Words From the Secret Slang of Gay Men and Entertainers
This dictionary consists of 250 terms which are used in the ‘standardised’ form of Polari that this site teaches. The terms in this dictionary are derived from a number of sources, which are detailed in the ‘Details of Primary Sources’ section. For more information on how a ‘standardised’ version of Polari was made for this site, please also refer to the ‘Basis of ‘Standardisation” page.
Below you will find the 250 terms this site uses arranged in alphabetical order. Click on any term below to learn more about it. For each term, you will find the following:
- A definition of the term.
- An audio recording of the term for pronunciation purposes.
- Information on the term’s etymology.
- Any relevant notes on the term.
- Any other forms of the term, such as conjugations and alternative spellings.
- Where the term, its variants and its associated meaning was sourced from. Any sources of information regarding a term’s etymology, pronunciation and associated notes are referenced separately in their respective sections.
Please note the following abbreviations: (n.) = noun; (pr.) = preposition; (phr.) = phrase; (v.) = verb; (adj.) = adjective; (quan.) = quantifier; (adv.) = adverb; (neg.) = negator; (num.) = numeral; (sfx.) = suffix.
abdabs
Definition: 1. (n.) anxiety
Etymology: Unclear. Green (n.d.) suggests it may be an onomatopoeia of stuttered speech caused by anxiety.
Notes: Seemingly often follows the words ‘screaming’, ‘screeching’ etc. to add emphasis (BBC Radio, 1965; Milward, 2023, p. 60; Green, n.d.).
Other Forms: habdabs (alt. term)
Sources: (BBC Radio, 1965), (Milward, 2023, p. 60), (Green, n.d.).
affair
Definition: 1. (n.) a lover.
Etymology: Assumingly a reappropriation of the English term ‘affair’. Baker (2002, p. 162) writes that the term comes from French. In French, the term ‘affaire’ can refer to a number of things including a scandal, an event, or a matter of business (Ormal-Grenon et al., 2007, p. 15). Perhaps it came into English from French, before the meaning was reappropriated into Polari.
Notes: Can refer to anyone with whom a relationship of an intimate nature exists, regardless of whether this is short-term or long-term (Baker, 2002, p. 162).
Other Forms: affairs (plural)
Sources: (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.967), (Rodgers, 1972, p. 18), (Baker, 2002, p. 162), (Green, n.d.).
ajax
Definition: 1. (pr.) nearby, next to, adjacent, over there
Etymology: Baker (2002, p. 162) suggests it may be a shortening of the English word ‘adjacent’.
Notes: When used in a sentence, the noun can be placed beforehand. For example, ‘the man beside you’ could be expressed as ‘the omee ajax’ (Baker, 2002, pp. 49-50). In the glossary of Baker’s (2002, p. 162) book, the pronunciation of the term is /eɪdʒkz/.
Other Forms: N/A
Sources: (Baker, 2002, pp. 162 & 49-50), (Milward, 2023, p. 28), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p. 967), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 19), (Green, n.d.).
almond rock
Definition: 1. (n.) sock
Etymology: From Cockney Rhyming Slang (Baker, 2002, p. 162). ‘Almond rocks’ has been in Cockney Rhyming Slang since the late 19th century, often being shortened to simply ‘almonds’ (Franklyn, 1975, p. 32).
Notes: Seems to be only used in plural form (i.e., ‘almond rocks’) (Milward, 2023, p. 52; Baker, 2002, p. 162; O Haodha, 2006, p. 19).
Other Forms: almond rocks (plural), almond-rock (alt. spelling).
Sources: (Milward, 2023, p. 52), (Baker, 2002, p. 162), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 19), (Green, n.d.).
any road up
Definition: 1. (phr.) anyway, anyhow, nevertheless
Etymology: Unclear.
Notes: In The Polari Bible, it is also noted to mean ‘and it came to pass’ and ‘yea’ (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.967). This meaning doesn’t appear in other sources, however.
Other Forms: N/A
Sources: (BBC Radio, 1967), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.967).
aqua
Definition: 1. (n.) water
Etymology: From Italian ‘acqua’ according to Baker (2002, p. 163). ‘Acqua’ in Italian means ‘water’ (Bareggi et al., 2010, p. 1455). Green (n.d.) seems to suggest it may have come from ‘akwa’ – apparently a term in Sabir.
Notes: N/A.
Other Forms: acqua (alt. spelling), aquas (plural)
Sources: (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.967), (Baker, 2002, p. 163), (Milward, 2023, p. 37), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 19), (Green, n.d.).
aris
Definition: 1. (n.) posterior
Etymology: From Cockney Rhyming Slang (Baker, 2002, p. 163). Originally ‘bottle and glass’, the term was shortened to ‘bottle’, before the term ‘Aristotle’ was used due to rhyming with ‘bottle’ (Baker, 2002, p. 163). From there it was shortened to ‘aris’ (Baker, 2002, p. 163). The term ‘Aristotle’ or simply ‘arry’ to mean ‘bottle’ has been in Cockney Rhyming Slang since the late 19th century (Franklyn, 1975, p. 33).
Notes: Baker (2002, pp. 24-25) notes an instance where the term ‘aris’ is used to refer to a bottle in Polari (as opposed to Cockney Rhyming Slang). This usage seems generally uncommon in Polari, however. The alt. term ‘harris’ is noted to potentially derive from the term ‘aris’ (Baker, 2002, p. 177).
Other Forms: arises (plural), harris, arry, arriss, arras, arris (alt. terms and spellings).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, pp. 163 & 177), (Milward, 2023, p. 109), (Green, n.d.).
aunt nell
Definition: 1. (n.) ear. 2. (v.) to listen.
Etymology: Unclear. In Cockney Rhyming Slang, the term ‘Aunt Nellie’ means ‘belly’, but it is unclear if this is related to this particular term (Franklyn, 1975, p. 140).
Notes: An ‘aunt nelly fake’ is an earring (Baker, 2002, p. 163).
Other Forms: aunt nells (plural – def. 1), aunt nells (3rd person singular – def. 2), aunt nelling (present participle – def. 2), aunt nelled (past – def. 2), nelly (alt. term – def. 2)
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 163), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.967), (Milward, 2023, p. 17).
baloney
Definition: 1. (n.) nonesense, rubbish
Etymology: Originally comes from American slang (Baker, 2002, p. 164). Baker (2002, p. 164) suggests it may have come into American slang from the term ‘bologna’. In Italian, the term ‘Bologna’ refers to a city in Emilia-Romagna in Italy, but in English the term is used to refer to a type of sausage (Baker, 2002, p. 164; Bareggi et al., 2010, p. 1436).
Notes: N/A.
Other Forms: balony, balonie (alt. spellings).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 164), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 19).
barkey
Definition: 1. (n.) a sailor
Etymology: Possibly from the Italian term ‘barca’ (Baker, 2002, p. 164). In Italian, ‘barca’ translates to ‘boat’ (Bareggi et al., 2010, p. 1553). Green (n.d.) suggests it is from the term ‘bark’ – an obscure English term for a type of sailing boat.
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: barkies (plural), barkie, barky (alt. spellings).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 164), (Milward, 2023, p. 18), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 19), (Green, n.d.).
barnet
Definition: 1. (n.) hair
Etymology: Comes from the Cockney Rhyming Slang term ‘Barnet Fair’ – ‘hair’ (Baker, 2002, p. 164). In Cockney Rhyming Slang, the term has been used since the 19th century, often being shortened simply to ‘barnet’ (Franklyn, 1975, p. 36).
Notes: N/A.
Other Forms: barnet fair (alt. term)
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 164), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 20).
barney
Definition: 1. (n.) a fight, a quarrel, 2. (v.) to fight
Etymology: Green (n.d.) claims it comes from the name Barney, which carries connotations of Irish people who are traditionally and stereotypically viewed as aggressive by English people.
Notes: In Parley With Me (O Haodha, 2006, p. 20), it is noted to mean ‘hit’. In The Polari Bible (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.967), it is noted to mean ‘war’. These respective meanings to not appear in other sources, however.
Other Forms: barnies (plural), barneen (alt. term – def. 1), barny (alt. term – def. 2), barnies (3rd person singular – def. 2), barneying (present participle – def. 2), barnied (past – def. 2).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 164), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.967), (Milward, 2023, p. 18), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 20), (Allingham, 1934, p. 303), (Green, n.d.).
bat
Definition: 1. (n.) a shoe, 2. (v.) to dance on stage.
Etymology: Rodgers (1972, p. 28) suggests it is from the British Cant term ‘bats’ which apparently referred to a pair of shoddy boots.
Notes: N/A.
Other Forms: batts (plural), bates (alt. term – plural form)
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 164), (Fairbairn & Eccleston, 2015), (Hauser, 1962, p. 167), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 20), (Rodgers, 1972, p. 28).
battyfang
Definition: 1. (v.) to attack, to hit and bite
Etymology: Green (n.d.) suggests it is from the obscure English terms ‘batter’ and ‘fang’.
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: battyfangs (3rd person singular), battyfanging (present participle), battyfanged (past).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 164), (Milward, 2023, pp. 35 & 55), (Green, n.d.).
beak
Definition: 1. (n.) judge, magistrate
Etymology: Baker (2002, p. 164) suggests it is from Cant. Green cites authors who believe it is originally from the Old English term ‘beag’ (Hotten, cited in Green, n.d.; Ware, cited in Green, n.d.).
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: beaks (plural)
Sources: (Fairbairn & Eccleston, 2015), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.967), (Baker, 2002, p. 164), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 20).
beancove
Definition: 1. (n.) young person
Etymology: Originally from Cant (Baker, 2002, p. 164). Apparently ‘bean’ by itself means ‘young’ (Baker, cited in Green, n.d.). Refer to the dictionary entry of ‘cove’ for the etymology of ‘cove’.
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: beancoves (plural), bean cove (alt. spelling)
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 164), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.967), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 20).
bencove
Definition: 1. (n.) a friend
Etymology: Derives from the Cant term ‘benecove’ which refers to a ‘good fellow’ according to Baker (2002, p. 164). Refer to the dictionary entry of ‘cove’ for the etymology of ‘cove’ by itself. In Italian, ‘bene’ means ‘good’ (Bareggi et al., 2010, p. 1560).
Notes: N/A.
Other Forms: bencoves (plural)
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 164), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.967), (Fairbairn & Eccleston, 2015).
beone
Definition: 1. (n.) a shilling
Etymology: ‘Bianco’ in Italian is ‘white’ (Bareggi et al, 2010, p. 1563). Green (n.d.) suggests the silver (and hence somewhat white) colour of the coin caused the word meaning ‘white’ to be used in reference to a shilling.
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: beone (plural), bianc, beyonek, beyong, bionk, beonck, biouk (alt. spellings and terms).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 164), (Emerson, 1893, p. 47), (Partridge, 1937, p. 50), (Mayhew, 1861, p. 140), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 20), (Green, n.d.).
bevvy
Definition: 1. (n.) a drink (esp. beer), 2. (n.) a public house, a pub, 3. (v.) to drink.
Etymology: Assumingly a shortening of the term ‘beverage’. However, Green (n.d.) suggests a link to the Latin term ‘bibere’ (‘drink’). In Sabir, ‘bevir’ translates to ‘drink’ (Corre, 2003, p. 9).
Notes: ‘Bevvied’ means ‘drunk’ or ‘intoxicated’ (O Haodha, 2006, p. 20; Allingham, 1934, p. 303). In The Polari Bible (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.967), the term is specifically translated to ‘sup’.
Other Forms: bevvies (plural – def. 1 & 2), bevie, bevry, bev, bevey, bevy, bevay (alt. spellings and terms), bevvies (3rd person singular – def. 3), bevvying (present participle – def. 3), bevvied (past – def. 3).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 164), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.967), (“The New Sprees”, 1844, p. 17), (Allingham, 1934, p. 303), (Partridge, 1937, p. 50), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 20), (Green, n.d.)
bevvy omee
Definition: 1. (n.) a drunkard
Etymology: See the etymology for ‘bevvy’ and ‘omee’ in this dictionary.
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: bevvy omees (plural), bevvy homie, bevvy’ omey, bevey homee (alt. spellings)
Sources: (Allingham, 1934, p. 303), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.967), (Baker, 2002, p. 164), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 20), (Green, n.d.).
bijou
Definition: 1. (adj.) small, 2. (adj.) nice
Etymology: Apparently from French (Green, n.d.; Baker, 2002, p. 165). However, the term ‘bijou’ in French refers to a piece of jewelry (Ormal-Grenon et al., 2007, p. 93). Potentially it went through a semantic change if/when adopted from French.
Notes: The term is often followed by a noun with -ette attached to it (e.g. ‘bijou drinkette’ – ‘nice drink’) (Baker, 2002, p. 165; BBC Radio, 1967; Milward, 2023, p. 495).
Other Forms: more bijou (comparative), most bijou (superlative)
Source: (Baker, 2002, p. 165), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.967), (Fairbairn & Eccleston, 2015), (BBC Radio, 1967), (Milward, 2023, pp. 44 & 495), (Green, n.d.).
billingsgate
Definition: 1. (n.) bad language, swearing, cursing profanity, blasphemy
Etymology: Derives from the name of a fish market in London whereby profanity was common (Baker, 2002, p. 165).
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: N/A
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 165), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.967), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 20).
bimph
Definition: 1. (n.) toilet paper
Etymology: Is a contraction of the informal term ‘bum fodder’, which in turn became ‘bimph’ (Green, n.d.).
Notes: In the Man-Eating Typewriter (Milward, 2023, pp. 67 & 233; Green, n.d.), the term is also used to refer to paperwork and legal contracts. This does not appear in any other source, however.
Other Forms: N/A
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 165), (Milward, 2023, p. 35), (Green, n.d.).
bodega
Definition: 1. (n.) a shop, a market
Etymology: Baker (2002, p. 164) suggests the term is from Spanish. In Spanish, ‘bodega’ refers to a cellar, wine shop or grocery store (Carvajal et al., 2000, p. 57). In Sabir, the word ‘botega’ refers to a shop (Corre, 2003, p. 9).
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: bodegas (plural)
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 165), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.967), (Milward, 2023, p. 37).
bold
Definition: 1. (adj.) audacious, shameless, 2. (adj.) homosexual or resembling a homosexual
Etymology: Unclear.
Notes: Baker (2002, pp. 165-166) notes that the term is used by Julian and Sandy in Round the Horne whenever Mr. Horne (the main character who is assumingly heterosexual) uses or understands Polari. It is therefore assumed that it can be used to refer to homosexual people as well as those who resemble homosexuals in some way or another.
Other Forms: bolder (comparative), boldest (superlative).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, pp. 165-166), (BBC Radio, 1968), (Hauser, 1962, p. 167), (Milward, 2023, p. 5), (Rodgers, 1972, p. 35).
bolus
Definition: 1. (n.) a chemist, an apothecary, a person who dispenses medication.
Etymology: Derived from an archaic term for a round pill (Baker, 2002, p. 166). Possibly a Cant term originally (Green, n.d.).
Notes: In the Man-Eating Typewriter (Milward, 2023, p. 215; Green, n.d.), the term appears to be used to refer to a pharmacy (a medicine shop) as opposed to a chemist (a person who dispenses medication). However, this meaning does not appear in other sources.
Other Forms: boluses (plural)
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 166), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.967), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 21).
bona
Definition: 1. (adj.) good, 2. (adv.) well, 3. (adj.) attractive.
Etymology: Baker (2002, p. 166) suggests it is either from Italian or Sabir. In Italian, ‘good’ is ‘buono’, and in Sabir, it is ‘bona’ (Bareggi et al., 2010, p. 1584; Corre, 2003, p. 9).
Notes: In Parley With Me (O Haodha, 2006, p. 21), a number of other meanings including ‘big’, ‘early’ and ‘strong’ are included. However, these meanings do not appear in other sources.
Other Forms: more bona (comparative – def. 1 & 3), most bona (superlative – def. 1 & 3), boner, bonar, bene, boona, bono (alt. spellings and terms).
Sources: (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.967), (Milward, 2023, pp. 5 & 27), (Baker, 2002, p. 166), (“The New Sprees”, 1844, p. 15), (Emerson, 1893, p. 45), (Mayhew, 1861, p. 47), (Hauser, 1962, p. 167), (Rodgers, 1972, p. 35), (Partridge, 1937, pp. 77-78), (Frost, 1881, p. 307), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 21) (Green, n.d.).
bona lavs
Definition: 1. (phr.) best wishes, blessings
Etymology: Refer to the etymology of ‘bona’ and ‘lav’ in this dictionary.
Notes: This phrase is used most commonly in letters (Baker, 2002, p. 179).
Other Forms: N/A
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 179), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.967), (Milward, 2023, p. 5).
bosh
Definition: 1. (n.) fiddle
Etymology: Green (n.d.) states it is from the Romani term ‘bosh’ which is apparently a verb meaning ‘to fiddle’ or ‘to crow’ (whatever that means). However, it is assumingly also possible that the term comes from the noun ‘bosh’ – an Angloromani term for a fiddle or violin (Matras, 2010, pp. 189 & 215).
Notes: A ‘bosh-faker’ refers to a fiddle player (Green, n.d.; Emerson, 1893, p. 42).
Other Forms: boshes (plural)
Sources: (O Haodha, 2006, p. 21), (Emerson, 1893, p. 42), (Green, n.d.).
boyno
Definition: 1. (phr.) hello
Etymology: Unclear. Partridge (1937, p. 87) believes it may be derived from the Sabir term ‘bona’.
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: N/A
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 166), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.967).
butch
Definition: 1. (adj.) very masculine, strong.
Etymology: Possibly from a US slang nickname for men seen as tough (Baker, 2002, p. 167).
Notes: This term is used in contemporary times in the English speaking world – particularly amongst the LGBT community – in reference to homosexual women who act stereotypically masculine. Baker (2002, p. 167) notes the term refers to a masculine lesbian or man. However, this meaning does not appear in other sources.
Other Forms: butcher (comparative), butchest (superlative).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 167), (Milward, 2023, p. 51), (BBC Radio, 1967), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.967), (Green, n.d.).
buvare
Definition: 1. (n.) a beverage
Etymology: Believed to be from the French stem ‘buv-‘ which is sometimes used in French at the start of terms related to drinking (Baker, 2002, p. 167). For example, the term ‘buveur’ refers to a drunkard in French (Ormal-Grenon et al., 2007, p. 113).
Notes: N/A.
Other Forms: buvares (plural), beware, bevare, bivare, bovary (alt. spellings and terms).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 167), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.967), (Mayhew, 1861, pp. 47 & 139-140), (Milward, 2023, p. 17), (Partridge, 1937, pp. 50 & 116), (Green, n.d.).
cabouche
Definition: 1. (n.) a car
Etymology: According to Baker (2002, pp. 167-168), the term derives from the term ‘caboose’ which referred to a kitchen of a navy ship.
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: cabouches (plural), caboosh (alt. spelling).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, pp. 167-168), (Milward, 2023, p. 29), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 22), (Green, n.d.).
cackle
Definition: 1. (n.) talk, 2. (v). to talk
Etymology: Assumingly due to the act of cackling being similar to talking. Baker (2002, p. 168) suggests it is from the 17th century slang phrase ‘cut the cackle’ – ‘shut up’.
Notes: N/A.
Other Forms: cackling (alt. term), cackles (3rd person singular – def. 2), cackling (present participle – def. 2), cackled (past – def. 2).
Sources: (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.967), (Baker, 2002, p. 168), (Frost, 1875, p. 280), (Partridge, 1937, p. 119), (Milward, 2023, pp. 17-18), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 22), (Green, n.d.).
cackling fart
Definition: 1. (n.) an egg
Etymology: Originally from Cant (Baker, 2002, p. 168). Assumingly due to ‘cackling’ referring to the sound of a chicken, and ‘fart’ being a metaphorical reference to the act of laying an egg.
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: cackling farts (plural), cackle fart, cackler (alt. terms)
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 168), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.967), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 22).
cadger
Definition: 1. (n.) a beggar
Etymology: Most likely originally from Cant (Green, n.d.). The origins of the word prior to Cant are unclear, however.
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: cadgers (plural), cad (alt. term).
Sources: (“The New Sprees”, 1844, p. 3), (Mayhew, 1861, p. 396), (Emerson, 1893, p. 88), (Green, n.d.).
cadi
Definition: 1. (n.) a hat
Etymology: From the Scots term ‘cadie’ which means ‘cap’ (Green, n.d.).
Notes: N/A.
Other Forms: cadies (plural), kadee, cadie, cady (alt. spellings),
Sources: (Emerson, 1893, p. 55), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 30), (Green, n.d.)
camisa
Definition: 1. (n.) a shirt
Etymology: Baker (2002, p. 168) claims it is from Italian. In both Sabir and Italian, the term ‘camicia’ refers to a shirt (Bareggi et al.; 2010, p. 1598; Corre, 2003, p. 11). Possibly came into Polari via Cant (Green, n.d.).
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: camisas (plural), mish, commission, camisha (alt. terms).
Sources: (Milward, 2023, p. 156), (Baker, 2002, p. 168), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 23), (Green, n.d.).
camp
Definition: 1. (adj.) excessively flamboyant
Etymology: Debated. One theory claims it is from French (Green, n.d.). Another theory claims it derives from associations between effeminate homosexual men on the one hand and military camps, mining camps and railroad camps on the other, in which a shortage of women amongst men would foster an environment where homosexual acts were relatively normal (Green, n.d.). Baker (2002, p. 168) claims it may be from the acronym KAMP, which means ‘known as male prostitute’.
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: camper (comparative), campest (superlative)
Sources: (Williams, 1994, p. 8), (Baker, 2002, p. 168), (Green, n.d.).
capella
Definition: 1. (n.) a hat, a cap
Etymology: Baker (2002, p. 168) suggests it is from Italian. In Italian, ‘cappello’ means ‘hat’ (Bareggi et al., 2010, p. 1607). In Sabir, ‘hat’ is ‘capello’ (Corre, 2003, p. 12).
Notes: N/A.
Other Forms: capellas (plural), capolla, capelli, kapella, capello (alt. terms and spellings).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 168), (Milward, 2023, p. 19), (Rodgers, 1972, p. 42), (Hauser, 1962, p. 167), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 23), (Green, n.d.).
carnish
Definition: 1. (n.) meat, 2. (n.) food.
Etymology: In both Italian and Sabir, the term for ‘meat’ is ‘carne’ (Bareggi et al., 2010, p. 1612; Corre, 2023, p. 12). Baker (2002, p. 168) suggests it is from Italian.
Notes: In the Man-Eating Typewriter (Milward, 2023, p. 39; Green, n.d.), the term is used to refer to the body or human flesh. This meaning does not appear in other sources, however.
Other Forms: karnish (alt. spelling).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 168), (Partridge, 1937, p. 128), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.968), (O Haodha, 2006, pp. 23 & 30).
carnish ken
Definition: 1. (n.) a restaurant, an eating house
Etymology: See the etymology for ‘carnish’ and ‘ken’ in this dictionary.
Notes: According to Green’s (n.d.) definition, the term appears to have been used to refer specifically to a thieves’ eating house.
Other Forms: carnish kens (plural), carnish cen (alt. spelling).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 168), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 23).
caroon
Definition: 1. (n.) a crown (currency)
Etymology: Debated. It is claimed that the term derives from the Italian term ‘corona’ – ‘crown’ (Green, n.d.). The Italian term ‘corona’ can refer to either the crown worn by monarchical figures or the unit of currency, amongst a variety of other meanings (Bareggi et al., 2010, p. 1702) Another source claims that it derives from Romani (Nottingham Evening Post, cited in Green, n.d.). In Welsh Romani, the term ‘kuruna’ means ‘crown’ (Ambrosch et al., n.d.).
Notes: A half-crown is ‘medza caroon’ (Mayhew, 1861, p. 140). In the Man-Eating Typewriter (Milward, 2023, p. 27; Green, n.d.), the term is used to refer to a crown (as in the headpiece worn by monarchal figures). However, this meaning does not appear in other sources.
Other Forms: caroons (plural), carroon (alt. spelling).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 168), (Mayhew, 1861, p. 140), (Partridge, 1937, p. 128), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 23), (Green, n.d.).
carsey
Definition: 1. (n.) a house, 2. (n.) a toilet, 3. (n.) a brothel, 4. (n.) a messy place.
Etymology: Baker (2002, p. 168) suggests it is from Italian. In both Italian and Sabir, ‘house’ is ‘casa’ (Bareggi et al., 2010, p. 1616; Corre, 2003, p. 12).
Notes: In Parley With Me (O Haodha, 2006, pp. 24 & 39), a ‘cottiva casa’ is a brother, whereas ‘crap karzee’ and ‘sluice carsee’ both refer to a toilet.
Other Forms: carsies (plural), karsey, khazi, casa, caso, cazee (alt. spellings and terms)
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 168), (Emerson, 1893, p. 45), (Milward, 2023, pp. 37 & 233), (Mayhew, 1861, p. 139), (Allingham, 1934, p. 36), (Partridge, 1937, p. 129), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 23), (Rodgers, 1972, p. 159), (Green, n.d.).
cartso
Definition: 1. (n.) a penis
Etymology: Apparently from the Italian ‘cazzo’ meaning ‘penis’, which in modern Italian at least carries a distinctly vulgar connotation (Bareggi et al., 2010, p. 1624; Baker, 2002, p. 168).
Notes: ‘kerterver cartzo’ refers to venereal disease (Baker, 2002, p. 178).
Other Forms: cartsos (plural), cartzo (alt. spelling)
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 168), (Hauser, 1962, p. 167), (Milward, 2023, p. 43), (Rodgers, 1972, p. 49), (Green, n.d.).
catever
Definition: 1. (adj.) bad
Etymology: From a Romance language-based source. In Italian, ‘bad’ is ‘cattivo’ (Bareggi et al., 2010, p. 1621). In Sabir, it is ‘cativo’ (Corre, 2003, p. 12). Baker (2002, p. 168) suggests it is from Italian.
Notes: In Parley With Me (O Haodha, 2006, p. 24), the term has a number of additional meanings including ‘left hand side’ and ‘shame’. These meanings do not appear in other sources, however.
Other Forms: more catever (comparative), most catever (superlative), caterver, keteva, cateva, cativa, cottiva, kerterver, catava (alt. spellings and terms)
Sources: (Milward, 2023, p. 47), (Mayhew, 1861, pp. 47-48 & 139), (Baker, 2002, p. 168), (Partridge, 1937, p. 134), (O Haodha, 2006, pp. 23-24), (“The New Sprees”, 1844, p. 12), (Green, n.d.).
chant
Definition: 1. (v.) to sing.
Etymology: Assumingly due to the act of chanting being similar to the act of singing.
Notes: A ‘chanting crib’ is an establishment where performers sing for patrons (“The New Sprees”, 1844, p. 12; Green, n.d.).
Other Forms: chants (3rd person singular), chanting (present participle), chanted (past), chaunt (alt. spelling).
Sources: (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.968), (Baker, 2002, p. 168), (Mayhew, 1861, p. 195), (“The New Sprees”, 1844, p. 3), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 23).
charper
Definition: 1. (v.) to seek
Etymology: Believed to be from the Italian term ‘cercare’ which means ‘search for’ (Baker, 2002, p. 168; Bareggi et al., 2010, p. 1628).
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: charpers (3rd person singular), charpering (present participle), charpered (past), sharper (alt. spelling).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 168), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.968), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 38), (Milward, 2023, p. 36).
charpering carsey
Definition: 1. (n.) police station
Etymology: See ‘charper’ and ‘carsey’ in this dictionary
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: charpering carsies (plural), sharpering-khazi, sharpering cazee (alt. terms).
Sources: (Emerson, 1893, p. 48), (Baker, 2002, p. 168), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 39), (Milward, 2023, p. 59), (Green, n.d.).
charpering omee
Definition: 1. (n.) policeman
Etymology: See ‘charper’ and ‘omee’ in this dictionary.
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: charpering omees (plural), sharpering omee, charpering omer, sharpy, sharping omee, charfering-homa, sharp (alt. terms and spellings).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 168), (Emerson, 1893, p. 27), (Partridge, 1937, p. 751), (Mayhew, 1861, p. 47), (Hauser, 1962, p. 167), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 38), (Green, n.d.).
charver
Definition: 1. (v.) to copulate.
Etymology: Debated. One theory claims it is from the Romani term ‘chava’ – ‘touch’, though no word to this effect can be found in either Matras’s Angloromani appendix or on Romlex (Partridge, cited in Green, n.d.). Green (n.d.) suggests it may be from a Ligurian vulgar verb for copulation – ‘ciavâ’’.
Notes: In Cheapjack (Allingham, 1934, p. 303) the term refers to the spoiling and interference of one’s business. This meaning does not appear in other sources, however.
Other Forms: charvers (3rd person singular), charvering (present participle), charvered (past).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 168), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.968), (Milward, 2023, p. 27).
chavy
Definition: 1. (n.) a child
Etymology: From Romani (Green, n.d.). In Angloromani, one word for a child is ‘chavvi’ (Matras, 2010, p. 183).
Notes: In the Man-Eating Typewriter (Milward, 2023, p. 20; Green, n.d.), the term refers to one’s childhood. This meaning does not appear in other sources, however.
Other Forms: chavvies (plural), chavee, chovi (alt. spellings and terms).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 168), (Allingham, 1934, p. 304), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.968), (Partridge, 1937, p. 143), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 23), (Milward, 2023, pp. 19 & 76), (Green, n.d.).
cheat
Definition: 1. (n.) a thing that …, thing.
Etymology: From Cant (Green, n.d.). It is believed to originally come from the Old English term ‘chete’ meaning ‘thing’ (Green, n.d.).
Notes: Often follows a verb in continuous form. For example, a ‘hearing cheat’ is ‘the thing that hears’ and therefore refers to an ear (Baker, 2002, p. 177). ‘Lullaby cheat’ is literally ‘lullaby thing’ and refers to a baby (Green, n.d.). A ‘trundling cheat’ is a car (Baker, 2002, p. 194).
Other Forms: cheats (plural), chat (alt. term).
Sources: (Milward, 2023, p. 57), (Baker, 2002, p. 177), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 23), (Green, n.d.).
chenter
Definition: 1. (num.) hundred
Etymology: Most likely from a Romance language-based source. In Italian and Sabir, ‘cento’ is ‘hundred’ (Bareggi et al., 2010, p. 1627; Corre, 2003, p. 12).
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: chenters (plural), chenta (alt. spelling).
Sources: (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.968), (Milward, 2023, p. 4), (Green, n.d.).
chinker
Definition: 1. (num.) five
Etymology: Baker (2002, p. 169) suggests it is from Italian. In both Italian and Sabir, ‘five’ is ‘cinque’ (Bareggi et al., 2010, p. 1646; Corre, 2003, p. 13).
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: chickwa, chinqui, chink, chinqua (alt. spellings and terms), chinkers (plural)
Sources: (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.968), (Baker, 2002, p. 169), (Mayhew, 1861, p. 140), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 23).
chovie
Definition: 1. (n.) a shop
Etymology: Unclear.
Notes: A ‘sweat chovey’ refers to a weights room or gym (Baker, 2002, p. 191). A ‘crocus chovey’ refers to a pharmacy (Fairbairn & Eccleston, 2015; Green, n.d.)
Other Forms: chovies (plural), chovey, shobee, shovee (alt. spellings and terms).
Sources: (Fairbairn & Eccleston, 2015), (Baker, 2002, p. 191), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 39), (Green, n.d.).
clobber
Definition: 1. (n.) clothing
Etymology: Unclear. Potentially a variation of the Yiddish term ‘קליידער’ (‘kleyder’) which translates to ‘clothes’ (Green, n.d.; Weinreich, 1968, p. 420).
Notes: In Signor Lippo (Emerson, 1893, p. 55; Green, n.d.), the term means ‘dress up’. However, this meaning is not found in other sources.
Other Forms: N/A
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 169), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.968), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 24), (Milward, 2023, p. 60), (Allingham, 1934, p. 304).
cod
Definition: 1. (adj.) vile, bad
Etymology: Baker (2002, p. 169) suggests it is from an older slang term with the same spelling which referred to a parody, ridicule or hoax.
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: more cod (comparative), most cod (superlative), coddy (alt. term).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 169), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.968), (Hauser, 1962, p. 167), (Rodgers, 1972, p. 52), (Green, n.d.).
corybungus
Definition: 1. (n.) the posterior
Etymology: Unclear.
Notes: In Putting on the Dish (Fairbairn and Eccleston, 2015), the term is pronounced as /kɒrɪbʌŋəs/.
Other Forms: corybunguses (plural)
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 169), (Fairbairn & Eccleston, 2015), (Milward, 2023, p. 28), (Green, n.d.).
cottage
Definition: 1. (n.) public lavatory
Etymology: Baker (2002, p. 170) suggests it derives from the fact that lavatories in parks in Britain historically resembled country cottages.
Notes: Appears to carry connotations of being a place where homosexual men would have sex (Hauser, 1962, p. 48; Baker, 2002, p. 170).
Other Forms: cottages (plural)
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 170), (Fairbairn & Eccleston, 2015), (Hauser, 1962, pp. 48 & 167), (Green, n.d.).
cove
Definition: 1. (n.) a person (typically a man)
Etymology: Could be from Romani (Green, n.d.). In Welsh Romani (which is close to the variety of Romani that would have influenced Polari), the term ‘kova’ can mean ‘person’ (Ambrosch et al., n.d.). Possibly came into Polari via Cant (Green, n.d.).
Notes: A ‘badge cove’ refers to a pensioner (Baker, 2002, p. 163). In Parley With Me (O Haodha, 2006, pp. 23 & 26), a ‘casa cove’ is a father, whereas a ‘diddle cove’ is a barman.
Other Forms: coves (plural)
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 163), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.967), (“The New Sprees”, 1844, p. 3), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 24), (Green, n.d.).
crib
Definition: 1. (n.) a place that provides entertainment or goods.
Etymology: Originates from the English term ‘crib’ which used to refer to a small house or small room (Green, n.d.).
Notes: In The New Sprees of London (1844, p. 13; Green, n.d.), a ‘mumming crib’ refers to a theatre.
Other Forms: cribs (plural)
Sources: (“The New Sprees”, 1844, p. 3), (Mayhew, 1861, p. 432), (Green, n.d.).
crimper
Definition: 1. (n.) a hairdresser (person).
Etymology: From the English term ‘crimp’ which refers to the action of curling something (Green, n.d.).
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: crimpers (plural).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 170), (Fairbairn & Eccleston, 2015).
crocus
Definition: 1. (n.) a doctor
Etymology: Unclear. Some suggest it is derived from the Latinized surname of Dr. Helkiah Crooke – a 17th century doctor (Baker, 2002, p. 170; Green, n.d.). Possibly came into Polari via Cant (Green, n.d.).
Notes: A ‘crocus chovey’ is a pharmacy (Fairbairn and Eccleston, 2015; Green, n.d.). The term ‘crocus’ can also refer specifically to a quack doctor (Allingham, 1934, p. 304).
Other Forms: crocuses (plural), croakas (alt. spelling)
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 170), (Milward, 2023, p. 194), (Emerson, 1893, p. 81), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 25), (Allingham, 1934, p. 304), (Green, n.d.).
cull
Definition: 1. (n.) a fool, 2. (n.) a fellow, a mate.
Etymology: Possibly from Cant (Baker, 2002, pp. 23 & 171). Apparently, the term was also used by the mollies (Baker, 2002, pp. 23 & 171). More information on the mollies can be found here.
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: culls (plural), cully, culley (alt. terms)
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 171), (Mayhew, 1861, p. 49), (Emerson, 1893, p. 11), (Frost, 1881, p. 309), (“The New Sprees”, 1844, p. 3), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 25), (Green, n.d.).
daiture
Definition: 1. (num.) ten
Etymology: Baker (2002, p. 171) suggests it is from Italian. In both Sabir and Italian, ‘dieci’ is ‘ten’ (Bareggi et al., 2010, p. 1748; Corre, 2003, p. 17).
Notes: This word serves as a building block for saying multiples of ten. For example, ‘seventy’ is ‘setter daiture’ – literally ‘seven ten’ (Milward, 2023, p. 4; Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p. 16).
Other Forms: daitures (plural), dacha, deshra, dayture, deger, daytur (alt. spellings and terms).
Sources: (Milward, 2023, p. 4), (Baker, 2002, p. 171), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.968), (Mayhew, 1861, p. 140), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 25), (Green, n.d.).
darkey
Definition: 1. (n.) night-time, night
Etymology: Assumingly a play on the word ‘dark’ which characterises night-time.
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: darkies (plural), darkie, darkee (alt. spellings).
Sources: (Emerson, 1893, p. 46), (Mayhew, 1861, p. 206), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 25), (Green, n.d.).
denar
Definition: 1. (n.) a shilling, 2. (n.) money in general.
Etymology: Green (n.d.) suggests it is from Italian. In Italian, ‘denaro’ means ‘money’ (Bareggi et al., 2010, p. 1737). Interestingly, the term appears to have been used in plays from the Tudor and Stuart periods such as Shakespeare’s the Taming of the Shrew (Green, n.d.). However, it is unclear as to whether the term was borrowed directly into Polari or via another source.
Notes: In Parley with Me (O Haodha, 2006, p. 25), the term ‘deener’ is used to refer to a penny. This meaning does not appear in other sources, however.
Other Forms: denars (plural), deana, deaner, deener, denari, denare (alt. spellings and terms).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 171), (Mayhew, 1861, p. 49), (Emerson, 1893, p. 98), (Allingham, 1934, p. 304), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 25), (Green, n.d.).
dhobie
Definition: 1. (v.) to wash, 2. (n.) washing
Etymology: Believed to have come from nautical slang from the Hindi term ‘धोबी’ (dhobi) which refers to people who wash clothes for a living (Baker, 2002, p. 171).
Notes: In the Man-Eating Typewriter (Milward, 2023, p. 123), the term is used to refer to the ethnic cleansing, as opposed to cleaning one’s body or clothes. This meaning does not appear in other sources, however.
Other Forms: dhobies (3rd person singular – def. 1), dhobying (present participle – def. 1), dhobied (past – def. 1), dhobie, dohbie (alt. spellings).
Sources: (Milward, 2023, p. 31), (Baker, 2002, p. 171), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 25), (Green, n.d.).
diddle
Definition: 1. (n.) gin
Etymology: Comes from the English term ‘diddle’ which used to refer to the act of walking unsteadily (Green, n.d.). Possibly came into Polari via Cant (Green, n.d.).
Notes: A ‘diddle-cove’ refers to a barman, whereas a ‘diddle-ken’ refers to a bar (O Haodha, 2006, pp. 25-26).
Other Forms: N/A
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 171), (O Haodha, p. 25).
Dilly, the
Definition: 1. (n.) Piccadilly Circus, London.
Etymology: Derives from a shortening of ‘Piccadilly Circus’ (Baker, 2002, p. 171).
Notes: The Piccadilly Circus was apparently a popular place for prostitution, including for homosexual prostitution (Green, n.d.; Baker, 2002, p. 171). In fact, a ‘Dilly boy’ referred to a male prostitute (Baker, 2002, p. 171).
Other Forms: N/A
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 171), (Milward, 2023, p. 188), (Green, n.d.).
dinarly
Definition: 1. (n.) money
Etymology: Baker (2002, p. 171) suggests it is either from Spanish or Italian. In Italian, ‘denaro’ is ‘money’, and in Spanish, it is ‘dinero’ (Bareggi et al., 2010, p. 1737; Carvajal et al., 2000, p. 146).
Notes: Often used in the phrase ‘nanti dinarly’ – ‘no money’ (Milward, 2023, p. 5; Mayhew, 1861, p. 139; “The New Sprees”, 1844, p. 3).
Other Forms: denarly, denarley, dinali, dinarlee, denari, dinari, dinarly, dinali, denarlies, dinarla, dinaly, dinarli (alt. spellings and terms)
Sources: (“The New Sprees”, 1844, p. 3), (Mayhew, 1861, p. 139), (Frost, 1881, p. 307), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.968), (Emerson, 1893, p. 12), (Baker, 2002, p. 171), (Milward, 2023, p. 5), (Partridge, 1937, p. 221), (O Haodha, 2006, pp. 25-26), (Green, n.d.).
dish
Definition: 1. (n.) posterior, 2. (n.) an attractive man
Etymology: Apparently derives from the 16th and 17th century whereby people would be described as dishes of food, with the implication being that they were attractive (Green, n.d.).
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: dishes (plural)
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 172), (Fairbairn & Eccleston, 2015), (Hauser, 1962, p. 167), (Milward, 2023, p. 32), (Green, n.d.).
dish the dirt
Definition: 1. (v.) gossip, divulge information
Etymology: Unclear.
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: dishes the dirt (3rd person singular), dishing the dirt (present participle), dished the dirt (past).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 172), (Fairbairn & Eccleston, 2015).
do the rights
Definition: 1. (v.) seek revenge
Etymology: Unclear.
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: does the rights (3rd person singular), doing the rights (present participle), did the rights (past).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 172), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.968).
dog and bone
Definition: 1. (n.) a telephone
Etymology: Derived from Cockney Rhyming Slang (Baker, 2002, p. 172). The use of the term ‘dog and bone’ to refer to a telephone in Cockney Rhyming Slang is believed to have arisen after World War 2 (Franklyn, 1975, p. 146).
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: dog and bones (plural)
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 172), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 26).
dolly
Definition: 1. (adj.) attractive, pleasant
Etymology: Unclear
Notes: In the appendix of Baker’s (2002, p. 172) book, the term also refers to an attractive woman or a penis. These meanings do not appear in other chosen sources, however.
Other Forms: dollier (comparative), dolliest (superlative).
Sources: (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.968), (BBC Radio, 1967), (Baker, 2002, p. 172), (Milward, 2023, p. 17), (Green, n.d.).
dona
Definition: 1. (n.) a woman
Etymology: Baker (2002, p. 172) suggests it is probably from Italian. In Italian, ‘donna’ is ‘woman’, and in Sabir, ‘dona’ is ‘lady’ (Bareggi et al., 2010, p. 1781; Corre, 2003, p. 18).
Notes: In The New Sprees of London (1844, p. 14; Green, n.d.), the term ‘donna of the casey’ is used to refer to a landlady. In Signor Lippo (Emerson, 1893, p. 58), ‘my old donah’ means ‘my mother’.
Other Forms: donas (plural), donner, doner, donna, donah (alt. spellings)
Sources: (Frost, 1881, p. 306), (“The New Sprees”, 1844, p. 3), (Emerson, 1893, p. 55), (Allingham, 1934, p. 304), (Baker, 2002, p. 172), (Partridge, 1937, p. 233), (Mayhew, 1861, p. 47), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 26), (Milward, 2023, p. 17), (Green, n.d.).
doob
Definition: 1. (n.) a pill, a tablet
Etymology: Unclear
Notes: Potentially referred specifically to amphetamines given that Green (n.d.) records the word as referring to amphetamines in broader English slang.
Other Forms: doobs (plural).
Sources: (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.968), (Baker, 2002, p. 173)
dooey
Definition: 1. (num.) two
Etymology: Baker (2002, p. 171) and Green (n.d.) both suggest it is from Italian. In both Italian and Sabir, ‘due’ is ‘two’ (Bareggi et al., 2010, p. 1788; Corre, 2003, p. 18).
Notes: The term has another pronunciation of /ˈdjuːɪ/ (Baker, 2002, p. 171).
Other Forms: dooeys (plural), dewey, dooe, duey, deuce (alt. spellings and terms).
Sources: (Mayhew, 1861, pp. 140 & 206), (Emerson, 1893, p. 44), (Baker, 2002, p. 171), (Partridge, 1937, p. 234), (Frost, 1881, p. 306), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 25), (Milward, 2023, p. 4), (Green, n.d.)
dowry
Definition: 1. (quan. or adj.) big, great, significant, a lot.
Etymology: Green (n.d.) suggests the term comes from the English term ‘dowry’.
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: dowrier (comparative), dowriest (superlative), dowri (alt. spelling)
Sources: (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.968), (Baker, 2002, p. 172), (Milward, 2023, p. 163), (Green, n.d.).
drag
Definition: 1. (n.) clothing when worn by the opposite sex, 2. (n.) clothing in general
Etymology: Unclear. Franklyn (1975, p. 59) suggests it could be a portmanteau of ‘dress’ and ‘rag’. Rodgers (1972, p. 67) claims that the term used to be British theatrical slang for a petticoat worn by male actors who were acting as women for theatrical purposes.
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: drage (alt. term).
Sources: (Hauser, 1962, p. 167), (Williams, 1994, p. 21), (Milward, 2023, p. 229), (Baker, 2002, p. 173), (Green, n.d.).
drag up
Definition: 1. (v.) to wear women’s clothes as a man
Etymology: Unclear
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: drags up (3rd person singular), dragging up (present participle), dragged up (past).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 173), (Milward, 2023, p. 143), (Green, n.d.).
drogle
Definition: 1. (n.) dress
Etymology: Unclear
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: drogles (plural).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 173), (Milward, 2023, p. 29), (Green, n.d.).
ducky
Definition: 1. (n.) a term of address which indicates endearment (much like ‘dear’ does in English).
Etymology: Unclear
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: duckies (plural)
Sources: (Milward, 2023, p. 172), (Fairbairn & Eccleston, 2015), (Baker, 2002, p. 173), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 26), (Green, n.d.).
eek
Definition: 1. (n.) face
Etymology: Originally from ‘ecaf’ which was a backslang term for ‘face’ (Baker, 2002, p. 173).
Notes: ‘Eek’ is apparently more familiar than ‘ecaf’ (Baker, 2002, p. 173).
Other Forms: eeks (plural), ecaf (alt. term), eke (alt. spelling)
Sources: (Hauser, 1962, p. 167), (Milward, 2023, pp. 4 & 17), (Baker, 2002, p. 173), (BBC Radio, 1967), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.968), (Rodgers, 1972, p. 72), (Green, n.d.).
efink
Definition: 1. (n.) knife
Etymology: A backslang (aka. backwards spelling) of ‘knife’ (Baker, 2002, p. 173).
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: efinks (plural)
Sources: (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.968), (Baker, 2002, p. 173), (Milward, 2023, p. 54), (Green, n.d.).
Eine
Definition: 1. (n.) London
Etymology: Unclear.
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: N/A
Sources: (Fairbairn & Eccleston, 2015), (Baker, 2002, p. 173).
emag
Definition: 1. (n.) game
Etymology: Backslang (aka. backwards spelling) of ‘game’ (Baker, 2002, p. 173).
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: emags (plural)
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 173), (Milward, 2023, p. 54), (Green, n.d.).
fab
Definition: 1. (adj.) great
Etymology: A shortening of ‘fabulous’ (Baker, 2002, p. 173).
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: fabber (comparative), fabbest (superlative)
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 173), (Williams, 1994, p. 164), (Green, n.d.).
fabulosa
Definition: 1. (adj.) wonderful
Etymology: A play on the word ‘fabulous’ (Baker, 2002, p. 174). However, it also could be from the Spanish adjective ‘fabuloso’ (Baker, 2002, p. 174). In Spanish, ‘fabuloso’ is the masculine form of the adjective and means ‘fabulous’, with the feminine form being ‘fabulosa’ (Carjaval et al., 2000, p. 186).
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: more fabulosa (comparative), most fabulosa (superlative).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 174), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.968).
fake
Definition: 1. (v.) to do, to make
Etymology: Partridge (1937, p. 263) suggests it may ultimately derive from the Latin term ‘facere’. Similarly, Baker (2002, p. 174) believes it is from the Italian term ‘faccio’. In Italian, the term ‘fare’ means ‘to do’ or ‘to make’ and can be conjugated to ‘faccio’ in – for example – the sentence ‘faccio ricerca’ – ‘I do research’ (Bareggi, et al., 2010, pp. 1832-1834).
Notes: In The New Sprees of London (1844, p. 3; Green, n.d.), the term is used to describe cheating or deception. This meaning does not appear in other sources outside the context of thievery and criminality, however.
Other Forms: fakes (3rd person singular), faking (present participle), faked (past).
Sources: (Mayhew, 1861, p. 126), (Partridge, 1937, p. 263), (Baker, 2002, p. 174), (Fairbairn & Eccleston, 2015), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 27).
fakement
Definition: 1. (n.) a thing, a piece of apparatus 2. (n.) a personal adornment
Etymology: The term ‘fake’ with the suffix ‘-ment’ added (Green, n.d.). See the etymology for ‘fake’ in this dictionary.
Notes: The term ‘fakement’ can be combined with other terms to form new meanings. In The Polari Bible (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p. 971) for example, a ‘twinkling fakement’ is a star.
Other Forms: fakements (plural)
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 174), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.968), (Mayhew, 1861, p. 136), (“The New Sprees”, 1844, p. 3), (Frost, 1881, p. 308), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 27), (Milward, 2023, p. 19), (Green, n.d.).
famble
Definition: 1. (n.) hand
Etymology: Possibly came into Polari through Cant (Green, n.d.). Believed to potentially derive from the English term ‘fumble’ (Green, n.d.).
Notes: A ‘famble cheat’ refers to a ring according to O Haodha (2006, p. 27).
Other Forms: fambles (plural), fam, fambler (alt. terms).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 174), (Milward, 2023, p. 44), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 27), (Green, n.d.).
fantabulosa
Definition: 1. (adj.) wonderful
Etymology: Probably derived through a combination and adaption of the English terms ‘fantastic’ and ‘fabulous’ (Baker, 2002, p. 174).
Notes: See also the term ‘fabulosa’ in this dictionary.
Other Forms: more fantabulosa (comparative), most fantabulosa (superlative)
Sources: (BBC Radio, 1965), (Milward, 2023, p. 4), (Baker, 2002, p. 174), (Green, n.d.).
fatcha
Definition: 1. (v.) to shave
Etymology: Baker (2002, p. 174) claims it is from Italian. In Italian and Sabir, the term ‘faccia’ refers to a face (Bareggi et al., 2010, p. 1828; Corre, 2003, p. 21).
Notes: Baker (2002, p. 174) notes the term also refers to applying makeup. This meaning does not appear in other sources, however.
Other Forms: fatchas (3rd person singular – def. 1 & 2), fatcharing (present participle – def. 1 & 2), fatchared (past – def. 1 & 2).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 174), (Milward, 2023, p. 528), (Green, n.d.).
feele
Definition: 1. (n.) a child, a young person
Etymology: Baker (2002, p. 174) suggests it is from Italian. In Italian, ‘figlio’ is ‘child’, and in Sabir, ‘figlio’ is ‘son’ (Bareggi et al., 2010, p. 1850; Corre, 2003, p. 22).
Notes: In the Man-Eating Typewriter (Milward, 2023, p. 27; Green, n.d.), the term is used as a general adjective meaning ‘young’ or ‘youthful’. However, this meaning does not appear as a commonly used adjective in other sources. Rather, its use appears to be confined to the terms ‘filiome’ and ‘feelee donar’ which mean ‘young man’ and ‘young woman’ respectively (Baker, 2002, p. 174; O Haodha, 2006, p. 27).
Other Forms: feeles (plural), fielia, feely, fellia, feelyer, filly, feelier (alt. spellings and terms).
Sources: (Mayhew, 1861, p. 47), (Baker, 2002, p. 174), (Partridge, 1937, p. 270), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 27), (Milward, 2023, p. 55), (Green, n.d.)
ferricadooza
Definition: 1. (n.) a knockout blow, 2. (v.) to knock out, knock down
Etymology: Green (n.d.) suggests it is from the Italian term ‘fare cadere’ which means ‘knock down’.
Notes: Can be used literally or figuratively (Green, n.d.). For example, in Putting on the Dish (Fairbairn & Eccleston, 2015), being reported to police for homosexual acts is described as a ‘ferricadooza’.
Other Forms: ferricadoozas (plural – def. 1), ferricadoozas (3rd person singular – def. 2), ferricadoozaring (present participle – def. 2), ferricadoozared (past – def. 2).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 174), (Milward, 2023, p. 57), (Fairbairn & Eccleston, 2015), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 27), (Green, n.d.).
flash
Definition: 1. (adj.) showy, fashionable, chic.
Etymology: Unclear.
Notes: In The New Sprees of London (1844, p. 8; Green, n.d.), a ‘flash ken’ refers to a brothel.
Other Forms: more flash (comparative), most flash, flashest, flashiest (superlative).
Sources: (Mayhew, 1861, p. 105), (“The New Sprees”, 1844, p. 3), (Emerson, 1893, p. 25), (Green, n.d.).
flattie
Definition: 1. (n.) gentleman.
Etymology: Unclear.
Notes: Often used to refer to men in an audience (Baker, 2002, p. 175). In O Haodha (2006, p. 27), the term means ‘settled person’. However, this meaning is not found in other sources. Perhaps the two meanings are linked though, as men in an audience of a circus would assumingly be those who are – unlike many of the performers – sedentary.
Other Forms: flatties (plural)
Sources: (Milward, 2023, p. 121), (Baker, 2002, p. 175), (Green, n.d.).
flowery
Definition: 1. (n.) where someone stays either temporarily or permanently.
Etymology: Partridge (1937, p. 289) suggests it may have come from Italian via Sabir. However, which Italian or Sabir term it derives from is unclear. In Cant, a ‘flowery dell’ referred to a prison cell (Baker, 2002, p. 175). Therefore, it possibly comes via Cant.
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: floweries (plural)
Sources: (Fairbairn & Eccleston, 2015), (Baker, 2002, p. 175), (Partridge, 1937, p. 289), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 27).
fogle
Definition: 1. (n.) handkerchief
Etymology: Unclear, but possibly derives from a Romance language-based source. Green (n.d.) suggests a number of potential sources, including the Italian term ‘foglia’ and the French term ‘fouille’. In Italian, the term ‘foglia’ refers to a leaf (Bareggi et al., 2010, p. 1862). In French, the term ‘fouille’ has a meaning referring to a pocket, which is the meaning Green believes it could derive from (Green, n.d.; Ormal-Grenon, 2007, p. 380).
Notes: Baker (2002, p. 175) and O Haodha (2006, p. 27) both note that a ‘fogle-hunter’ refers to a pickpocket.
Other Forms: fogles (plural)
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 175), (Mayhew, 1861, p. 151), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 27).
fogus
Definition: 1. (n.) tobacco
Etymology: Baker (2002, p. 175) suggests it is derived from the English word ‘fog’, which is in reference to smoke. Possibly came into Polari from Cant (Green, n.d.).
Notes: In the Man-Eating Typewriter, Milward (2023, p. 19) uses the term in reference to smoke which has (assumingly) come out of a smoke machine. This meaning does not appear in other sources, however.
Other Forms: fogare, foog (alt. terms).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 175), (Mayhew, 1861, p. 139), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 27).
fortuni
Definition: 1. (adj.) gorgeous
Etymology: Unclear
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: more fortuni (comparative), most fortuni (superlative)
Sources: (Fairbairn & Eccleston, 2015), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.969), (Milward, 2023, p. 33), (Baker, 2002, p. 175), (Green, n.d.).
frog
Definition: 1. (n.) road
Etymology: Derived from Cockney Rhyming Slang (Green, n.d.). In Cockney Rhyming Slang, the term ‘frog and toad’ to refer to a road seems to have been used since the mid-19th century, and is often shortened to ‘frog’ (Franklyn, 1975, p. 67; Green, n.d.).
Notes: It is unclear if the full version of the term (i.e. ‘frog and toad’) was also commonly used by Polari-speakers. ‘On the frog’ literally means ‘on the road’ but in practice refers to walking (Emerson, 1893, p. 55; Green, n.d.)
Other Forms: frogs (plural)
Sources: (Emerson, 1893, p. 55), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 27), (Green, n.d.).
fungus
Definition: 1. (n.) an elderly man
Etymology: Unclear
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: fungi (plural)
Sources: (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.969), (Fairbairn & Eccleston, 2015), (Baker, 2002, p. 175), (Milward, 2023, p. 113), (Green, n.d.).
funt
Definition: 1. (n.) a British pound
Etymology: Green (n.d.) suggests it is from Yiddish. In Yiddish, the term for ‘pound’ is ‘פֿונט’ (‘funt’) (Weinreich, 1968, p. 245).
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: funt (plural), punta, phunt (alt. terms and spellings)
Sources: (Allingham, 1934, p. 305), (Baker, 2002, p. 175), (Mayhew, 1861, p. 140), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 27), (Green, n.d.).
gaff
Definition: 1. (n.) any place entertainment occurs
Etymology: From Romani according to Green (n.d.). In Angloromani, ‘gab’ or ‘gav’ means ‘town’ (Matras, 2010, p. 213). The term may have come into Polari via Cant (Green, n.d.).
Notes: In Allingham (1934, p. 304), the term refers to a fair, whereas it is in reference to a penny gaff in Mayhew (1861, p. 144). Given the additional meanings of ‘show’, ‘brothel’ and ‘club’ in Green (n.d.), the term has been assumed to refer to places of entertainment in general.
Other Forms: gaffs (plural)
Sources: (Mayhew, 1861, p. 144), (Allingham, 1934, p. 304), (Green, n.d.).
gajo
Definition: 1. (n.) an outsider, outcast
Etymology: From Romani (Baker, 2002, p. 175). In Angloromani, the term ‘gadjo’ refers to someone who is not Roma (Matras, 2010, p. 202).
Notes: It is not clear in what context this term was used (i.e. whether gay men used it to refer to heterosexual people, whether travelling showpeople used it to refer to sedentary people etc.).
Other Forms: gajos (plural)
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 175), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.969), (Partridge, 1937, p. 312).
gardy loo
Definition: 1. (phr.) look out, beware
Etymology: Baker (2002, p. 176) suggests that it derives from a grammatically incorrect phrase in French: ‘gare de l’eau’ which was meant to mean ‘beware of the water’. This phrase was apparently used when the water and bodily waste in a chamber pot (a portable toilet most commonly used in a bedroom before modern toilets were invented) was thrown out of a window (Baker, 2002, p. 176).
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: N/A
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 176), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.969), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 28).
gildy
Definition: 1. (adj.) fancy
Etymology: Unclear
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: gildier (comparative), gildiest (superlative), gildi (alt. spelling).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 176), (Milward, 2023, p. 59 & 109), (Green, n.d.).
gilly
Definition: 1. (n.) a lady
Etymology: Unclear.
Notes: Often used to refer to women in an audience (Baker, 2002, p. 176).
Other Forms: gillies (plural)
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 176), (Milward, 2023, p. 121), (Green, n.d.)
glaze
Definition: 1. (n.) a window
Etymology: Derives from the term ‘glaze’ which refers to a ceramic coating that resembles glass (Green, n.d.). Possibly came into Polari from Cant (Green, n.d.).
Notes: ‘Nobbing the glazes’ refers to performers attempting to get money from onlookers who are in a building and behind a window (Frost, 1881, p. 307).
Other Forms: glazes (plural), glazier (alt. term).
Sources: (Frost, 1881, p. 307), (Mayhew, 1861, p. 139), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 28).
glossy
Definition: 1. (n.) a magazine
Etymology: Maybe derived from the glossy nature of the paper often used to make magazines.
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: glossies (plural)
Sources: (Fairbairn & Eccleston, 2015), (Baker, 2002, p. 176), (Milward, 2023, p. 4).
gonnif
Definition: 1. (n.) a thief.
Etymology: Apparently from the Hebrew term ‘גנב’ (ganav) which refers to thief (Green, n.d.). Possibly came through Yiddish as ‘גנבֿ’ (ganef) in Yiddish refers to a thief (Weinreich, 1968, p. 330).
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: gonnifs (plural), gonniff, gonaff (alt. spellings), gonnofer (alt. term).
Sources: (“The New Sprees”, 1844, p. 3), (Emerson, 1893, p. 95), (Green, n.d.)
goolie
Definition: 1. (adj.) black
Etymology: O Haodha (2006, p. 13) suggests it comes from the Irish term ‘gual’ which means ‘coal’.
Notes: ‘Goolie ogle fakes’ refers to sunglasses (O Haodha, 2006, p. 13).
Other Forms: more goolie (comparative), most goolie (superlative).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 176), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 28), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.969).
got your number
Definition: 1. (v.) to know something that one is hiding (e.g. being homosexual).
Etymology: Unclear.
Notes: Only attested in the context of the second person (i.e., your number). ‘got her number’, ‘got their number’ etc. was seemingly not used.
Other Forms: gets your number (3rd person singular), getting your number (present participle).
Sources: (Fairbairn & Eccleston, 2015), (Baker, 2002, p. 177).
groin
Definition: 1. (n.) a ring
Etymology: O Haodha (2006, p. 13) claims that the term comes from the Irish term ‘fáinne’.
Notes: According to Allingham (1934, p. 305), the term can also refer to a gemstone (specifically a diamond) within a ring. This meaning does not appear in the other sources, however.
Other Forms: groins (plural), groiny, groyne, gráinn (alt. terms and spellings)
Sources: (Allingham, 1934, p. 305), (Baker, 2002, p. 177), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 29), (Green, n.d.).
groinage
Definition: 1. (n.) jewelry
Etymology: Is an adaptation of the term ‘groin’ according to Green (n.d.). See the etymology for ‘groin’ in this dictionary.
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: groynage (alt. spelling).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 177), (Milward, 2023, pp. 50 & 109), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 29) (Green, n.d.).
hampstead
Definition: 1. (n.) tooth
Etymology: From Cockney Rhyming slang, whereby ‘Hampstead Heath’ meant ‘teeth’ (Green, n.d.; Franlyn, 1975, p. 74). The term been used in Cockney Rhyming Slang since the late 19th century, often being shortened to ‘hampsteads’ (Franklyn, 1975, pp. 74).
Notes: Apart from The Polari Bible (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.969; Baker, 2002, p. 177; O Haodha, 2006, p. 29), the term is attested only in plural form (i.e., ‘hampsteads’).
Other Forms: hampsteads (plural)
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 177), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.969), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 29).
handbag
Definition: 1. (n.) money, 2. (n.) a gift, a present.
Etymology: Assumingly derives from the fact that money is often found in handbags.
Notes: In The Polari Bible (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.969), ‘handbag’ is used to refer to a ‘sack’. This meaning does not appear in the other sources, however.
Other Forms: hambag (alt. spelling)
Sources: (Rodger, 1972, p. 103), (Hauser, 1962, p. 167), (Baker, 2002, p. 177), (Fairbairn & Eccleston, 2015).
heartface
Definition: 1. (n.) dear, darling (term of endearment)
Etymology: Unclear.
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: heartfaces (plural)
Sources: (BBC Radio, 1967), (Baker, 2002, p. 177).
irish
Definition: 1. (n.) a wig
Etymology: From the Cockney Rhyming Slang term ‘Irish jig’, which also referred to a wig (Green, n.d.).
Notes: N/A.
Other Forms: irishes (plural)
Sources: (Fairbairn & Eccleston, 2015), (Baker, 2002, p. 178), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 30).
jarry
Definition: 1. (v.) to eat
Etymology: A shortening of the term ‘manjarry’, which in turn comes from the Sabir term ‘mangiar’ (to eat) or the Italian term ‘mangiare’ (to eat) (Bareggi et al., 2010, p. 2051; Corre, 2003, p. 34; Baker, 2002, p. 178).
Notes: In Baker (2002, p. 178), the term is also a verb referring to the act of fellation. This meaning does not seem to appear in the other sources, however.
Other Forms: jarries (3rd person singular), jarrying (present participle), jarried (past).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 178), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.969), (Milward, 2023, p. 17), (Green, n.d.).
jeff
Definition: 1. (n.) a rope
Etymology: Unclear.
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: jeffs (plural)
Sources: (Frost, 1881, p. 309), (Partridge, 1937, p. 435).
jim and jack
Definition: 1. (n.) a back (on the body)
Etymology: From Cockney Rhyming Slang (Baker, 2002, p. 178).
Notes: N/A.
Other Forms: jim and jacks (plural)
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 178), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 30).
jogger
Definition: 1. (v.) to play, sing or entertain.
Etymology: Green (n.d.) suggests the term comes from the Italian term ‘giocare’. In Italian, the term ‘giocare’ translates to ‘play’ (Bareggi et al., 2010, p. 1897). In Sabir, the term ‘giocar’ translates to ‘joke’ or ‘play’ (Corre, 2003, p. 25). Baker (2002, p. 178) suggests it is from Italian.
Notes: A ‘joggering omee’ is a musician, specifically one who is itinerant (Partridge, 1937, p. 442)
Other Forms: joggers (3rd person singular), joggering (present participle), joggered (past), jogar (alt. spelling).
Sources: (Emerson, 1893, p. 11), (Baker, 2002, p. 178), (Partridge, 1937, p. 442), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 30), (Milward, 2023, p. 28).
journo
Definition: 1. (n.) a day
Etymology: Most likely from a Romance language-based source. In Sabir, ‘giorno’ is ‘morning’, whereas it means ‘day’ in Italian (Bareggi et al., 2010, p. 1898; Corre, 2003, p. 25).
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: journos (plural), juno (alt. spelling)
Sources: (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.969), (Milward, 2023, p. 4), (Green, n.d.).
jube
Definition: 1. (n.) breast
Etymology: Ambiguous. Rodgers (1972, p. 35) suggests it could be from Rhyming Slang. Green (n.d.) suggests it is from the term ‘jujube’ – a jujube-fruit flavoured lozenge.
Notes: In Baker (2002, p. 178), the term is also used to refer to taken to refer to male pectorals. This meaning does not appear in the other sources, however.
Other Forms: jubes (plural).
Sources: (Hauser, 1962, p. 167), (Rodgers, 1972, p. 35), (Baker, 2002, p. 178), (Green, n.d.).
kaffies
Definition: 1. (n.) trousers
Etymology: Unclear
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: N/A
Sources: (Fairbairn & Eccleston, 2015), (Baker, 2002, p. 178), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 30).
kapello
Definition: 1. (n.) a cloak
Etymology: Baker (2002, p. 178) suggests that it comes from the Italian word ‘capello’. However, ‘capello’ in modern Italian at least refers to hair, whereas the term ‘cappa’ refers to a cloak (Bareggi et al., 2010, pp. 1604 & 1607). In Sabir, the term ‘capo’ translates to ‘cape’ or ‘head’ (Corre, 2003, p. 12).
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: kapellos (plural)
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 178), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.969), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 30).
ken
Definition: 1. (n.) a house or building
Etymology: From the Cant term ‘ken’, which refers to a house or building (Green, n.d.; Baker, 2002, p. 178). The origins of the term prior to Cant are unclear. Green (n.d.) suggests it could be a shortening of the English term ‘kennel’ or from Hindi. Hotten (cited in Green, n.d.) claims it could be from Romani. In Angloromani, the term ‘kaer’, ‘ken’ or ‘kenna’ can apparently mean ‘house’ (Matras, 2010, p. 195).
Notes: Can be combined with other terms to form new meanings. See ‘carnish ken’ in this dictionary. In O Haodha (2006, p. 25), a ‘diddle cen’ refers to a pub or bar.
Other Forms: kens (plural), cen (alt. spelling).
Sources: (Emerson, 1893, p. 105), (“The New Sprees”, 1844, p. 3), (Baker, 2002, p. 178), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 23), (Green, n.d.).
kenza
Definition: 1. (num.) twelve
Etymology: Unclear
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: kenzas (plural).
Sources: (Milward, 2023, p. 39), (Baker, 2002, p. 178), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.969), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 31), (Green, n.d.).
kosher
Definition: 1. (adj.) Jewish
Etymology: Most likely from Yiddish via Hebrew, or directly from Hebrew (Green, n.d.; Baker, 2002, p. 178). In Yiddish, the term ‘כּשר’ (‘kosher’) refers to food considered permissible in Jewish law (Weinreich, 1968, p 580). The term in Yiddish derives from Hebrew originally (Green, n.d.). Baker (2002, p. 178) suggests the term ‘kosher’ in Polari comes from Hebrew, but it is unclear if he means it comes via Yiddish or from Hebrew directly.
Notes: Most commonly only used in the term ‘kosher omee’, which means ‘Jewish man’ (Baker, 2002, p. 178; O Haodha, 2006, p. 31). However, Milward (2023) uses the term as a general adjective throughout the Man-Eating Typewriter.
Other Forms: more kosher (comparative), most kosher (superlative).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 178), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 31), (Milward, 2023, p. 31)
lag
Definition: 1. (v.) to urinate, 2. (n.) prisoner.
Etymology: Possibly came into Polari from Cant (Green, n.d.). The origins of the word prior to Cant are unclear.
Notes: In O Haodha (2006, p. 31), the term is also described as a verb meaning ‘arrest’. However, this meaning does not appear in any of the other sources.
Other Forms: lags (3rd person singular – def. 1), lagging (present participle – def. 1), lagged (past – def. 1), lags (plural – def. 2), lage (alt. term).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 178), (Milward, 2023, pp. 39 & 306), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 31), (Green, n.d.)
lallie
Definition: 1. (n.) a leg
Etymology: Unclear. Rodgers (1972, p. 129) suggests the alternate form of the term ‘lyles’ came from the ‘Anglo-Chinese’ term ‘lai lo’, which means ‘come here’.
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: lallies (plural), lyle, lally, lall (alt. terms and spellings)
Sources: (Rodgers, 1972, p. 129), (Hauser, 1962, p. 167), (BBC Radio, 1967), (Baker, 2002, p. 179), (Milward, 2023, p. 18), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 31), (Green, n.d.).
lamor
Definition: 1. (v.) to kiss
Etymology: Baker (2002, p. 179) writes that it is from French. In French, ‘l’amour’ is a verb meaning ‘to love’ (Ormal-Grenon et al., 2007, p. 32).
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: lamors (3rd person singular), lamoring (present participle), lamored (past), lammer (alt. spelling).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 179), (Milward, 2023, p. 239), (Green, n.d.).
lattie
Definition: 1. (n.) lodging, 2. (n.) an apartment, 3. (n.) a room, 4. (n.) a house
Etymology: Green (n.d.) suggests it is from the Italian term ‘letto’. In Italian, the term ‘letto’ refers to a bed (Bareggi et al., 2010, pp. 2020-2021).
Notes: A ‘lattie on water’ is a boat (Baker, 2002, p. 179). See also the sister term ‘letty’ in this dictionary. In some sources, the terms ‘letty’ and ‘lattie’ are separated, whereas they are considered the same term in other sources, or two terms with overlapping meanings. For example, Baker (2002, p. 179) has separated these terms as follows: lattie (referring to a house or flat) and letty (referring to a bed or the verb to sleep). However, other sources appear to have overlapping meanings for the two terms. O Haodha (2006, pp. 31-32) for example, defines ‘lattie’ in the same way Baker (2002, p. 179) does, but then defines ‘letty’ as meaning ‘bed, house, lodgings, (to) sleep’. Aside from this, other sources simply mention one term. Rodgers (1972, p. 124) for example defines ‘latty’ as either being a bed, an apartment, a room or a pad, without having a separate term for ‘letty’.
Other Forms: latties (plural), letty, lettary (alt. terms).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 179), (Frost, 1881, p. 308), (Hauser, 1962, p. 167), (Rodgers, 1972, p. 124), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.969), (Partridge, 1937, p. 479), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 31), (Milward, 2023, p. 35), (Allingham, 1934, p. 305).
lau
Definition: 1. (v.) to put, place
Etymology: Unclear. Potentially from the English term ‘lay’ (Green, n.d.). Could also be a corruption of the Angloromani term ‘lel’, which can mean ‘put’ (Matras, 2010, p. 205).
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: laus (3rd person singular), lauing (present participle), laued (past).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 179), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.969).
lav
Definition: 1. (n.) word
Etymology: Potentially derived from the Angloromani term ‘lav’ or ‘lab’, which means ‘word’ or ‘name’ (Matras, 2010, pp. 201 & 216).
Notes: In the Man-Eating Typewriter (Milward, 2023, p. 70; Green, n.d.), the term is seemingly used as a verb for speaking. This meaning does not appear in the other sources, however.
Other Forms: lavs (plural)
Sources: (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.969), (Baker, 2002, p. 179), (Milward, 2023, pp. 5 & 29), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 32), (Green, n.d.)
lell
Definition: 1. (v.) to take
Etymology: Possibly from Romani. In Angloromani, ‘lel’ can mean ‘take’ (Matras, 2010, p. 211).
Notes: N/A.
Other Forms: lells (3rd person singular), lelling (present participle), lelled (past).
Sources: (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.969), (Baker, 2002, p. 179), (Milward, 2023, p. 4), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 32), (Green, n.d.).
lepta
Definition: 1. (num.) eleven
Etymology: Unclear.
Notes: Interestingly, ‘lepta’ is written to mean ‘fifty’ in Parley with Me (O Haodha, 2006, p. 32).
Other Forms: lettra, long dedger (alt. terms).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 179), (Milward, 2023, p. 113), (Mayhew, 1861, p. 140), (Green, n.d.).
letty
Definition: 1. (n.) bed, 2. (v.) to sleep
Etymology: Baker (2002, p. 179) suggests it is from Italian. In Italian and Sabir, the term ‘letto’ refers to a bed (Bareggi et al., 2010, pp. 2020-2021; Corre, 2003, p. 32).
Notes: See also the term ‘lattie’ in this dictionary. In some sources, ‘lattie’ and ‘letty’ are considered separate terms. For example, Baker (2002, p. 179) puts forth two separate terms: ‘lattie’ (referring to a house or flat) and ‘letty’ (referring to a bed or the verb to sleep). However, other sources appear to have overlapping meanings for the two terms. O Haodha (2006, pp. 31-32), for example, defines ‘lattie’ in the same way Baker (2002, p. 179) does, but then defines ‘letty’ as meaning ‘bed, house, lodgings, (to) sleep’. Aside from this, other sources simply mention one term. Rodgers (1972, p. 124), for example, defines ‘latty’ as either being a bed, an apartment, a room or a pad, without having a separate term for ‘letty’.
Other Forms: letties (plural – def. 1), letties (3rd person singular – def. 2), lettying (present participle – def. 2), lettied (past – def. 2), latty (alt. term).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 179), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.969), (Rodgers, 1972, p. 124), (Partridge, 1937, p. 479), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 32).
libbage
Definition: 1. (n.) a bed
Etymology: Possibly from the Cant term ‘libbege’ (Green, n.d.). It is suggested it may derive from the Gaelic ‘leabadh’, meaning ‘bed’ (Ribton-Turner, cited in Green, n.d.). Baker (2002, p. 179) suggests it could be from the Cant term ‘lib’, which meant ‘sleep’.
Notes: In Milward (2023, p. 17; Green, n.d.), the term appears to refer to a bedroom. This meaning seemingly does not appear in the other sources, however.
Other Forms: libbages (plural)
Sources: (Fairbairn & Eccleston, 2015), (Baker, 2002, p. 179), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 32).
lilly
Definition: 1. (n.) the police
Etymology: From the female name ‘Lily’ (Green, n.d.). Could have potentially come into Polari via American gay slang (Green, n.d.).
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: lilly law (alt. term)
Sources: (Fairbairn & Eccleston, 2015), (Baker, 2002, p. 179).
lucoddy
Definition: 1. (n.) body
Etymology: Derived from Cockney Rhyming Slang (Baker, 2002, p. 179).
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: lucoddies (plural)
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 179), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.969).
lupper
Definition: 1. (n.) a finger
Etymology: Unclear. However, in Yiddish, the term ‘לאַפּע’ (‘lape’) means ‘paw’ (Weinreich, 1986, p. 233).
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: luppers (plural).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 179), (Milward, 2023, p. 35), (Fairbairn & Eccleston, 2015), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.970), (Green, n.d.).
mais oui
Definition: 1. (phr.) of course
Etymology: Derives from the French phrase which has the same spelling and meaning (Baker, 2002, p. 180). In French ‘mais oui’ means ‘yes’ (Ormal-Grenon, 2007, p. 591).
Notes: Interestingly, the term ‘oui’ by itself appears to be used in Putting on the Dish (Fairbairn & Eccleston, 2015).
Other Forms: N/A.
Sources: (Fairbairn & Eccleston, 2015), (Baker, 2002, p. 180).
mangaree
Definition: 1. (n.) food
Etymology: Baker (2002, p. 181) suggests it comes from Italian. In Italian, ‘mangiare’ means ‘eat’ (Bareggi et al., 2010, p. 2051). In Sabir, ‘mangiar’ means ‘eat’, whereas ‘mangiaria’ means ‘food’ or ‘meal’ (Corre, 2003, p. 34).
Notes: In Baker (2002, p. 181), the term is also written to be a verb meaning ‘to eat’. This meaning does not appear in the other sources, however.
Other Forms: munjare, mungarley, mungaree, munjari, munja, mungarly, manjaree (alt. spellings and terms).
Sources: (Mayhew, 1861, p. 47), (Allingham, 1934, p. 305), (Emerson, 1893, p. 12), (Partridge, 1937, p. 543), (O Haodha, 2006, pp. 32-33), (Milward, 2023, pp. 17 & 50), (Green, n.d.).
manly alice
Definition: 1. (n.) a masculine gay man
Etymology: Unclear.
Notes: N/A.
Other Forms: manly alices (plural).
Sources: (Milward, 2023, p. 108), (Baker, 2002, p. 180).
measures
Definition: 1. (n.) money
Etymology: Comes from the Polari term ‘medzer’ (‘half’) (Green, n.d.). The term ‘medzer’ would often be combined with the term ‘caroon’ (a type of British coin) and ‘solti’ (a penny), hence possibly an association with money (Green, n.d.). View the dictionary entry for ‘medzer’ for its etymology.
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: medzers, metzers, metzes, metzies, metzsh, medzies (alt. spellings and terms).
Sources: (Hauser, 1962, p. 167), (Rodgers, 1972, p. 137), (Baker, 2002, p. 180), (Partridge, 1937, p. 515), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 33).
medzer
Definition: 1. (n.) a half
Etymology: The word ‘medzer’ derives from a Romance language-based source, with ‘mezzo’ in both Italian and Sabir meaning ‘half’ (Bareggi et al., 2010, p. 2075; Corre, 2003, p. 35). Green (n.d.) suggests it is from Italian.
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: medzers (plural), major, madza, medja, medza, metsa, medsa, madzer (alt. spellings and terms).
Sources: (Emerson, 1893, p. 47), (Mayhew, 1861, pp. 49 & 140), (Baker, 2002, p. 180), (Milward, 2023, p. 18), (Partridge, 1937, pp. 503-504), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 33), (Green, n.d.).
meshigener
Definition: 1. (adj.) crazy
Etymology: Derives from Yiddish according to Baker (2002, p. 180). In Yiddish, the term ‘משוגען’ (meshug’n) translates to ‘crazy’ (Weinreich, 1968, p. 71).
Notes: In The Polari Bible (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p. 970), the term ‘meshigener carsey’ refers to a church, and ‘meshigener mutterings’ refer to prayers.
Other Forms: more meshigener (comparative), most meshigener (superlative), meshinger, meshigena (alt. term).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 180), (Milward, 2023, p. 4), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p. 970), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 33), (Green, n.d.).
mince
Definition: 1. (v.) to walk.
Etymology: Unclear.
Notes: Baker (2002, p. 181) describes it specifically as walking ‘with short steps in an affected manner’. Rodgers (1972, p. 134) describes the term as also meaning ‘run’, ‘stroll’ or ‘arrive’ depending on the context.
Other Forms: minces (3rd person singular), mincing (present participle), minced (past).
Sources: (Hauser, 1962, p. 167), (Rodgers, 1972, p. 134), (Baker, 2002, p. 181), (Milward, 2023, p. 60).
minnie
Definition: 1. (v.) to walk, 2. (n.) a homosexual man
Etymology: Unclear
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: minnies (3rd person singular – def. 1), minnying (present participle – def. 1), minnied (past – def. 1), minnies (plural – def. 2).
Sources: (Milward, 2023, p. 30), (Baker, 2002, p. 181), (Hauser, 1962, p. 167), (Rodgers, 1972, p. 134), (BBC Radio, 1967), (Green, n.d.).
miss the tip
Definition: 1. (v.) to fail a circus trick involving jumping, to fall.
Etymology: Possibly due to an association between failing a circus trick (i.e. ‘missing’) and not getting as much money (i.e. ‘the tip’) as a result.
Notes: Can be adapted to first person, third person etc. For example, you could say ‘he missed his tip’ (Frost, 1881, p. 309)
Other Forms: misses the tip (3rd person singular), missing the tip (present participle), missed the tip (past).
Sources: (Frost, 1881, p. 309), (Partridge, 1937, p. 523).
mogue
Definition: 1. (v.) to deceive
Etymology: Unclear
Notes: In the Man-Eating Typewriter (Milward, 2023, pp. 13 & 20; Green, n.d.; Green, n.d.), the term ‘mogue’ is used as a noun meaning ‘lie’, as well as an adjective meaning ‘fake’. This usage does not appear in the other sources, however.
Other Forms: mogues (3rd person singular), moguing (present participle), mogued (past).
Sources: (Emerson, 1893, p. 73), (Baker, 2002, p. 181), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.970), (Green, n.d.).
moniker
Definition: 1. (n.) name
Etymology: Unclear. Green (n.d.) suggests it may be either from the English term ‘monogram’ or Sabir (though what Sabir term exactly is unclear). Another theory is that it derives from the term ‘monarch’ which ‘like a name rules a person’s life’ (Green, n.d.)
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: monikers (plural) monacher (alt. term).
Sources: (Emerson, 1893, p. 83), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 33).
montrel
Definition: 1. (n.) clock, watch
Etymology: From the French term ‘montre’ (Baker, 2002, p. 181). In French, the term ‘montre’ means ‘watch’ (as in the object) (Ormal-Grenon, 2007, p. 549).
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: montrels (plural), montra (alt. term).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 181), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 33).
multi
Definition: 1. (adv. or quan.) very, lots of
Etymology: Baker (2002, p. 181) suggests it is from Italian. In Italian and Sabir, ‘molto’ means ‘very’ (Bareggi et al., 2010, pp. 2091-2092; Corre, 2003, p. 36).
Notes: The pronunciation of this term appears to be /mɒlti/ in Putting on the Dish (Fairbairn & Eccleston, 2015).
Other Forms: multa, multy, molto (alt. spellings and term).
Sources: (“The New Sprees”, 1844, p. 12), (Fairbairn & Eccleston, 2015), (Baker, 2002, p. 181), (Partridge, 1937, p. 542), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 33), (Milward, 2023, p. 4), (Green, n.d.).
mummer
Definition: 1. (n.) an actor
Etymology: Green (n.d.) suggests it is derived from the English term ‘mummer’ which originally referred to someone who muttered and murmured.
Notes: In The New Sprees of London (1844, p. 13; Green, n.d.), a ‘mumming crib’ refers to a theatre.
Other Forms: mumming-cove (alt. term)
Sources: (“The New Sprees”, 1844, p. 17), (Mayhew, 1861, p. 139), (Green, n.d.).
mute
Definition: 1. (n.) a vagina
Etymology: Unclear
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: mutes (plural)
Sources: (Hauser, 1962, p. 167), (Rodgers, 1972, p. 140).
nada
Definition: 1. (n.) nothing
Etymology: Most likely from the Spanish term ‘nada’ which means ‘nothing’ (Carvajal et al., 2000, p. 283). Possibly came into Polari via US slang (Green, n.d.).
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: N/A
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 181), (Fairbairn & Eccleston, 2015), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 34).
naff
Definition: 1. (adj.) bad
Etymology: Debated. Out of a range of theories as to what its origins are, one theory claims it comes from the phrase ‘normal as f***’, whereas another claims it is from the term ‘niffy-naffy’ (Young, cited in Baker, 2002, p. 182; Oxford University Press, cited in Baker, 2002, p. 182).
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: naffer (comparative), naffest (superlative)
Sources: (BBC Radio, 1967), (Baker, 2002, p. 182), (Milward, 2023, p. 18), (Green, n.d.).
nanti
Definition: 1. (neg.) no, non-, none, don’t 2. (n.) nothing
Etymology: Green (n.d.) suggests it is from the Sabir term ‘nantee’ meaning ‘none’ or ‘not’, which in turn is derived from the Italian term ‘niente’ meaning ‘nothing’ (Bareggi et al., 2010, p. 2118). Baker (2002, p. 183) likewise suggests it is from Italian.
Notes: The term is combined with adjectives and nouns to negate them. For example, ‘nanti polari’ is ‘don’t speak’ (Baker, 2002, p. 183).
Other Forms: nenti, manty, nantee, nanty (alt. spellings and terms).
Sources: (Mayhew, 1861, p. 139), (Emerson, 1893, p. 95), (Hauser, 1962, p. 167), (Baker, 2002, p. 183), (Rodgers, 1972, p. 140), (Milward, 2023, p. 5), (Partridge, 1937, p. 550), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 34), (Green, n.d.).
nelly
Definition: 1. (n.) an effeminate homosexual man
Etymology: Believed to be from the woman’s name ‘Nellie’. Another theory claims it is from Cockney Rhyming Slang for ‘queen’ – ‘nellie dean’ (Puxley, cited in Green, n.d.).
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: nellies (plural), nellie (alt. spelling).
Sources: (Williams, 1994, p. 174), (Baker, 2002, p. 183), (Green, n.d.).
nellyarda
Definition: 1. (v.) to listen
Etymology: Unclear
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: nellyarders (3rd person singular), nellyardaring (present participle), nellyardered (past).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 183), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.970).
nishta
Definition: 1. (n.) nothing
Etymology: Probably from the Yiddish term ‘נישט’ (nisht) which means ‘not’ (Weinreich, 1968, p. 527; Green, n.d.).
Notes: In The Polari Bible (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.970), the term is combined with other terms to create various new meanings. For example, ‘nishta ajax’ is used to mean ‘afar’, and ‘nishta lucoddy’ is used to refer to refer to a soul (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.970).
Other Forms: nish, nishtoise, nishtoisale (alt. terms).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 183), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.970).
nob
Definition: 1. (v.) to collect money from onlookers of a performance, 2. (n.) the collection of money from onlookers of a performance.
Etymology: Unclear
Notes: ‘Nobbing the glazes’ refers to performers attempting to get money from onlookers who are in a building and behind a window (Frost, 1881, p. 307). A ‘nobber’ is someone who ‘nobs’ (Baker, 2002, p. 184).
Other Forms: nobs (3rd person singular – def. 1), nobbing (present participle – def. 1), nobbed (past – def. 1), do a nob (alt. term – def. 1)
Sources: (Mayhew, 1861, p. 135), (Frost, 1881, p. 307), (“The New Sprees”, 1844, p. 18), (Partridge, 1937, p. 226), (Green, n.d.).
nobber
Definition: 1. (num.) nine
Etymology: Baker (2002, p. 184) suggests it is from Italian. In Italian and Sabir, ‘nove’ is ‘nine’ (Bareggi et al., 2010, p. 2125; Corre, 2003, p. 38).
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: nobbers (plural), nobba, novra, say tray (alt. spellings and terms).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, pp. 184 & 189), (Milward, 2023, p. 20), (Partridge, 1937, p. 566), (Mayhew, 1861, p. 140), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 35), (Green, n.d.).
nochy
Definition: 1. (n.) night
Etymology: Baker (2002, p. 184) suggests it is either from Italian or Spanish. In Spanish, ‘noche is ‘night’ (Carvajal et al., 2000, p. 286).
Notes: ‘Bona nochy’ is ‘good night’ (Baker, 2002, p. 166).
Other Forms: nochies (plural), noche (alt. spelling).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 184), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.970), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 35), (Milward, 2023, p. 17).
no flies
Definition: 1. (phr.) honestly, in truth
Etymology: Unclear.
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: no mogue (alt. term).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 162), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.970), (“The New Sprees”, 1844, p. 13).
ogle
Definition: 1. (n.) eye
Etymology: Baker (2002, p. 184) suggests the term comes from the Italian term ‘occhio’. In Italian, ‘occhio’ means ‘eye’ (Bareggi et al, 2010, p. 2131). Green (n.d.) on the other hand believes it came from the English verb ‘ogle’ – ‘to leer’. Another theory is it comes from the Irish Traveller Cant term ‘ogler’ – ‘eye’ (O Haodha, 2006, p. 13). Came into Polari via Thieves’ Cant (Baker, 2002, p. 184; Green, n.d.).
Notes: ‘Ogle riders’ are eyebrows or eyelashes, whereas ‘ogle fakes’ are glasses (Baker, 2002, p. 184). Baker (2002, p. 184) claims the term is also a verb referring to the act of looking ‘longingly at a man’. Furthermore, Milward (2023, p. 39) uses the term as a verb for looking (in general). However, these meanings do not appear in the other sources.
Other Forms: ogles (plural), opal, ogale, ocal, ogler (alt. terms).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, pp. 184-185), (Hauser, 1962, p. 167), (Rodgers, 1972, p. 143), (Milward, 2023, pp. 17 & 39), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 35), (Green, n.d.).
omee
Definition: 1. (n.) man
Etymology: Baker (2002, p. 184) suggests that it may come from the Italian term ‘uomo’. In Italian, ‘uomo’ means refers to a man (Bareggi et al., 2010, p. 2573)
Notes: The term ‘omee’ may carry connotations of heterosexuality in the version of Polari spoken by homosexual men. In The Queens’ Vernacular, the term ‘omee’ is recognised as synonymous with a straight man (Rodgers, 1972, p. 190). In The Homosexual Society, the word ‘homie’ refers to a heterosexual man in page 104, but then simply refers to men in general in page 167 (Rodgers, 1972, pp. 104 & 167).
Other Forms: omees (plural), omi, homie, omey, homey, homee, omer, homa (alt. spellings and terms).
Sources: (Mayhew, 1861, p. 47), (Emerson, 1893, p. 42), (Allingham, 1934, p. 305), (Hauser, 1962, p. 167), (BBC Radio, 1967), (Baker, 2002, p. 184), (Partridge, 1937, p. 587), (O Haodha, 2006, pp. 30 & 35), (Milward, 2023, p. 4), (Green, n.d.).
omee-palone
Definition: 1. (n.) homosexual man
Etymology: Refer to the etymology for ‘omee’ and ‘palone’ in this dictionary. Literally translates to ‘man-woman’ (Baker, 2002, p. 184).
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: omee-palones (plural), omee-polone, homi-polone (alt. spellings and terms)
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 184), (Milward, 2023, p. 5), (Green, n.d.).
oney
Definition: 1. (num.) one
Etymology: Baker (2002, p. 185) suggests it is from Italian. In both Italian and Sabir, ‘una’ is ‘one’ (Bareggi et al., 2010, p. 2573; Corre, 2003, p. 61).
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: oni, una, uno (alt. spellings and terms)
Sources: (Mayhew, 1861, p. 140), (Baker, 2002, p. 185), (O Haodha, 2006, pp. 35 & 41), (Milward, 2023, pp. 4 & 19).
orderly daughter
Definition: 1. (n.) a police officer
Etymology: Unclear
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: orderly daughters (plural)
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 185), (Fairbairn & Eccleston, 2015)
otter
Definition: 1. (num.) eight
Etymology: Derived from a Romance language-based source. In both Italian and Sabir, ‘otto’ is ‘eight’ (Bareggi et al., 2010, p. 2156; Corre, 2003, p. 41). Baker (2002, p. 185) suggests it is from Italian.
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: say dooey (alt. term), otto, otta (alt. spellings).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, pp. 185 & 189), (Emerson, 1893, p. 54), (Milward, 2023, p. 20), (Partridge, 1937, p. 592), (Mayhew, 1861, p. 140), (O Haodha, 2006, pp. 35 & 37), (Green, n.d.).
oyster
Definition: 1. (n.) a mouth
Etymology: Unclear.
Notes: According to Baker (2002, p. 194), ‘make me smile’ translates to ‘turn my oyster up’ in Polari.
Other Forms: oysters (plural)
Sources: (Hauser, 1962, p. 167), (Rodgers, 1972, p. 144), (Baker, 2002, p. 185), (Milward, 2023, p. 18), (Green, n.d.).
palaver
Definition: 1. (v.) to talk, 2. (n.) an argument
Etymology: Baker (2002, p. 185) suggests that the term comes from the Italian ‘parlare’, whereas Green (n.d.) believes it comes from Portuguese traders in West Africa who used the term ‘palabra’. In Italian and Sabir, ‘parlare’ means ‘talk’ or ‘say’, and in Sabir, ‘palabra’ means ‘word’ or ‘speech’ (Bareggi et al., 2010, pp. 2170-2171; Corre, 2003, p. 42).
Notes: In Putting on the Dish (Fairbairn & Eccleston, 2015), the term ‘multi palaver’ refers to a serious argument or confrontation.
Other Forms: palavers (3rd person singular – def. 1), palavering (present participle – def. 1), palavered (past – def. 1), palavers (plural – def. 2).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 185), (Fairbairn and Eccleston, 2015), (Milward, 2023, p. 28), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 35), (Green, n.d.).
palone
Definition: 1. (n.) woman
Etymology: Debated. Amongst a variety of theories, Baker (2002, p. 185) suggests it comes from the 17th century term ‘blowen’ – ‘prostitute’. However, Green (n.d.) suggests it could be from the Italian term ‘pollone’ which is suggested to mean ‘chick’. However, in modern Italian at least, the term ‘pollo’ refers to a chicken, whereas the term ‘pollone’ refers to a root sucker (Bareggi et al., 2010, p. 2220).
Notes: According to Baker (2002, p. 185), the term can also be used to refer to an effeminate man. However, this meaning does not appear in the other sources.
Other Forms: palones (plural), polon, polony, polone, pollone, paloney, polonee, palogne (alt. terms and spellings).
Sources: (BBC Radio, 1967), (Hauser, 1962, p. 167), (Rodgers, 1972, p. 152), (Allingham, 1934, p. 305), (Baker, 2002, p. 185), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 36), (Milward, 2023, p. 28), (Green, n.d.).
palone-omee
Definition: 1. (n.) a homosexual woman, a lesbian
Etymology: Refer to the etymology of ‘palone’ and ‘omee’ in this dictionary. Literally translates to ‘woman-man’.
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: palone-omees (plural), polone-homi, palone-omi (alt. spellings).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 185), (Hauser, 1962, p. 167), (Rodgers, 1972, p. 70), (Milward, 2023, p. 17), (Green, n.d.).
pannum
Definition: 1. (n.) bread
Etymology: Possibly derives from a Romance language-based source (Green, n.d.). In Sabir and Italian, ‘pane’ is ‘bread’ (Corre, 2003, p. 42; Bareggi et al., 2010, p. 2164). Probably came into Polari via Cant (Green, n.d.).
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: pannam, pannan (alt. spellings and terms)
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 185), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.970), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 35).
parker
Definition: 1. (v.) to give, 2. (v.) to pay
Etymology: Baker (2002, p. 185) suggests it is from Italian. In Italian ‘pagare’ is ‘pay’, whereas it is ‘pagar’ in Sabir (Bareggi et al., 2010, p. 2160; Corre, 2003, p. 42).
Notes: ‘Parker the measures’ refers to paying a bill or outstanding debt (Baker, 2002, p. 185).
Other Forms: parkers (3rd person singular), parkering (present participle), parkered (past), park (alt. term).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 185), (Emerson, 1893, p. 47), (Hauser, 1962, p. 167), (Rodgers, 1972, p. 146), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 35), (Green, n.d.).
parkering ninty
Definition: 1. (n.) wages
Etymology: Apparently comes from a combination of the terms ‘parker’ and ‘nanti’ (Green, n.d.). View the entries for ‘parker’ and ‘nanti’ in this dictionary.
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: N/A
Sources: (Emerson, 1893, p. 48), (Baker, 2002, p. 185), (Green, n.d.).
parnie
Definition: 1. (n.) rainwater, 2. (n.) tears
Etymology: Derives from Romani (Green, n.d.). In Angloromani, ‘pani’ can refer to rain or water (Matras, 2010, pp. 205 & 215).
Notes: In the Man-Eating Typewriter (Milward, 2023, p. 18), the term appears to be used as a verb for crying. This meaning does not appear in other sources, however. In Parley with Me (O Haodha, 2006, p. 35), the term ‘panee’ refers to water (in general), lakes and seas. Likewise, these meanings do not appear in the other sources.
Other Forms: parni, parny, parney, parnee, panee (alt. spellings), parnyaqua (alt. term)
Sources: (Mayhew, 1861, p. 139), (Allingham, 1934, p. 305), (Baker, 2002, p. 185), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 36), (Milward, 2023, pp. 35 & 46), (Green, n.d.).
pitch
Definition: 1. (n.) the place where a performance takes place.
Etymology: Unclear
Notes: To ‘queer a pitch’ is to ruin a performance (Frost, 1881, p. 307).
Other Forms: pitches (plural)
Sources: (Frost, 1881, p. 307), (Mayhew, 1861, p. 112), (Partridge, 1937, p. 636).
plate
Definition: 1. (n.) foot, 2. (v.) to fellate
Etymology: Derives from the Cockney Rhyming Slang term ‘plates of meat’ (Baker, 2002, p. 186). Used since the 19th century, the term in Cockney Rhyming Slang is often shortened simply to ‘plates’ (Franklyn, 1975, p. 108).
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: plates (plural – def. 1), plates (3rd person singular – def. 2), plating (present participle – def. 2), plated (past – def. 2), platter (alt. term – def 1.)
Sources: (Fairbairn & Eccleston, 2015), (Milward, 2023, p. 59), (Baker, 2002, p. 186), (Green, n.d.).
pogey
Definition: 1. (adj.) little, small, 2. (adv. or quan.) a little
Etymology: Baker (2002, p. 186) suggests it is from Italian. In Italian and Sabir, ‘poco’ translates to ‘little’ (Bareggi et al., 2010, pp. 2215-2216, Corre, 2003, p. 44).
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: pogier (comparative), pogiest (superlative), pogi (alt. spelling).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 186), (Milward, 2023, pp. 29 & 103), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 36), (Green, n.d.).
polari
Definition: 1. (v.) to talk, 2. (n.) Polari – the system of slang
Etymology: Baker (2002, p. 186) suggests it is probably from the Italian term ‘parlare’. In Italian, the term ‘parlare’ is a verb meaning ‘to speak’, ‘to talk’ or ‘to tell’ (Bareggi et al., 2010, pp. 2170-2171). It can also mean ‘way of speaking’ or ‘speech’ (Bareggi et al., 2010, p. 2171).
Notes: What constitutes Polari or not in the sense of the second definition is not subject to any widely accepted definition.
Other Forms: polaries (3rd person singular – def. 1), polarying (present participle – def. 1), polaried (past – def. 1), palare, parlari (alt. terms and spellings).
Sources: (“The New Sprees”, 1844, p. 3), (Mayhew, 1861, p. 47), (Emerson, 1893, p. 59), (BBC Radio, 1967), (Baker, 2002, p. 186), (O Haodha, 2006, pp. 35-36), (Green, n.d.).
polari pipe
Definition: 1. (n.) telephone, phone
Etymology: See the etymology for ‘polari’. ‘Pipe’ is potentially in reference to the shape of some telephones.
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: polari pipes (plural).
Sources: (Fairbairn & Eccleston, 2015), (Baker, 2002, p. 186).
prad
Definition: 1. (n.) a horse
Etymology: Green (n.d.) suggests that it comes from the Dutch term ‘paard’ – a horse.
Notes: In London Labour and the London Poor (Mayhew, 1861, p. 131), the term refers specifically to a pony.
Other Forms: prads (plural), prag (alt. term).
Sources: (Mayhew, 1861, p. 131), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 36).
pross
Definition: 1. (v.) to ask, want or beg for something (typically an alcoholic drink or money).
Etymology: Unclear
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: prosses (3rd person singular), prossing (present participle), prossed (past), on the pross (alt. term).
Sources: (Frost, 1881, p. 309), (Emerson, 1893, p. 54), (Green, n.d.).
quarter
Definition: 1. (num.) four
Etymology: Baker (2002, p. 186) suggests it is from Italian. In Italian, ‘four’ is ‘quattro’, whereas it is ‘quatr” in Sabir (Bareggi et al., 2010, p. 2280; Corre, 2003, p. 47).
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: quarters (plural), quarterer, quatro, quatra, quator (alt. terms)
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 186), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.971), (Partridge, 1937, p. 676), (Mayhew, 1861, p. 140), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 36), (Milward, 2023, p. 51).
quartereen
Definition: 1. (n.) a farthing
Etymology: Green (n.d.) suggests the term may come from the Italian term for ‘quarter’ – ‘quattrino’ (Bareggi et al., 2010, p. 2280).
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: quartereens (plural).
Sources: (Mayhew, 1861, p. 49), (Baker, 2002, p. 187), (Green, n.d.).
queen
Definition: 1. (n.) a homosexual man
Etymology: Possibly comes from the language of the mollies, who used ‘queen’ to refer to each other (Baker, 2002, p. 187). Back then, the term ‘queen’ usually referred to women with queen-like status (Baker, 2002, p. 187). It could also be used in a similar way to how ‘dear’ is used in some parts of England (Baker, 2002, p. 187).
Notes: Baker (2002, p. 187) notes the meaning differs depending on context and the speaker. For example, Hauser (1962, p. 167) claims the word ‘queen’ refers specifically to an elderly male homosexual.
Other Forms: queens (plural), quean (alt. spelling).
Sources: (Williams, 1994, p. 19), (Milward, 2023, p. 5), (Green, n.d.).
queer
Definition: 1. (v.) to ruin
Etymology: Unclear.
Notes: To ‘queer the pitch’ is to ruin a performance (Frost, 1881, p. 307).
Other Forms: queers (3rd person singular), queering (present participle), queered (past).
Sources: (“The New Sprees”, 1844, p. 14), (Frost, 1881, p. 307), (Green, n.d.).
queer ken
Definition: 1. (n.) prison
Etymology: From Cant (Baker, 2002, p. 188). See the entry for ‘ken’ to see the etymology of ‘ken’.
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: queer kens (plural)
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 188), (Fairbairn & Eccleston, 2015).
quong
Definition: 1. (n.) testicle
Etymology: Unclear
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: quongs (plural)
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 188), (Milward, 2023, p. 20), (Green, n.d.).
reef
Definition: 1. (v.) to feel
Etymology: Unclear. Baker (2002, p. 188) believes it could be from the criminal slang term ‘reef’ – to partially upturn the lining of one’s pocket to steal what is in it). It could also potentially be from backslang (the backwards spelling of ‘feel’) according to Baker (2002, p. 188).
Notes: The term has a sexual connotation, with Baker (2002, p. 188) noting it is typically used in the context of feeling someone’s genitals.
Other Forms: reefs (3rd person singular), reefing (present participle), reefed (past).
Sources: (Hauser, 1962, p. 167), (Baker, 2002, p. 188), (Milward, 2023, p. 113).
remould
Definition: 1. (n.) a sex reassignment surgery
Etymology: Assumingly, to be ‘moulded’ is a euphemism for being born with certain physical characteristics. Therefore, a ‘remould’ refers to ‘correction’ of one’s original ‘mould’.
Notes: In Baker’s (2002, p. 188) glossary, the pronunciation of the term is /riːməʊld/.
Other Forms: remoulds (plural)
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 188), (Fairbairn & Eccleston, 2015).
riah
Definition: 1. (n.) hair
Etymology: Derives from backslang (i.e., the backwards spelling of ‘hair’) (Baker, 2002, p. 188)
Notes: A ‘riah shusher’ is a hairdresser (Baker, 2002, p. 188).
Other Forms: riha (alt. spelling)
Sources: (Hauser, 1962, p. 167), (BBC Radio, 1967), (Rodgers, 1972, p. 172), (Baker, 2002, p. 188), (Milward, 2023, p. 33), (Green, n.d.).
rozzer
Definition: 1. (n.) a police officer
Etymology: Unclear. Though Green (n.d.) claims that it could be from the Romani term ‘roozlo’ which apparently means ‘strong’, or from ‘roussin’ or ‘rousse’ which are claimed to be French terms.
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: rozzers (plural)
Sources: (Emerson, 1893, p. 104), (Allingham, 1934, p. 306), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 37), (Green, n.d.).
rum cull
Definition: 1. (n.) a manager
Etymology: See ‘cull’ in this dictionary. ‘Rum’ is a Cant term which meant ‘excellent’ and is believed to derive from the name of the city Rome which was associated with glory (Green, n.d.). The term ‘rum cull’ possibly came into Polari from Cant (Green, n.d.).
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: rum culls (plural), rumcull (alt. spelling).
Sources: (“The New Sprees”, 1844, p. 12), (Partridge, 1937, p. 713), (Green, n.d.).
salamander
Definition: 1. (n.) a fire-eater
Etymology: Derived from the name of the animal which according to myths and legends is supposedly capable of living in fire (Green, n.d.).
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: salamanders (plural).
Sources: (Mayhew, 1861, p. 113), (Partridge, 1937, p. 723), (Green, n.d.)
say
Definition: 1. (num.) six
Etymology: Derives from a Romance language-based source. In Italian and Sabir, ‘sei’ is ‘six’ (Bareggi et al., 2010, p. 2406; Corre, 2003, p. 53). Baker (2002, p. 188) suggests it is from Italian.
Notes: The term ‘say’ forms the basis of alternative the terms ‘say oney’, ‘say dooey’ and ‘say tray’ which mean ‘seven’, ‘eight’ and ‘nine’ respectively (O Haodha, 2006, p. 37).
Other Forms: says (plural), sa (alt. spelling).
Sources: (Partridge, 1937, p. 729), (Baker, 2002, p. 188), (Mayhew, 1861, p. 140), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 37).
savvy
Definition: 1. (v.) to know, 2. (n.) knowledge
Etymology: Baker (2002, p. 189) suggests it may be from Jamaican English via Spanish or French. Green (n.d.) suggests it came from the French term ‘savoir’. In French, ‘savoir’ is a verb meaning ‘to know’ (Ormal-Grenon et al., 2007, p. 775). In Sabir, the word ‘sabir’ means ‘know’ (Corre, 2003, p. 51). Possibly came into Polari via Cant (Green, n.d.).
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: savvies (3rd person singular – def. 1), savvying (present participle – def. 1), savvied (past – def. 1).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 189), (Milward, 2023, p. 20), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 37), (Green, n.d.).
scarper
Definition: 1. (v.) to escape, to run
Etymology: Green (n.d.) suggests it is from the Italian term ‘scappare’ – ‘to escape’. Baker (2002, p. 189) suggests it is either from Italian or the Cockney Rhyming Slang term ‘scapa flow’ – ‘go’. In Cockney Rhyming Slang, the term apparently began to be used after World War 1 to describe going from a place, being shortened to ‘scapa’ at times (Franklyn, 1975, p. 119). Franklyn (1975, p. 119) does note that the use of the term ‘scarper’ predated the Cockney term, with the original being derived from Italian. (Franklyn, 1975, p. 119).
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: scarpers (3rd person singular), scarpering (present participle), scarpered (past), scapar (alt. spelling).
Sources: (“The New Sprees”, 1844, p. 3), (Mayhew, 1861, p. 47), (Allingham, 1934, p. 306), (Baker, 2002, p. 189), (Partridge, 1937, p. 781), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 37), (Milward, 2023, p. 59), (Green, n.d.).
schinwhars
Definition: 1. (n.) Chinese person.
Etymology: From the French term ‘chinois’ (Baker, 2002, p. 189). In French, the term ‘chinois’ is an adjective to describe something Chinese or a noun for the Chinese language, but can also be a noun for a Chinese person (e.g. ‘un Chinois’ – ‘a Chinese man’) (Ormal-Grenon, 2007, pp. 151 & 561). Baker suggests that the spelling of the term in Polari is influenced by Yiddish (Baker, 2002, pp. 34 & 196).
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: schinwharses (plural), chinois (alt. spelling).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 189), (Fairbairn & Eccleston, 2015).
schlumph
Definition: 1. (v.) to drink
Etymology: Baker (2002, p. 189) suggests it may be from Yiddish. However, which Yiddish term it may derive from is unclear.
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: schlumphs (3rd person singular), schlumphing (present participle), schlumphed (past).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 189), (Milward, 2023, p. 4), (Green, n.d.).
schonk
Definition: 1. (v.) to hit
Etymology: Unclear. Baker (2002, p. 189) suggests it could be from Yiddish. However, which Yiddish term it may derive from is unclear.
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: schonks (3rd person singular), schonking (present participle), schonked (past).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 189), (Milward, 2023, p. 43), (Green, n.d.)
screech
Definition: 1. (n.) mouth, 2. (n.) face
Etymology: Assumingly due people being able to make screeching sounds with their mouth/face.
Notes: In the Man-Eating Typewriter (Milward, 2023, p. 34; Green, n.d.), the term is used as a verb meaning ‘to speak’. This meaning does not appear in the other sources, however.
Other Forms: screeches (plural)
Sources: (Fairbairn & Eccleston, 2015), (Baker, 2002, p. 189), (Milward, 2023, p. 124), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 38), (Green, n.d.).
screeve
Definition: 1. (v.) to write.
Etymology: From a Romance language-based source. In Italian, ‘write’ is ‘scrivere’, whereas it is ‘scrivir’ in Sabir (Bareggi et al., 2010, p. 2397; Corre, 2003, p. 52). Green (n.d.) suggests it could be from Italian.
Notes: The term is also written to mean ‘written material’ by Baker (2002, p. 189). However, this meaning does not appear in the other sources.
Other Forms: screeves (3rd person singular), screeving (present participle), screeved (past).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 189), (Milward, 2023, pp. 4-5), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 38), (Green, n.d.).
setter
Definition: 1. (num.) seven
Etymology: Green (n.d.) suggests it is from Italian. In both Italian and Sabir, ‘sette’ is ‘seven’ (Bareggi et al., 2010, p. 2417; Corre, 2003, p. 54).
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: setta, say oney, seter (alt. spellings), setters (plural)
Sources: (Emerson, 1893, p. 54), (Baker, 2002, p. 189), (Milward, 2023, p. 4), (Partridge, 1937, p. 746), (Mayhew, 1861, p. 140), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 38), (Green, n.d.).
shant
Definition: 1. (n.) a pot (of an alcoholic drink)
Etymology: Unclear. Possibly derives from the term ‘shanty’ which refers to a makeshift house, or the Scots term ‘chanty’ which refers to a chamberpot (Green, n.d.).
Notes: A ‘shant a bivare’ is a pot of beer (Mayhew, 1861, p. 47).
Other Forms: shants (plural)
Sources: (Mayhew, 1861, p. 47), (Emerson, 1893, p. 13), (Green, n.d.).
sharda
Definition: 1. (phr.) what a shame, what a pity.
Etymology: Baker (2002, p. 189) suggests it is from German.
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: N/A
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 189), (Fairbairn & Eccleston, 2015).
she
Definition: 1. (pron.) a pronoun used for men who are (or are suspected to be) homosexual.
Etymology: From the English pronoun ‘she’.
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: N/A
Sources: (Hauser, 1962, p. 53), (Baker, 2002, p. 190), (Milward, 2023, p. 109), (Green, n.d.).
shush
Definition: 1. (v.) to steal
Etymology: Unclear
Notes: In the appendix of Baker’s (2002, p. 190) book, the pronunciation of the term is /ʃʌʃ/.
Other Forms: shushes (3rd person singular), shushing (present participle), shushed (past).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 190), (Milward, 2023, pp. 20 & 37), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 39), (Green, n.d.).
shyckle
Definition: 1. (n.) a wig
Etymology: Derives from the Yiddish term ‘שייטל’ (‘sheitl’) which refers to a wig traditionally worn by Orthodox Jewish woman after they get married (Baker, 2002, p. 190; Green, n.d.; Weinreich, 1968, p. 363).
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: shyckles (plural), shyka (alt. term).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 190), (Fairbairn & Eccleston, 2015), (Hauser, 1962, p. 167), (Rodgers, 1972, p. 180), (Milward, 2023, pp. 43 & 109), (Green, n.d.).
signor
Definition: 1. (n.) an honorific given to men
Etymology: Almost certainly from Italian. In Italian, the term ‘signor’ (for men) when used before a name means ‘Mr.’ (Bareggi et al., 2010, p. 2429).
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: signore (alt. term).
Sources: (Mayhew, 1861, p. 95 & 116), (Milward, 2023, p. 5).
slang
Definition: 1. (n.) a performance, 2 (v.) to perform on stage.
Etymology: Debated. Liberman (cited in Green, n.d.) suggests that it may come from the term ‘slang’ which referred to a narrow strip of land.
Notes: N/A.
Other Forms: slangs (plural- def 1.), slangs (3rd person singular – def. 2), slanging (present participle – def. 2), slanged (past – def. 2).
Sources: (“The New Sprees”, 1844, p. 14), (Mayhew, 1861, p. 130), (Frost, 1881, p. 308), (Partridge, 1937, p. 778), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 39), (Green, n.d.).
slap
Definition: 1. (n.) makeup
Etymology: Assumingly from the idea that people ‘slap on’ makeup.
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: slop (alt. term).
Sources: (Mayhew, 1861, p. 126), (Milward, 2023, p. 103), (Rodgers, 1972, p. 183), (Hauser, 1962, p. 167), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 39), (Green, n.d.).
slobber swing
Definition: 1. (n.) a 360-degree swing on a bar in a circus.
Etymology: Unclear.
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: slobber swings (plural)
Sources: (Frost, 1881, p. 310), (Partridge, 1937, p. 783).
soldi
Definition: 1. (n.) a penny
Etymology: Believed to be from the Italian term ‘soldi’ which is the plural form of ‘penny’ (Bareggi et al., 2010, p. 2442; Baker, 2002, p. 190).
Notes: ‘One penny’ is ‘oney saltee’, ‘two pennies’ is ‘dooey saltee’ etc. (Green, n.d.).
Other Forms: soldi (plural), solde, soldee, saulty, saltee (alt. spellings and terms).
Sources: (Mayhew, 1861, p. 49), (Frost, 1881, p. 307), (Emerson, 1893, p. 27), (Baker, 2002, p. 190), (Partridge, 1937, p. 724), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 39), (Milward, 2023, p. 38), (Green, n.d.).
stamper
Definition: 1. (n.) a shoe
Etymology: Assumingly from an association between shoes and stamping one’s feet. Came into Polari from Cant (Baker, 2002, p. 190).
Notes: Apart from in O Haodha (2006, p. 39), the term is attested in plural form.
Other Forms: stampers (plural)
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 190), (Milward, 2023, p. 17), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 39), (Green, n.d.).
strange
Definition: 1. (adj.) shy, hesitant
Etymology: Unclear
Notes: Baker (2002, p. 172) includes the term within the phrase ‘don’t be strange’, which apparently translates to ‘don’t hold back’.
Other Forms: stranger (comparative), strangest (superlative).
Sources: (BBC Radio, 1968), (Baker, 2002, p. 172).
stretcher-case
Definition: 1. (n.) exhausted
Etymology: Unclear
Notes: Used as a noun as opposed to an adjective in a sentence. For example, you would say ‘I’m a stretcher-case’ as opposed to ‘I’m stretcher-case’ (Baker, 2002, p. 191).
Other Forms: N/A
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 191), (Fairbairn & Eccleston, 2015), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 39).
striller
Definition: 1. (n.) a musical instrument, 2. (n.) musician
Etymology: Believed to be from the Italian word ‘strillare’ (Green, n.d.). In Italian, ‘strillare’ is a verb meaning ‘to scream’, ‘to shout’, ‘to screech’ or ‘to yell’ (Bareggi et al., 2010, p. 2491).
Notes: According to O Haodha (2006, p. 40) and Baker (2002, p. 191), the term ‘strillers omee’ refers to a pianist.
Other Forms: strillers (plural), strill (alt. term)
Sources: (Fairbairn & Eccleston, 2015), (Baker, 2002, p. 191), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 40), (Milward, 2023, p. 19).
swell
Definition: 1. (n.) an aristocrat or high-end person.
Etymology: Unclear.
Notes: In The New Sprees (1844, p. 3; Green, n.d.), the term ‘swell-mobsman’ appears to be used in reference to a ‘leading pickpocket’.
Other Forms: swells (plural).
Sources: (Mayhew, 1861, p. 77), (“The New Sprees”, 1844, p. 3), (Green, n.d.).
tat
Definition: 1. (n.) rubbish (i.e. something that is unappealing, worthless or low-grade)
Etymology: Green (n.d.) suggests it comes from the Hindi term ‘टाट’ (‘tat’) which refers to a strip of canvas.
Notes: The term seems to have slightly variant meanings depending on the source. In Rodgers (1972, p. 194), the term refers to an eyesore, suggesting that the term refers to an object that is visually unappealing. However, in Williams (1994, p. 63) the term is used to refer to a bad dress rehearsal, suggesting that it may not merely in reference to an object which is visually unappealing. These variant meanings have been integrated to refer to anything that is viewed as unappealing, worthless or low-grade. The term ‘tatty’ is used in Williams (1994, p. 11 & 106; Green, n.d.) as an adjective to describe something as shabby or untidy.
Other Forms: N/A.
Sources: (Williams, 1994, p. 63), (Baker, 2002, p. 191), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 40), (Rodgers, 1972, p. 194), (Green, n.d.).
three drags and a spit
Definition: 1. (n.) a cigarette
Etymology: Assumingly a variation of the term ‘three draws and a spit’ which refers to the action of smoking, whereby a ‘draw’ – as Green (n.d.) notes – is a puff. It is also possibly related to the Cockney slang terms ‘spit and drag’ and ‘a spit and a drag’ which were used in the 20th century to refer to the act of smoking (Franklyn, 1975, p. 167).
Notes: The IPA in the appendix of Baker’s (2002, p. 192) book is /ðriː drægz ənd ə spit/.
Other Forms: N/A
Sources: (Fairbairn and Eccleston, 2015), (Baker, 2002, p. 192).
thrummer
Definition: 1. (n.) threepence
Etymology: Most likely came into Polari via Cant (Green, n.d.). How the term came into Cant is unclear, however.
Notes: The term ‘thrums’ superficially appears to be more common in English slang more broadly speaking (Green, n.d.).
Other Forms: thrummer (plural).
Sources: (Emerson, 1893, p. 95), (Allingham, 1934, p. 306), (Green, n.d.).
tober
Definition: 1. (n.) circus showground, fairground, market.
Etymology: Green (n.d.) claims it is from a Romani term of the same spelling which means ‘road’. However, no such term can be found in either Matras’s Angloromani appendix or Romlex’s database.
Notes: In O Haodha (2006, p. 41) the term also refers to a road. However, this meaning does not appear in other sources except for in Partridge (1937, p. 892) whereby the meaning is noted to be ‘tramps” slang rather than being related to entertainment. According to Baker (2002, p. 192) a ‘tober omee’ is a rent collector or landlord, whereas a ‘tober showman’ is a travelling musician.
Other Forms: tobers (plural), tohbar (alt. spelling).
Sources: (Partridge, 1937, p. 892), (Allingham, 1934, p. 306), (Baker, 2002, p. 192), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 41), (Green, n.d.).
trade
Definition: 1. (n.) homosexual sex, 2. (n.) a casual male sexual partner or male prostitute.
Etymology: Assumingly due to homosexual sex historically often occurring in the context of prostitution whereby men would ‘trade’ money for sex. In the 17th and 18th century, the term was a slang term for prostitution (Green, n.d.).
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: N/A
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 193), (Hauser, 1962, p. 167), (Milward, 2023, p. 105), (Green, n.d.).
tray
Definition: 1. (num.) three
Etymology: From a Romance language-based source. In both Italian and Sabir, ‘tre’ is ‘three’ (Bareggi et al., 2010, p. 2554; Corre, 2003, p. 59). Green (n.d.) suggests it is from Italian.
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: trays (plural), trey (alt. spelling).
Sources: (Mayhew, 1861, p. 140), (Frost, 1881, p. 307), (Partridge, 1934, p. 908), (Baker, 2002, p. 193), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 41), (Green, n.d.).
troll
Definition: 1. (v.) to walk, to walk around
Etymology: Unclear. Green (n.d.) suggests it is linked with the French term ‘trôler’ – ‘ramble’. However, Baker (2002, p. 193) suggests it may be derived from an archaic English term.
Notes: The term appears to carry a sexual connotation in some cases. For example, Baker (2002, p. 193) suggests that the term may refer to the act of walking specifically when looking for a male sexual partner.
Other Forms: trolls (3rd person singular), trolling (present participle), trolled (past).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 193), (Milward, 2023, p. 30), (Williams, 1994, p. 78), (Green, n.d.).
two and eight
Definition: 1. (n.) state (of distress).
Etymology: From Cockney Rhyming Slang (Baker, 2002, p. 194).
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: N/A
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 194), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 41), (Green, n.d.).
vacaya
Definition: 1. (n.) machine, device
Etymology: Unclear.
Notes: The meanings of this term vary greatly. In O Haodha (2006, p. 41), the term refers to a record player. In Baker (2002, p. 194), the term refers to either a mobile phone or any device which emits sound. In what is yet another meaning, the term refers to a sewing machine in Milward (2023, p. 37). The term has therefore been integrated to refer to machines and devices more broadly speaking.
Other Forms: vacayas (plural)
Sources: (O Haodha, 2006, p. 41), (Baker, 2002, p. 194), (Milward, 2023, p. 37), (Green, n.d.).
vaggerie
Definition: 1. (v.) to go, to leave
Etymology: From a Romance language-based source. The Sabir term ‘viaggiar’ and the Italian term ‘viaggiare’ both mean ‘to travel’ (Bareggi et al., 2010, p. 2596; Corre, 2003, p. 63). Baker (2002, p. 194) suggests it is probably from Italian.
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: vaggaries (3rd person singular), vaggerying (present participle), vaggeried (past), vagary (alt. spelling).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 194), (Milward, 2023, pp. 55 & 327), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 42), (Fairbairn & Eccleston, 2015), (Green, n.d.).
varda
Definition: 1. (v.) to look
Etymology: Debated. Some argue that it comes from the Italian term ‘vedere’ (Green, n.d.). However, this is dubious as the term ‘vedere’ at least in modern Italian is a verb meaning ‘to see’ as opposed to meaning ‘to look at’, with the term ‘guardare’ meaning ‘to look at’ (Bareggi et al., 2010, pp. 2584-2586; Green, n.d). Green (n.d.) suggests it comes from the Venetian term ‘vardia’ – ‘a look’. Baker (2002, p. 194) implies a potential link to Romani. In Angloromani, ‘vater’ apparently means ‘watch’ (Matras, 2010, p. 215).
Notes: A ‘vardavision’ is a television (Baker, 2002, p. 194). ‘Bona vardering’ means ‘good looking’ (Baker, 2002, p. 166).
Other Forms: varders (3rd person singular), vardering (present participle), vardered (past), vardy, varder, verda, vardo, warda, vada, vardee (alt. spellings and terms).
Sources: (Mayhew, 1861, p. 49), (Emerson, 1893, p. 11), (Hauser, 1962, p. 167), (BBC Radio, 1967), (Partridge, 1937, p. 930), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 42), (Milward, 2023, p. 18), (Rodgers, 1972, p. 206), (Green, n.d.).
vardo
Definition: 1. (n.) a caravan, a wagon
Etymology: From the Romani term ‘vardo’ (Green, n.d.). In Angloromani, the terms ‘vardo’ and ‘varda’ refer to a wagon or cart (Matras, 2010, pp. 182 & 215).
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: vardoes (plural),
Sources: (Allingham, 1934, p. 307), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 42).
vera
Definition: 1. (n.) gin
Etymology: From the Cockney Rhyming Slang term ‘Vera Lynn’ (Baker, 2002, p. 194). It was used in the theatrical profession in the 20th century and drew from the name of the English actress Vera Lynn (Franklyn, 1975, p. 135).
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: N/A
Sources: (Rodgers, 1972, p. 206), (Baker, 2002, p. 194), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 42).
voche
Definition: 1. (n.) voice, 2. (n.) a singer
Etymology: From a Romance language-based source. In Italian and Sabir, ‘voce’ is ‘voice’ (Bareggi et al., 2010, p. 2605; Corre, 2003, p. 63). Baker (2002, p. 194) suggests it is from Italian.
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: voches (plural)
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 194), (Milward, 2023, p. 20 & 55), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 42), (Green, n.d.).
vogue
Definition: 1. (n.) a cigarette, 2. (v.) to light a cigarette.
Etymology: According to Rodgers (1972, p. 207), the term derives from the name of a type of pastel-coloured cigarette.
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: vogues (plural – def. 1), vogues (3rd person singular – def. 2), voguing (present participle – def. 2), vogued (past – def. 2).
Sources: (Hauser, 1962, p. 167), (Rodgers, 1972, p. 207), (Baker, 2002, p. 194), (Milward, 2023, p. 17), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 42), (Green, n.d.).
vonka
Definition: 1. (n.) a nose
Etymology: Unclear. Baker (2002, p. 194) suggests it could be from Yiddish. However, which specific Yiddish term it may derive from is unclear.
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: vonkas (plural)
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 194), (Milward, 2023, p. 20), (Green, n.d.).
wallop
Definition: 1. (v.) to dance
Etymology: Unclear. Green (n.d.) suggests it is potentially from the Walloon term ‘waloper’ which refers to the act of beating linen in water. Baker (2002, p. 195) suggests it may be from the Italian term ‘gallopare’ which he claims means ‘dance on stage’. However, the term ‘galoppare’ at least in modern Italian appears to be a verb referring to a horse galloping, with there seemingly being no term resembling what Baker describes (Bareggi et al., 2010, p. 1885).
Notes: According to Baker (2002, p. 195), the term ‘walloper’ refers to a dancer.
Other Forms: wallops (3rd person singular), walloping (present participle), walloped (past).
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 195), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.972), (O Haodha, 2006, p. 42).
yokel
Definition: 1. (n.) a person from outside the city.
Etymology: Unclear.
Notes: Often carries connotations of being uneducated.
Other Forms: yokels (plural)
Sources: (“The New Sprees”, 1844, p. 4), (Mayhew, 1861, p. 131).
zelda
Definition: 1. (n.) a woman, 2. (n.) a witch
Etymology: Unclear
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: zeldas (plural)
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 195), (Milward, 2023, p. 28), (Greening-Jackson & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2015, p.972), (Green, n.d.).
zhoosh
Definition: 1. (v.) to make something look good
Etymology: Potentially from Romani (Green, n.d.). In Angloromani, the term ‘yuzha’ or ‘yuzo’ means ‘clean’ (Matras, 2010, p. 183). In Welsh Romani, the term ‘žužerel’ is apparently a verb for cleaning or cleansing something (Ambrosch et al., n.d.). Another theory posits that ‘zhoosh’ is an onomatopoeia derived from the sound of someone rushing around (Green, n.d.).
Notes: Baker (2002, p. 195) notes a number of other meanings, including a noun referring to clothes, a noun referring to ornaments, a verb meaning to go away (i.e., ‘zhoosh off’), and a verb referring to the act of swallowing. These meanings do not appear in other sources, however. The term ‘zhooshy’ means ‘showy’ (Baker, 2002, p. 195).
Other Forms: zhooshes (3rd person singular), zhooshing (present participle), zhoshed (past), josh, josh-up (alt. term)
Sources: (Baker, 2002, p. 195), (Milward, 2023, p. 19 & 109), (Green, n.d.).
-ette
Definition: 1. (sfx.) a suffix used to ‘Polarify’ any given noun. E.g. ‘drinkette’, ‘publisherette’ etc.
Etymology: From English. Often carries implications of something being small.
Notes: N/A
Other Forms: N/A
Sources: (Baker, 2002, pp. 59-61), (BBC Radio, 1967).
Details of Primary Sources
A Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English
Eric Partridge was a lexicographer who specialised in English-language slang. Amongst his various works was A Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English, which was published in 1937 and included information on slang terms used in the circus and related contexts. Terms for Boyno Polari’s dictionary have been derived only from terms specifically marked as being either Parlyaree, circus slang or showmens’ slang.
Partridge, E. (1937). A Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English. Routledge and Kegan Paul Ltd.
Cheapjack
Cheapjack is an account of the life of Philip Allingham (the author), who spent his early years in showgrounds as a salesperson. At the end of his book is a ‘Glossary of Grafters’ Slang’, which – owing to being spoken in the showgrounds – contains a number of terms which give insight into the form of Polari spoken in the entertainment industry.
Allingham, P. (with Wheen, F. & Toulmin, V). (1934). Cheapjack. Golden Duck.
Circus Life and Circus Celebrities
Published in 1881 and written by English writer and journalist Thomas Frost, Circus Life and Circus Celebrities details the circus industry as it existed in the United Kingdom during the late 19th century. One section of the book is dedicated specifically to the slang terms used in the circus industry, which – whilst not explicitly mentioned to be Polari – is clearly Polari in some form or another.
Frost, T. (1881). Circus Life and Circus Celebrities. Chatto and Windus.
London Labour and the London Poor, Volume 3
Henry Mayhew was a journalist who wrote a 4-volume series of books titled London Labour and the London Poor. In these books, he details the working lives of various groups of people, with the 3rd volume being mostly dedicated to those in the entertainment industry. Mayhew briefly touches on two systems of slang: the slang used by Judy and Punch performers and mummers’ slang. Both of these systems of slang bear striking similarities to Polari.
Mayhew, H. (1861). London Labour and the London Poor, Vol. 3. W. Clowes and Sons.
Parley With Me: A Compendium of Fairground Speech
Published in 2006 and written by poet and author Micheal O Haodha, Parley With Me is unique amongst this website’s primary sources as it focuses on varieties of Polari spoken in Ireland. Nonetheless, the terms in his dictionary appear remarkably similar to those of other varieties of Polari. In addition to deriving terms from O Haodha’s book, O Haodha provides crucial information not only on the type of Polari spoken in Ireland, but also regarding Polari more broadly speaking.
O Haodha, M. (2006). Parley with Me: A Compendium of Fairground Speech. A.& A. Farmar.
Polari – The Lost Language of Gay Men
Arguably the most significant piece of literature on the topic of Polari, this book was a PhD thesis written by British linguist Paul Baker and published in 2002. Included in Baker’s book is information on the origins of Polari, the history of homosexuality as it pertains to Polari in England, a description of Polari grammar, as well as a Polari dictionary. Boyno Polari would like to give a special thanks to Paul Baker for his research, as his research uncovered a significant amount of information on the topic which would otherwise continue to remain unknown.
Baker, P. (2002). Polari – The Lost Language of Gay Men. Routledge.
Putting on the Dish
Created by filmmaking duo Brian Fairbairn and Karl Eccleston, Putting on the Dish is a short film in Polari which details a conversation between two homosexual men, both of whom gossip about various sexually explicit topics. To those who do not know Polari, it is unclear what they are saying. The film is set in London in 1962, whereby homosexual acts were still illegal, and – as the film touches on – actively prosecuted.
Fairbairn, B. & Eccleston, K. (2015, June 25). How gay men used to speak – A short film in Polari . Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8yEH8TZUsk&t=35s
Round the Horne
Round the Horne is a British comedy show on BBC Radio which existed from 1965 – 1968. It included a segment called Julian and Sandy, which involved two characters (i.e., Julian and Sandy) who were played by Hugh Paddick and Kenneth Williams. As both these characters regularly spoke Polari, Round the Horne is attributed to an increased knowledge of Polari amongst people who were not homosexual.
BBC Radio. (1967, April 30). Julian & Sandy – Bona Bijou Tourette . Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTdTKuSJpok
BBC Radio. (1968, May 19). Julian & Sandy – Bona School of Languages . Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Lyem4h4rZo&t=114s
BBC Radio. (1967, March 12). Julian & Sandy – Bona Soulmates . Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXjYlX9iFMo
BBC Radio. (1965, May 9). JULIAN & SANDY – Fabe Homes . Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzRNQixahxc
Signor Lippo
Signor Lippo follows the story of a street performer by the artist’s name of Don Lippo, who left his factory job and moved to London in order to pursue blackface performances. Whilst the content of the book is distasteful to most people in contemporary times due to its overtly racist themes, the book nonetheless contains dialogue which is invaluable to understanding the form of Polari spoken by performers in the late 19th century.
Emerson, P. H. (1893). Signor Lippo, Burnt-Cork Artiste. His Life and Adventures, Etc. British Library
The Homosexual Society
Created in 1962 between when the Wolfenden Report was created and the Sexual Offenses Act 1967 was passed, The Homosexual Society was a report written by sociologist Richard Hauser for the UK Home Office. It aimed to create a typology of homosexuality, as well as advise the government on how to address homosexuality in British society. By modern standards (at least in LGBT-friendly areas of the world), the ideas found in this report are disagreeable. However, separate from this is a glossary of terms which homosexual men were believed to use at the time. These terms are likewise found in other glossaries of Polari.
Hauser, R. (1962). The Homosexual Society. The Bodley Head.
The Kenneth Williams Diaries
Kenneth Williams was a famous British comedian and actor who played Sandy in Julian and Sandy (see details for Round the Horne for more information on Julian and Sandy). Appearing to have some sort of knowledge and affinity for gay culture, his published collection of diary entries spanning 46 years contain a number of slang terms, including terms which are found in Polari.
Davies, R. (Ed.). (1994). The Kenneth Williams Diaries. Harper Collins.
The Man-Eating Typewriter
Possibly the only published novel to be written in Polari in the 21st century, The Man-Eating Typewriter – written by Richard Milward – tells a fictional story of an anarchist by the name of Novak who plans to destroy what he sees as ‘the establishment’. It uses a rather innovative version of Polari, containing many foreign loanwords which have not traditionally been used. Terms for the dictionary are derived from the first 60 pages of the novel, as well as some terms noted in Green’s Dictionary of Slang (details below).
Milward, R. (2023). The Man-Eating Typewriter. White Rabbit.
The New Sprees of London
The New Sprees of London is a guide published in 1844 for wealthy people in the Victorian era who wished to go to entertainment venues, bars etc. in London. It could be said to be an archaic form of Polari.
The new sprees of London. (1844). H. Smith.
The Polari Bible
Being originally published in 2003, The Polari Bible is a machine translation of the King James Bible using individual words in Polari which would be swapped in place of words originally appearing in the King James Bible. This dictionary derives terms from the glossary of the 7th edition.
Greening-Jackson, T & Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. (2015). The Polari Bible (7th ed.). Larlou Press.
The Queens’ Vernacular
The Queen’s Vernacular is a dictionary of LGBT-related terms. Alongside gay slang terms used in the United States, it contains various terms which are marked as British gay slang. Many of these terms are likewise found in Polari.
Bruce, R. (1972). The Queens’ Vernacular. Straight Arrow Books.
Other Sources
A Dictionary of Rhyming Slang
Seemingly inspired at least in part by the work of lexicographer Eric Partridge, British author Julian Franklyn – who specialises in parapsychology and Cockney slang – first published A Dictionary of Rhyming Slang in 1960. In the book, he included both Cockney slang terms alongside other forms of rhyming slang used by other groups of people in the English-speaking world. This dictionary serves as a source of information regarding terms believed to derive from Cockney Rhyming Slang.
Franklyn, J. (1975). A Dictionary of Rhyming Slang. Routledge & Kegan Paul.
A Glossary of Lingua Franca
In 2003, linguist Alan Corre compiled a glossary of Sabir terms found in nine different sources. This dictionary will use Corre’s glossary as a source of information for words which are believed to potentially derive from Sabir.
Corre, A. (2003). A Glossary of Lingua Franca: Fourth Edition. MINDS@UW. https://minds.wisconsin.edu/bitstream/item/3920/glossary4.pdf
Green’s Dictionary of Slang
Following from the publication of a physical dictionary of English-language slang in 2010, Green’s Dictionary of Slang can now be accessed online. This online dictionary is not being used as a source of terms in itself. Rather, it is being used as a source of context and background information, including what certain words in the primary sources mean, where certain terms can be found within sources, as well as the etymology of different terms.
Green, J. (n.d.). Green’s Dictionary of Slang. https://greensdictofslang.com/.
Modern English-Yiddish Yiddish-English Dictionary
Written by Yiddish professor Uriel Weinreich and published in 1968 as an initiative of the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research (which is widely considered an authority on the Yiddish language), the Modern English-Yiddish Yiddish-English Dictionary serves as a source of information for Polari loanwords suspected to be of Yiddish origin.
Weinreich, U. (1968). Modern English-Yiddish Yiddish-English Dictionary. McGraw-Hill Book Company.
Oxford-Paravia Italian Dictionary
Published by Italian publisher Paravia alongside Oxford University Press, the 3rd edition of the Oxford-Paravia Italian Dictionary serves as a source of information regarding terms in Polari believed to derive from Italian.
Bareggi, C., Bozzo, L., Brocanelli, K., Cendron, D., Giaccardi, E., Martelli, A., Migliorero, S., Mileto, F., Poeta, N., Porporato, S., Seita, A., Selvaggio, S., Turin, A., Toschino, G., Birdsall, S., Dafarra, S., Greenhorn, M., Metzger, K. G., Montegrandi, G. … Cicoira, F. (2010). Oxford-Paravia Italian Dictionary (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press.
Romani In Britain: The Afterlife of a Language
Written in 2010 by linguist and Romani language expert Yaron Matras, Romani in Britain: The Afterlife of a Language details – amongst other things – the origins and history of Romani varieties spoken in Britain, the structure of the language, and the ways in which Romani is used in Britain. The lexical appendix of Matras’ book will be used as a source of information regarding Polari terms which are believed to derive from Angloromani.
Matras, Y. (2010). Romani in Britain: The Afterlife of a Language. Edinburgh University Press.
Romlex
Romlex is a lexical database of various dialects of the Romani language created by linguists Yaron Matras, Peter Bakker & Dieter Halwachs in conjunction with the input of various other people and organisations. It includes a database of the Welsh Romani language, which resembles the form of Romani spoken in England before it lost its distinctive grammatical structures and lexicon. This database has been used to look into the possible Romani origins of certain Polari terms whereby Matras’s 2010 Romani in Britain appendix does not include a given term.
Ambrosch, G., Antaeur, Ž., Bajramovska, I., Bakker, P., Balog, M., Bodnár, Z., Borda, A., Boretzky, N., Cech, P., Čerenkov, L., Chashchikina, O., Chileva, V., Chiline, E., Čonka, P., Elšík, V., Emini, B., Friedman, V., Gabčova, L., Gärtner-Horvath, E. … Zatreanu, M. (n.d.). Romlex. http://romani.uni-graz.at/romlex/
The Oxford-Hachette French Dictionary
Published by Oxford University Press alongside Hatchette Dictionnaires, The 4th edition of the Oxford-Hachette French Dictionary serves as a source of information regarding Polari terms believed to derive from French.
Ormal-Grenon, J., Rollin, N., Rubery, J., Stables-Lemoine, I., Snoeck, M., Grundy, V., Jousse, A., Muller, R., Leigh, A., Curr, A., Bulhosen, P., Cabrolier, C., Haines, M., Jarman, B., Chalmers, M., Correard, M., Bouiller, M., O’Neill, M., Sussel, A. … Hawkins, G. (2007). The Oxford-Hatchette French Dictionary (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.
The Pocket Oxford Spanish Dictionary
Published in 2000 by Oxford University Press, The Pocket Oxford Spanish Dictionary serves as a source of information regarding Polari terms believed to derive from Spanish.
Carvajal, C. S., Horwood, J., McConnell, A., Selby-Smith, M., Cotgreave, A., Hawker, S., Grundy, V., Llompart, A. C., Bossons, M. & Grundy, J. (2000). The Pocket Oxford Spanish Dictionary (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.
Boyno Polari 