Gayle, or Gail, is an English- and Afrikaans-based gay argot or slang used primarily by English and Afrikaans-speaking homosexual men in urban communities of South Africa, and is similar in some respects to Polari in the United Kingdom, from which some lexical items have been borrowed. The equivalent language used by gay South African men who speak Bantu languages is called IsiNgqumo, and is based on a Nguni lexicon.
Gayle originally manifested as (Afrikaans: literally, 'homosexual language') in the drag culture of the Cape Coloured community in the 1950s. It permeated into white homosexual circles in the 1960s and became part of mainstream white gay culture.
Besides a few core words borrowed from Polari (such as the word meaning 'to see', itself a borrowing from Lingua Franca), most of Gayle's words are alliterative formations using women's names, such as for 'beauty', , meaning 'police', and for 'hideous'. Men, especially other homosexual men, are often referred to by female pronouns in some circles, as is the custom among many homosexual countercultures throughout the world.
Gayle arose for the same reason that most antilanguages develop, to ensure in-group preference in diverse societies. However it also fulfilled other functions such as to "camp up" conversation, and provide entertainment in a subculture where verbal wit and repartee are highly valued.
A comprehensive study of Gayle was undertaken by linguist Ken Cage in 2002, and his Master's Thesis was published as "Gayle, the language of Kinks and Queens" (2003: Jacana Media). This book, although out of print now, was the first attempt to publish a history of Gayle, as well as a basic dictionary of the argot.
More recently, Gayle has experienced a resurgence and increased popularity following the Showmax series : , a 2024 reality TV show that documents the lives and talents of prominent and upcoming drag queens from the Cape Town drag scene. Gayle has also seen some vitality on TikTok.
Commonly used terms +Gayle termEnglish translationAbigailabortionAdabum, buttocksAdelea gay person with a reputation for vindictiveness, dangerousAgathaa gossipAida or Aunty AidaHIV / AIDSAmandaamazingAngelakind, helpfulBelindablindBellato bash, to hit, to beat upBetty Bangles or Jennifer Justicehand-cuffs, the policeBetty Boems / KnitsexBelinia or Beulahbeautiful, gorgeous, handsomeBrendato burnBrunhildaexcessively uglyCarolto crycha cha palacediscotheque or clubCherylcheerfulChristinaa gay man who attends churchCillacigaretteCindya young person, teenagerCloraperson of mixed race, "coloured"conchvaginaDaphnedeafDeborahdepressedDelilahdelightfulDianato dieDoraa drink or in a drunken stateDoreen or Dora de la PoėsdrunkDorettesmall drinkEmmaembarrassingEricaerectionEthel, Ola or Olgaelderly, oldFatimafatFeulahfuriousGailto speakGreat Danelarge penisGriseldagrisly, uglyhandbag (or bag)guy, boyfriend, male companion, manHarriet or Wella (after the hair care brand)hair, hairdoHildahideousIrisirritateJellahurry upJessicajealous or insane Joanbitter, gay manJuliajewelryKatrinabum, buttocksKFCsexLauraloverLeonieliarLesley/sleg/sLettielesbianLindaa lie, to lieLizzylazyLucysexually activeLululaughlunchpenis, particularly when showing through trousersVera or Veronicato vomitMarya square, straight-laced, nerdish (as in 'Virgin Mary')MaureenmurderMavis, Gertrude or Gertievery effeminate manMara or MariamthinMilly or MildredcrazyMince, Mina or Mina Mooto walkMoiramusicMonica (Lewinsky)mouthNancy, or nannynoNatalieAfrican personNigelto have sex (likely from Afrikaans naai or neuk)Noranot nice, off, distasteful, naf, ignorant Oliveattractive manPatsya partyPearl or Petuniato urinatePetula Clarkpassed out, unconsciousPersephoneto perspirePoppy or Aunty Poppiepoppers, amyl nitratePriscillapoliceRachelrapeRitarent boySally (Bob)fellatio, oral sexSheila(to) shitStellato steal, stolenSusy / SusansuicideTessato tease (your hair)Tillymasturbate, give someone a 'hand job'Trudietroublevarda or Carlato look atVerato vomitVeronicavoiceVivianvibratorVirginiavirginViswomanWendyCaucasian person Varda that Beulah bag! translates to "Look at that beautiful man!"
See also Lavender linguistics
References