How Polari Kept Gay Men Safe in the 60s

In the dimly lit bars of Soho, aboard merchant ships crossing rough seas, and in the theatrical dressing rooms of London's West End, a secret language flourished in the shadows of 1960s Britain. Polari, a vibrant, coded vernacular, served as more than just slang; it was a linguistic lifeline that allowed gay men to communicate safely in a world where their very existence was criminalised. 

Where Did Polari Come From?

Polari was a linguistic safe space for gay men, drag queens, prostitutes, and theatre performers in the UK in the first half of the 1900s, but it reached its peak during the turbulent decades leading up to the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1967. The language wasn't invented overnight, it evolved from a medley of sources including circus slang, Romani, Italian, Yiddish, and backslang, creating a unique pidgin that could hide in plain sight. 

The origins of Polari trace back to various marginalised communities. Mainly gay men, although also lesbians, female impersonators, theatre people, prostitutes and sea-queens (gay men in the merchant navy) used this coded language. Its roots lay deep in the entertainment world, where theatrical performers had long used specialised slang to communicate across cultural and linguistic barriers. 

Speaking in Code: The Mechanics of Survival 

In an era when mainstream newspapers were publishing homophobic hatred, gay men needed more than just discretion, they needed invisibility. Polari provided exactly that. People used Polari to talk safely in public. It helped them find partners, warn them of dangers, and feel part of a community during times of great social oppression. 

The language had a core vocabulary of essential words that could convey crucial information quickly and safely. Terms like "omi" (man), "palone" (woman), "bona" (good), "naff" (awful), and "vada" (look) formed the backbone of everyday conversation. More specialised terms allowed for discussions about sexuality, appearance, and relationships; topics that could mean imprisonment or worse if overheard by the wrong people. 

Consider the phrase "Vada the bona omi!" (Look at that attractive man!) seemingly nonsensical to outsiders, but perfectly clear communication between those in the know. This linguistic camouflage allowed gay men to express desire, share gossip, and build community connections even in the most public spaces. 

From Underground to Airwaves: The Julian and Sandy Phenomenon 

The trajectory of Polari took an unexpected turn in the mid-1960s when it found its way onto mainstream radio. In the 1960s, it was popularised by Kenneth Williams and Hugh Paddick as camp comedy couple Julian and Sandy on the BBC radio show Round the Horne. Their conversation was laced with sexual innuendo, and they made regular use of Polari. 

This mainstream exposure was both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it introduced the broader public to this hidden linguistic world, creating moments of recognition and validation for gay listeners who finally heard their secret language acknowledged. On the other hand, the popularity of the BBC radio comedy Round the Horne, with its camp gay characters Julian and Sandy, ensured that some of the Polari terms they used became public knowledge.  

Does Anyone Still Speak Polari? 

By the 1970s, Polari began to fall out of use; some considered it degrading, as it was often used to gossip about sexual exploits. Being gay was also no longer criminal, so the need for a private slang dissipated somewhat. The 1967 Sexual Offences Act marked a turning point, while it only partially decriminalised homosexuality; it represented the beginning of a slow shift toward acceptance. 

However, the decline wasn't solely due to legal changes. Within the gay community itself, attitudes toward Polari became complicated. Some saw it as a relic of oppression, a reminder of times when they had to hide. Others felt it reinforced negative stereotypes about gay men. By the early 1970s speaking Polari in the clubs and bars where it had previously flourished was seen as old-fashioned, unattractive, stereotyped and not politically correct and as a result it became obsolete and all but died out. 

Polari in Modern Language 

Despite its decline, Polari's influence on contemporary language is undeniable. Some Polari words still exist in modern gay slang. Words like camp, trade, and butch are all Polari slang. Many terms that originated in this secret language have become part of mainstream vocabulary: 

Camp - Originally meaning exaggerated, theatrical behaviour, now widely understood as a particular aesthetic style  

Drag - "Drag" meant "clothing (usually the sort you're not expected to wear)," now internationally recognised through drag culture  

Butch - Describing masculine presentation, particularly in lesbian culture  

Trade - Referring to sexual partners, particularly those perceived as heterosexual  

Naff - The Polari word naff, meaning inferior or tacky, has an uncertain etymology but remains in British English 

Some Polari words have managed to permeate mainstream culture, moving from the fringes into everyday vernacular. Contemporary artists continue to reference this linguistic heritage—Morrissey's "Piccadilly Palare" and the Scissor Sisters' use of "vada" in their lyrics demonstrate how Polari continues to surface in popular culture. 

Why Remembering Matters 

In our current era of increased LGBTQ+ visibility and rights, it might seem easy to dismiss Polari as an interesting historical curiosity. However, remembering this linguistic tradition serves several crucial purposes. 

First, it honours the ingenuity and resilience of past generations who created beauty and community under oppression. The playful, creative nature of Polari, with its rhyming slang and theatrical flourishes, demonstrates that even in the darkest times, LGBTQ+ people found ways to express joy, humour, and connection. 

Second, it reminds us that safety and acceptance are not guarantees. In many parts of the world today, LGBTQ+ people still need coded ways to communicate and identify each other safely. Understanding Polari's history helps us appreciate both how far we've come and how much work remains. 

A Language That Lives On 

While few people use the language today, many cherish its history. Polari represents more than just a collection of words, it embodies a spirit of resistance, creativity, and community that continues to influence LGBTQ+ culture today. 

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