Polari

American  

[puh-lahr-ee, paw-] / pəˈlɑr i, pɔ- /

Also parlary

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.

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Polari British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of Polari

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

Example Sentences

The prize was canceled, and Polari vowed to “increase the representation of trans and gender non-conforming judges on the panels.”

From The Wall Street Journal

The Polari Prize's organisers have now said it would not be awarded this year but they hoped it would return in 2026.

From BBC

Founded in 2011, The Polari Prize is open to writers born or based in the UK or Ireland who write about the experiences of LGBTQ+ life.

From BBC

The longlist for the Polari Prize was announced on 1 August, and over the subsequent days several other nominated authors withdrew in protest at Boyne's inclusion.

From BBC

Following Dinan's resignation, the Polari Prize said it "completely understands and respect her decision".

From BBC