Polari is a 'secret language' used for over a century by gays, actors, theatrical people, Romani, sailors and various types of criminals. They used it to hide what they were saying in front of 'normal' people or undercover police. Have you ever heard of this language?

In the 1960s when homosexuality was still illegal the comedy radio show 'Round the Horne' featured two camp gays called Julian and Sandy who spoke in Polari. That is where I discovered it and found that it is quite easy to learn. The BBC did not understand what they were listening to at the time. At least some of them didn't understand it! Have you ever heard of Round the Horne or Julian and Sandy?

Since gays are more open about their sexual preferences, they choose not to use Polari as much because they feel it is old-fashioned and perpetuates harmful stereotypes. Below is a sample of Polari words: Man Omi Woman: palone Look (varda your lovely old eek: look at your lovely face) Riah: hair esong: Nose plates of meat: feet lallies Legs Slap: Makeup Do you find this survey interesting?