Gay Slang Terms

Bear
A larger, often hairier gay man who embraces a rugged or masculine appearance. Bears have their own subculture within the LGBTQ+ community, complete with events, clubs, and social groups.

Bottom
A gay man (or person of any orientation) who prefers the receptive role during penetrative sex. In slang, it can also describe someone who enjoys being more submissive in bed.

Butch
Traditionally used in lesbian communities, but also seen in gay male slang. Refers to someone who presents themselves in a masculine way, often in dress, mannerisms, and behavior.

Chaser (Chubby Chaser)
A gay man who is attracted to larger-bodied men, often referred to as “chubs.” This term can be neutral or fetishizing depending on how it is used.

Closet (Closeted)
Refers to a gay person (or anyone in the LGBTQ+ spectrum) who has not openly disclosed their sexual orientation or gender identity. Being “in the closet” implies keeping it private due to fear, stigma, or personal reasons.

Chickenhawk
A slang term (often considered derogatory) used to describe an older gay man who is primarily attracted to significantly younger men, typically late teens or those in their early twenties. The term can carry a predatory connotation, so it’s best used with caution.

Daddy
A term often used to describe an older gay man who is confident, experienced, and sometimes financially supportive. Can imply a nurturing role or a dominant/attractive presence in relationships.

Dyke
A reclaimed slang word often used proudly by lesbians, though it was originally a slur. Within LGBTQ+ culture, it can signify strength, visibility, and lesbian identity.

Egg
A term often used in transgender and non-binary communities to describe someone who has not yet realized or accepted their gender identity. In gay slang, it’s occasionally used playfully to describe someone who hasn’t “hatched” into their authentic self yet.

Fag / Faggot
Historically a homophobic slur, but in many LGBTQ+ circles, it has been reclaimed as a badge of pride or identity, especially among gay men. Usage depends heavily on context and who is saying it.

Femme
Refers to a gay man (or queer person) who embraces femininity in appearance, style, or mannerisms. Similar to “butch,” it’s part of a spectrum of self-presentation.

Friend of Dorothy
A coded phrase historically used to discreetly identify as gay. It originated in mid-20th-century America when being openly gay was unsafe. It references Judy Garland’s role as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, as she became a queer icon.

Gaydar
Slang for the intuitive ability to sense whether someone else is gay. Though often joked about, it reflects the subtle cultural cues queer people pick up on in social situations.

Gold Star Gay
A gay man (or lesbian) who has never had heterosexual sex. The term can be used humorously or pridefully, but it may also be seen as exclusionary.

Homo
An abbreviation of “homosexual.” Like “fag,” it has been used as a slur but is sometimes reclaimed in casual or humorous contexts within the LGBTQ+ community.

In the Closet
Refers to someone who has not disclosed their sexual orientation or gender identity to others. Being "closeted" often relates to fear of stigma, family rejection, or workplace discrimination.

Kiki
A term from Black and Latinx queer ballroom culture, meaning a social gathering filled with laughter, gossip, and fun. It can also mean lighthearted conversation or “spilling tea.”

Leather
Refers to a subculture within the gay community associated with leather clothing, BDSM practices, and erotic expression. Often tied to dominance, power, and masculinity.

Lipstick Lesbian
A lesbian who presents herself in a traditionally feminine way. The term highlights the diversity of gender expression within the lesbian community.

Lunchbox
Slang for a man’s bulge in his pants, often used humorously or flirtatiously.

Masc / Masculine
A gay man who presents in a traditionally masculine way, through appearance, behavior, or demeanor. Masc can be contrasted with “femme” and is often used within subcultural contexts.

Meat Market
Slang for a social setting (bars, clubs, apps) where gay men are primarily seeking casual sexual or romantic encounters.

Otter
A gay man who is slimmer than a bear but has some body hair. Otters are part of the bear/otter subculture spectrum and are often seen as a middle ground between twinks and bears.

Pillow Princess
A slang term for a person who prefers receiving sexual pleasure rather than giving it. Can refer to anyone, but is often used in lesbian or queer contexts.

Popper
A slang term for recreational alkyl nitrites, inhaled for a brief head rush and muscle relaxation, often used in gay sexual contexts. It is important to note health risks and legal restrictions depending on the country.

Queer
An umbrella term for sexual orientations and gender identities outside of heterosexual and cisgender norms. Once a slur, “queer” has been reclaimed by many LGBTQ+ people as a symbol of pride and inclusivity.

Rainbow Flag
A symbol of LGBTQ+ pride and diversity, created by Gilbert Baker in 1978. Each color represents a different aspect of community values, such as life, healing, and spirit.

Rugged / Rough Trade
A slang term for a gay man who appears tough, often masculine, and sexually dominant or adventurous. The term can evoke both attraction and danger, depending on context.

Scruff
A gay social media and dating app, as well as slang for facial hair. Often used to describe men who have a rugged, slightly masculine aesthetic.

Top
A gay man who prefers the penetrative or dominant role in sex. Often contrasted with “bottom” and can also imply leadership or assertiveness in the bedroom.

Uncut
Refers to a man whose penis has not been circumcised. The term is often used in sexual or pornographic contexts to describe physical appearance.

Versatile (Vers)
A gay man who enjoys both the top (penetrative/dominant) and bottom (receptive/submissive) sexual roles. Versatility can be situational or preference-based.

Wilcard / WOC
“Wildcard” or “Woman of Color” in some LGBTQ+ contexts. “Wildcard” may refer to someone unpredictable in social or sexual situations; “WOC” highlights intersectional identities within queer communities.

Twink
A young, slim, and often smooth (hairless) gay man. Twinks are typically associated with youthful energy and appearance.

Bear / Big Bear
Refers to larger, often hairy gay men who embrace rugged masculinity. Bears are celebrated in subcultures for body positivity and community.

Zaddy
A slang term for an attractive, confident, stylish older man who exudes sexual and social charisma. The term has been popularized in gay and pop culture.