Description

Book Synopsis

A landmark reference guide to the LGBTQIA+ community's contributions to the English language-an intersectional, inclusive illustrated glossary featuring more than 800 terms created by and for queer culture.

With a foreword from Paula Akpan


Do you know where "yaaaas queen!" comes from? Do you know the difference between a bear and a wolf? Do you know what all the letters in LGBTQIA+ stand for?

The Queens' English is a comprehensive guide to modern gay slang, queer theory terms, and playful colloquialisms that define and celebrate LGBTQIA+ culture. This modern dictionary provides an in-depth look at queer language, from terms influenced by celebrated lesbian poet Sappho and from New York's underground queer ball culture in the 1980s to today's celebration of RuPaul's Drag Race.

The glossary of terms is supported by full-color illustrations and photography throughout, as well as real-life usage examples for those who don't quite know how to use "kiki," "polysexual," or "transmasculine" in a sentence. A series of educational lessons highlight key people and events that shaped queer language; readers will learn the linguistic importance of pronouns, gender identity, Stonewall, the Harlem Renaissance, and more.

For every queen in your life-the men, women, gender non-conforming femmes, butches, daddies, and zaddies-The Queens' English is at once an education and a celebration of queer history, identity, and the limitless imagination of the LGBTQIA+ community.



Trade Review
A fun, engaging and comprehensive guide... Every time I opened the book I learned something new, enjoying turning the pages of this celebration of queer theory -- Eric Page * Gscene *
A must for better understanding queer culture, especially the contributions of Black and Latinx trans people to pop culture at large. * Library Journal Review *
Chloe Davis's delightfully informative, succinct, helpful and playful dictionary of more than 800 LGBTQIA+ words and fabulous phrases is truly 'sickening' (defined within as 'astonishingly impressive'). * ShelfAwareness *

The Queens' English: The LGBTQIA+ Dictionary of

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    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Fri 19 Jun 2026.

    A Hardback by Chloe O. Davis, Paula Akpan

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      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of The Queens' English: The LGBTQIA+ Dictionary of by Chloe O. Davis

      Publisher: Vintage Publishing
      Publication Date: 17/06/2021
      ISBN13: 9781529110401, 978-1529110401
      ISBN10: 1529110408

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      A landmark reference guide to the LGBTQIA+ community's contributions to the English language-an intersectional, inclusive illustrated glossary featuring more than 800 terms created by and for queer culture.

      With a foreword from Paula Akpan


      Do you know where "yaaaas queen!" comes from? Do you know the difference between a bear and a wolf? Do you know what all the letters in LGBTQIA+ stand for?

      The Queens' English is a comprehensive guide to modern gay slang, queer theory terms, and playful colloquialisms that define and celebrate LGBTQIA+ culture. This modern dictionary provides an in-depth look at queer language, from terms influenced by celebrated lesbian poet Sappho and from New York's underground queer ball culture in the 1980s to today's celebration of RuPaul's Drag Race.

      The glossary of terms is supported by full-color illustrations and photography throughout, as well as real-life usage examples for those who don't quite know how to use "kiki," "polysexual," or "transmasculine" in a sentence. A series of educational lessons highlight key people and events that shaped queer language; readers will learn the linguistic importance of pronouns, gender identity, Stonewall, the Harlem Renaissance, and more.

      For every queen in your life-the men, women, gender non-conforming femmes, butches, daddies, and zaddies-The Queens' English is at once an education and a celebration of queer history, identity, and the limitless imagination of the LGBTQIA+ community.



      Trade Review
      A fun, engaging and comprehensive guide... Every time I opened the book I learned something new, enjoying turning the pages of this celebration of queer theory -- Eric Page * Gscene *
      A must for better understanding queer culture, especially the contributions of Black and Latinx trans people to pop culture at large. * Library Journal Review *
      Chloe Davis's delightfully informative, succinct, helpful and playful dictionary of more than 800 LGBTQIA+ words and fabulous phrases is truly 'sickening' (defined within as 'astonishingly impressive'). * ShelfAwareness *

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