twist common in Polari.
12. Fantabulosa - Wonderful or fantastic. A blend of "fantastic" and "fabulous," reflecting exuberance.
13. Frock - Dress. Standard English word for a dress, used straightforwardly in Polari.
14. Fruit - Gay person. Derived from derogatory slang, reclaimed humorously within the gay community.
15. Galloping Queen - Very flamboyant gay man. "Galloping" implies exaggerated movement, and "queen" is slang for an effeminate gay man.
16. Hanky - Handkerchief. A straightforward use from English, commonly carried and used as a code in the gay community.
17. Kali - Bad. From Romani, where "kali" means "black" and by extension something negative.
18. Lattie - Room or flat. From Italian "latteria," which means dairy, but used in Polari to mean a place of living.
19. Lilly - Hands. Derived from the English name "Lilly," possibly indicating something delicate or important.
20. Luppers - Fingers. Possibly a playful alteration of "lumps" or "lobes," referring to parts of the hand.
21. Martini - Thief. Likely borrowed from popular culture, where a Martini is something to be savored or taken.
22. Naff - Bad or tasteless. Origin uncertain, but possibly from Polari's own development or influenced by London slang.
23. Nanty - Nothing. From Italian "niente," meaning "nothing."
24. Omi - Man. Derived from the Romani word "om," meaning "man."
25. Omi-polone - Effeminate man or gay man. "Omi" means man, and "polone" is derived from "palone," meaning woman, indicating effeminacy.
26. Palone - Woman. From Italian "pallone," which means "large ball," used here in a slang context.
27. Riah - Hair. "Hair" spelled backward, common in Polari's playful language use.
28. Riah shusher - Hairdresser. "Riah" for hair, and "shusher" possibly from "sush" meaning to style or hush up.
29. Screech - Music. From the sound associated with loud or striking music.
30. Sharpy - Policeman. Possibly derived from "sharp," indicating someone observant or keen.
31. Shush - To keep quiet. From the English word "shush," meaning to silence.
32. Slap - Makeup. Refers to the act of applying makeup, derived from the theatrical slang.
33. Spangle - Glitter or sparkle. From the English word "spangle," meaning to sparkle or shine.
34. Tackle - Clothes. Possibly from nautical slang where "tackle" refers to gear or equipment.
35. Tanty - Aunt (also used to refer to an effeminate man). A diminutive form, possibly from "auntie," indicating a nurturing or effeminate role.
36. Togs - Clothes. British slang for clothing, used directly in Polari.
37. Trade - Sexual partner, usually a casual one. Derived from the concept of "trade" as an exchange, indicating casual relationships.
38. Troll - To walk or cruise. From the idea of trolling a fishing line, indicating searching or looking for something.
39. Vada - See or look. From the Italian "guardare," meaning to look.
40. Varda the dolly dish - Look at the pretty man. "Varda" means see, "dolly" means pretty, and "dish" means attractive man.
41. Vogue - Fashionable. From the French "vogue," meaning fashion or style.
42. Westing - Boring. Possibly derived from a pun on "wasting" time.
43. Zhoosh - To style or make something more lively. From Romani "zhoosher," meaning to clean or polish.
44. Bona to vada - Good to see you. "Bona" means good, and "vada" means see.
45. Ajax and batter - Near and food. Cockney rhyming slang, "Ajax and Dart" (near and far), and "batter" for food.
46. Dolly old eek - Pretty face. "Dolly" means pretty, and "eek" means face.
47. Fantabulosa omi - Wonderful man. "Fantabulosa" means wonderful, and "omi" means man.
48. Nanty kali - No good. "Nanty" means nothing, and "kali" means bad.
49. Polari - Language derived from the Italian "parlare," meaning to speak.
50. Togged to the boner - Dressed to the nines (well-dressed). "Togged" means dressed, and "boner" from "bona," meaning good.

Social Function and Impact

So, polari allowed for the creation of a shared identity and sense of belonging, connections and friendships within the subculture. Polari also served as a protection, enabling speakers to discuss personal and sensitive topics without fear of being overheard or exposed. It was needed in a time when being openly gay could result in legal penalties, job loss, and social ostracism.

The use of Polari also contributed to a sense of humor and resilience within the gay subculture. The playful and often irreverent nature of the language helped to defuse tension and create a sense of camaraderie among speakers.

This humor was an essential coping mechanism, allowing people to feel free, with a sense of levity and optimism. Polari was not just a means of communication but also a way of expressing creativity and defiance in the face of adversity.

Decline and Legacy

The decline of Polari began in the late 1960s and early 1970s, following the decriminalization of homosexuality in the UK in 1967. As society became more accepting of gay identities, the need for a secret language diminished, and Polari gradually fell out of use.

But of course, its legacy endures, and continues to hold a special place in the hearts of those who appreciate its historical and cultural value. Some phrases have even made their way into mainstream English. Shows like "RuPaul's Drag Race" have helped to revive interest in Polari, introducing its colorful vocabulary to new generations and ensuring that the language's legacy lives on.

Polari in Popular Culture

Polari has also made appearances in various forms of popular culture, further cementing its place in the public consciousness. For example, the British sitcom "Round the Horne," which aired in the 1960s, featured characters who spoke Polari, bringing the language to a wider audience and helping to demystify it. Although the show's portrayal of Polari was often humorous and exaggerated, it played a key role in preserving the language and introducing it to new listeners.

More recently, Polari has been featured in academic studies, documentaries, and art projects, all of which aim to explore and celebrate its unique history and cultural significance. These efforts have helped to ensure that Polari is not forgotten, highlighting its role as a symbol of resilience and creativity within the LGBTQ+ community. Through these various channels, Polari continues to captivate and inspire those who encounter it, offering a glimpse into a fascinating and often overlooked aspect of LGBTQ+ history.

Modern Revival

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Polari, driven in part by the broader movement to document and preserve LGBTQ+ history and culture. This renewed attention has sparked various initiatives aimed at reviving and promoting the language, from academic research and publications to community workshops and educational programs. These efforts not only help to keep Polari alive but also serve as a reminder of the struggles and triumphs of those who used it.

One notable example of this revival is the work of the Polari Mission, a project dedicated to researching and promoting the language. Through exhibitions, performances, and educational materials, the Polari Mission seeks to raise awareness of Polari's historical and cultural importance, ensuring that its legacy is preserved for future generations. Such initiatives highlight the ongoing relevance of Polari, both as a linguistic curiosity and as a testament to the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community.

Conclusion

Polari is more than just a historical curiosity; it is a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of those who used it. This unique form of slang provided a means of communication, a source of humor, and a sense of solidarity in a time of adversity. Although its use has declined, the legacy of Polari endures, reminding us of the vibrant and diverse cultures that have always existed within the LGBTQ+ community. Through ongoing efforts to document and revive Polari, this fascinating language continues to inspire and captivate, offering a glimpse into a rich and storied past.