Polari

[ puh-lahr-ee, paw- ]

noun

1. a distinctive English argot in use since at least the 18th century among groups of theatrical and circus performers and in certain gay and lesbian communities, derived largely from Italian, directly or through Lingua Franca.

Polari

/ pɑːˈljɑːrɪ; pəˈlɑːrɪ /

noun

1. an English slang that is derived from the Lingua Franca of Mediterranean ports; brought to England by sailors from the 16th century onwards. A few words survive, esp in male homosexual slang

Word History and Origins

Origin of Polari¹

First recorded in 1845–50; ultimately from Italian parlare “to speak, talk”; parle

Word History and Origins

Origin of Polari¹

C19: from Italian parlare to speak