the queens' vernacular: a gay lexicon
first edition, 1972.
coded and hidden language carries the same complexities as coded and hidden ways of life: the simultaneous need to remain concealed while leaving a mark on the historical record. “the queen’s vernacular: a gay lexicon” by bruce rodgers situates itself at the nexus of these needs, cataloging and illuminating the vernacular of “closet queens of many decades.” published in the 1970s, rodgers offers a historical perspective on queer life from the 1940s to the 1970s through over 12,000 entries, each detailing pronunciation, origins, regional and temporal usage, and contextual examples.
every page delivers gay wit, incisive observations, and a reflection on the significance of language. as rodgers notes, the dictionary emerged from "years of interviews with hundreds of informants" in bars, steam baths, dance halls, public restrooms, and street corners. this work was the first serious dictionary of gay slang.
california: straight arrow books. 4.5 x 8 inches. 265 pages. softcover. bound in paper wrappers. book condition: light shelfwear. light folding to corner of rear wrapper. very good+. Item #554
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