How Do You Spell POLARI?

Pronunciation: [pə͡ʊlˈɑːɹi] (IPA)

The word "polari" is spelled using the phonetic transcription [pəʊˈlɑːri]. The first two letters "po" are pronounced as "p-oh," with the stress on the second syllable. The second syllable contains the vowel sound "a" pronounced as "aa." The third syllable "ri" is pronounced with the vowel sound "a" pronounced as "ar." This pronunciation of "polari" is common in British English accents, and it refers to a slang language used by the gay community in the United Kingdom from the 1950s to the 1970s.

POLARI Meaning and Definition

1. Polari is a unique and historically significant gay slang or cant that emerged in the United Kingdom during the mid-20th century. Originating mainly from marginalized communities and primarily used by gay men, it served as a secret language to communicate discreetly within their own social circles. Polari played a crucial role in creating a sense of identity, fostering solidarity, and evading persecution during a time when homosexuality was heavily stigmatized and criminalized.

   This vibrant and colorful slang incorporated elements from various sources, such as Yiddish, Italian, Cockney rhyming slang, theater jargon, and naval expressions. It featured a distinctive vocabulary of words and phrases, often rooted in malapropisms, invented terms, and humorous innuendos. Polari encompassed not only a way to speak but also a nonverbal language, characterized by elaborate hand gestures and coded body language.

   Within LGBT+ communities, polari functioned as a code that allowed individuals to safely navigate and establish connections in clandestine gathering spaces, such as pubs, clubs, and theaters, despite prevailing societal prejudice and repression. It provided a form of protection and a sense of belonging, enabling its users to express their identities and experiences without fear of discovery or discrimination.

   While the use of polari has diminished over time as attitudes towards homosexuality have evolved, it remains an important cultural and linguistic phenomenon. Recognized for its significant role in LGBTQ+ history, polari continues to be studied and understood as a testament to the resilience and creativity of an oppressed community that found ways to connect, support, and thrive.

Common Misspellings for POLARI

• oolari
• lolari
• 0olari
• pilari
• p9lari
• pokari
• pooari
• polzri
• polsri
• polwri
• polqri
• polaei
• poladi
• polafi
• polati
• pola5i
• pola4i
• polaru
• polarj
• polaro

Etymology of POLARI

The word "polari" comes from a secret language called Polari, which was used predominantly by the gay subculture and some other marginalized groups in the mid-20th century, particularly in the United Kingdom. The exact origin and etymology of the term "polari" are unclear, as the language itself was a secretive form of communication. However, it is believed to have derived from various sources, including Romani language, Italian, Yiddish, Cockney rhyming slang, and Polari itself. Polari was primarily spoken in the underground communities of sailors, circus performers, actors, and gay men, allowing them to converse discreetly among themselves while avoiding detection and understanding from others. The use of Polari declined in the 1960s and 1970s as homosexuality became more open and accepted.