The Queens' English: The LGBTQIA+ Dictionary of Lingo and Colloquial Phrases

by Chloe O. Davis

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

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.

Genres: Nonfiction, LGBT, Queer, Reference, History, Queer Lit, Language

336 pages, Hardcover

First published February 2, 2021

Reviews

[Gerhard · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, what a gorgeous book! I received a Netgalley PDF from publisher Clarkson Potter to review, but this is definitely the kind of text best appreciated as a tactile object. Such books are also great to display prominently in the bathroom, so that when you have any guests, friends (or family) over who are even vaguely homophobic, they get constipation instead.

Also, what immediately endeared me to Chloe O. Davis is her correct, and cheekily irreverent, use of the apostrophe in ‘The Queens’ English’. Place the apostrophe on the other side of the ‘s’, of course, and you probably end up with a protocol manual for HRM. Girl, this one is much more fun!

My only quibble is that this is billed as a dictionary of ‘lingo and colloquial phrases’. It is that, but so much more. A lot of the words and phrases are derived from the sciences (philosophy, politics, psychiatry, economics), and the majority have to do with gender and sexual classification.

The remainder of the words, and this is definitely where the colloquial lingo bit comes into play, seem to describe, venerate or disparage (and sometimes all three at once) a bewildering array of sex acts, not to mention euphemisms for coitus and organs of congress (Horatio’s comment comes to mind: ‘There are more things in heaven and Earth / Than are dreamt of…’)

Davis explains that the long gestation for this book was her personal research into the complexities of her own sexual identity. “Learning new words like ‘demi’, ‘bi’ and ‘flexible’ gave me labels that identified the fluidity of my attraction to others,” she says, which is testament to how empowering language can be. Of course, language is a double-edged sword as it is also used to pigeon-hole people.

So the end result is that Davis now identifies as a ‘biromantic demisexual bisexual’. If that phrase has just made your head spin like Linda Blair, hopefully without spraying pea-green soup all over the place, then you definitely have to read this book (‘read’ is a bit of a misnomer, as it is ideal to dip into whenever you have a spare moment). The best way to educate people about these admittedly complex and often contentious and emotionally-laden concepts and nuances is if you make it fun and topical, which this book has in spades.

In a section entitled ‘Who Are You?’, Davis states that “Society has been conditioned to understand gender and sexuality in a binary way. The LGBTQIA+ community represents the dynamic idea that our gender, sexuality, and outward expression are layered and complex.”

So who are YOU? Below are some ideas from this amazing book:

BIPOC, European, Gay, Aromantic, QPOC, American, Lesbian, Femme, QTPOC, Immigrant, Dyke, Butch, QWOC, First-generation, Fag, Masc, WOC, Second-generation, Homo, Futch, MOC, Disabled, Hetero, Monogamous, POC, Able-bodied, Flexible, Non-monogamous, Blaqueer, Genderqueer, Fluid, Polyamorous, Gaysian, No label, Flux, Kinkster, Asian, Null gender, Straight, Dominant, Asian and Pacific Islander, Agender, Asexual, Submissive, Latinx, Gender nonconforming, Bisexual, Mommi, Latina, Nonbinary, Pansexual, Daddy, Latino, Transgender, Polysexual, African, Trans man, Homosexual, Hispanic, Transmasculine, Heterosexual, Jewish, Trans woman, Homoromantic, White, Transfeminine, Heteroromantic, Black, Man, Biromantic, Native American, Woman, Panromantic, Indigenous, Androgynous, Polyromantic

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you SO MUCH NetGalley for allowing me this ebook copy to review.
I will be pre-ordering the hardcover copy of The Queens' English for myself and will be gifting this to friends and family throughout the year!

The Queens' English is a glossary of words, terms, and phrases used in the LGBTQ+ community. This reference guide is as vibrant and colorful as the language itself. I love so many things about this. First, the eye catching way each page is put together, like a typical glossary with term and definition but also with information about where the term originated and often further insight into the origins and background. It offers little snippets on how the word or phrase is used and which community it originated from.

From the publisher:


Not only was I able to learn what the queens on Rupaul's Drag Race was talking about when they use the term "boots" but I also learned the terms for different genders and sexual identities and what they mean. This information is presented in an effortless and fun way but it offers an opportunity for a better understanding of how important the lingo is. Many of these words and phrases had been used in the past to demean people in the LGBTQ+ community but have been reclaimed by them and are now used to empower. With some terms, it is still inappropriate for those outside of the LGBTQ+ community to use those words because of the painful history.

Along the way - there are longer passages discussing important facts about the LGBTQ+ community such as the History Lesson about the Ballroom Scene that gives an insightful look at where many of these terms originated.



My review cannot begin to do this wonderful book justice. I can't recommend this highly enough. Pre-order it today. Gift it to a friend.

"Tens! Tens across the board!!"

[farith]

a de alfa, altura, alien
b de bandida
c de coqueta
d de dinamita
e de expensiva, emperatriz, enigma, enterada
f de flux aeon
g de guapa
h de hondura
i de inteligencia artificial
j de jineta
m de motomami, motomami, motomami, motomami, motomami
n de ni se te ocurra ni pensarlo
o de orquidea
p de patrona
q de que reinona
r de racineta, racineta, rango, racineta, rango
s de sata
t de titanica
u de ultrasonidos
v de vendetta
w de willie colon, de winterfall tambien
x de te despejo la x en un momento
y de yenes, de yantas
z de zarzamora, o de zapateao, o de zorra tambien.

[Deedi Brown (DeediReads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Come indulge in The Queens’ English, the dictionary for all of us, whether you’re cis or trans, masc or femme, vanilla or kink, on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum or just a super-ally to the rainbow family. This language is a celebration of our queer culture and helps us explore the fluidity and complexity of human experience.”

My first exposure to The Queens’ English was a digital advanced reader’s copy provided to me by the publisher via NetGalley. Within moments of opening the file, I knew I needed to own this one in print. So I immediately preordered it. And I’m so glad I did. Look at it! It’s colorful and fun and very obviously crafted with so much love.









People have raised the (good) question of who this book is truly for. After all, the people who use the language it defines probably don’t need a dictionary, and those outside the LGBTQIA+ community probably shouldn’t use most of it, because cultural appropriation. (That’s all super true.) But personally, I’ve always been a big fan of the idea of dictionaries as time capsules. Language is absolutely incredible, and it’s constantly shifting and changing however we need it to. Language is also powerful, cultural, meaningful. I love that this book exists to capture all of that for the LGBTQIA+ community at this moment in time.

It’s also packed with so much context, advocacy, history, and more. There is truly a delight on every page. Buy a copy!

[Ashley Daviau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever wonder where the term yas queen came from? Or as Michelle Visage would say “Do you like gay shit? Then read this book!” It’s such an amazing read, I’m so glad it caught my eye at the bookstore. It provides an A-Z look at queer language and expressions and not only was it informative but also highly entertaining. Some terms I had never heard of or where they came from and getting that background was something I didn’t even know I needed. In some cases I was actually kind of blown away by how certain terms are meant to be used and how much queer culture has been appropriated by mainstream culture. I really loved that they gave examples of usage of each word and warnings when necessary. Highly recommend this “dic-k-tionary” whether you’re queer or an ally.

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly I have to say it’s a little bit strange reviewing what is essentially a dictionary. However, it was an interesting read.

Like all other dictionaries, it will be a work of it’s time, with changes in language making it obsolete at some point, but I do think the way this has been put together means that it will act as a glossary for LGBTQ+ and others alike. The definitions are clear and easy to understand. There are examples, quotes and suggestions to make you think where terms aren’t so common.

I think it does a good job of acknowledging the heritage of a lot of the terms, as well as any ambiguous or derogatory uses. The illustrations break things up a bit too.

I’m not sure I’d recommend reading this in a linear one sitting kind of manner like I did. I think it would best be read in small chunks, or as most dictionaries, when you’re looking for help with a particular term.

I hope this book will be used by many in the future.

I received an e-ARC via Edelweiss+ in exchange for an honest review.

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great colorful, comprehensive dictionary of LGBTQ+ words, phrases, anagrams and more. It's informative, thorough and fun, and will answer questions readers may not feel comfortable asking elsewhere. Examples are given of how to use each one in conversation, which are often delightfully cheeky. I would recommend pre-reading it to gauge suitability for younger readers, as it understandably does cover somewhat explicit subject matter at times. Well recommended.

I read a temporary digital ARC of this book via NetGalley.

[Ije the Devourer of Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

A solid five stars.

This is more than a dictionary. It is actually a companion guide and an excellent reference book.

It is a guide to contemporary gay slang, and various terms and that are used within and outside
LGBTQIA+ culture. If you want to understand some of the current terms used in discourse on gender, sexuality and LGBTQIQ+ issues then this is the guide book for you.

It is quite easy to be puzzled when seeing people use new terms. Cis, gender queer, trans etc. These are used everywhere but what do they actually mean? This book explains various terms and also shows their origin, how they are used and the meaning.

I enjoyed going through this book and found all the definitions to be quite helpful. I particularly liked the explanations of the different terms and their origins. I have always wondered about the term 'bye Felicia' and what it means and where it has come from. Now I know a bit more.

The best aspect of this book is the coloring and the graphics. I also enjoyed the different sections on aspect of gay history as well.

Well worth having a hard copy and so I bought one.

Copy provided by publisher in exchange

[Sineala · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm honestly not sure who is the target audience for this book, as it's a glossary that is probably too explicit for kids/teenagers, is in large part already going to be familiar to queer adults, and has a focus on ballroom culture (but not an exclusive focus on ballroom culture), so if you just wanted to know what ballroom slang is like, you'd have to go through the entire rest of the queer 101 entries. On the other hand, this book has a whole lot of five star reviews so clearly the target audience must have found it. It's just not for me.

It's also not sourced enough to be useful from a lexicographical standpoint, because if you want, say, first attested use of anything, it is definitely not that kind of dictionary. At most it tells you what subculture a word is from. And if you are genuinely someone who wants to know what words are or aren't acceptable these days, I don't know why you would purchase this in book form when it is likely to become outdated and there is a lot of similar information available on the internet.

I'm glad someone is finding it useful, though.

[Лайма · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fact that the first dictionary of queer English lingo is written by a Black queer woman just feels so right. And she did a fantastic job too! The thematic bits (like the lesbian spectrum and various history lessons) are understandably succinct, but also provide a needed buffer between the many definitions. However, there are a few things which stood out to me as a bit weird:
— "carry" does not have the ballroom definition that is most often used (as in "You carried!", not "You got carried");
— "dressed to the nines" is most definitely a phrase that most people use, not just the queer ones;
— "Some people might find the term "enby" offensive". Why? Are we getting offended at being called by our gender identity now?
— "The term Female-to-Nonbinary and Male-to-Nonbinary may be considered outdated". "Nonbinary" itself is barely 5-10 years old (in the popular use), how can it possibly be outdated?
— the example sentence under "male": "The term ‘male’ is inclusive. Just because someone who identifies as a man has a uterus or vagina, doesn’t mean they aren’t male." Maybe that's just me, but I think it's the other way around — "male" is a biological term and "man" is a more inclusive one that accounts for the person's gender identity;
— there are definitions of WSW and MSW, but none for the widely used WLW:
— Elliot Page is deadnamed which, given the book's publication date, is not the author's fault, but it just goes to show how quickly all of this may age.

Overall, though, I had a really great time with this, learned some new words and expressions and just felt genuinely happy that our language gets recorded (by a member of the community!) and treated with the respect that it deserves.

[Belle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing! This is the ultimate reference guide to the LGBTQIA+ community, filled with almost every term or phrase you could think of that has come out of and helped make a part of LGBTQIA+ history.

The book is incredibly well organized. Under each definition, it specifies what community the vocabulary word originated out of, whether that be the lesbian/gay community, the trans community, the ballroom/drag community, or the black queer community. So it’s really handy to see where each word originated from and also illustrates just how many words in the LGBTQIA+ lexicon originated from both the drag and black queer communities and just how massively these communities have contributed to the language of the larger LGBTQIA+ community today.

Alongside each definition, there are other helpful tidbits such as whether the word has since been deemed outdated or offensive or whether it could potentially still be considered hurtful to others despite it being reclaimed by some members of the community, while always reminding the reader to ask one’s personal preferences first before using a certain word. Throughout the book there are also illustrated mini-history lessons, guides, and educational sections that delve into other topics like trans people and pronouns, different forms of gender expression, and more, which is a really nice touch and only add to how expansive and informative this book is.

My one critique I would have for this book: Elliot Paige’s deadname is printed. Considering how much this book devoted to trans visibility, I’d like to hope that the author or publisher didn’t have any ill intentions and that this was merely a matter of unfortunate timing and not being able to edit this book in time before its release. I’m willing to give them the benefit of the doubt for that. But just a fair warning going in. Also, there’s an illustration of Ellen in this book. Again, I’m going to assume this was just a timing issue, but I couldn’t help but think, “Yikes, this didn’t age well...” when I saw it 😂

Overall I thought this was a fantastic, comprehensive reference guide showcasing the contributions that the LGBTQIA+ community has made to language, history, subcultures, and to better understanding and communicating the myriad ways we are able to identify and express ourselves through gender and sexuality. This is definitely a must-have to put on your queer/LGBTQIA+ shelf!

[Masha Kaiser · Rating 3 out of 5]

Digital copy made available by Netgalley.

The Queen's English covers a broad variety of terms related to the LGBTQ+ community both directly (e.g. sexuality and gender) as indirectly through queer culture. The entries are short and concise, give examples, and don't fail to acknowledge intersectional backgrounds like AAVE.

That being said, I question what target audience would read an get full use out of this. Most entries don't go beyond what you find online. If you don't have the safe space to read up online, you probably don't have the safe space to have this book at hand.

Additionally, and that might be because I'm reading a digital version, the layout and colour choice makes it hard to read, ranging from casual eyesore to illegible. This especially affects the themed pages, which is sad because they are a special feature to explore larger topics.

3.5/5 for generally good content, I give it the benefit of the doubt that it might look better in physical. Not more than what it says on the tin, not less.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great concept, perfect title, beautifully rendered book... but... maybe it should be a website? Like, no one needs to actually own this. No one is going to use this over a Google search and I think this book missed an opportunity to do something BEYOND a dictionary. There are a few inserts of "more info" type sections, but I felt it needed more. Some oral history maybe? Or select essays on background and evolution of certain words and phrases? Personal anecdotes that illuminate the concepts? I know that wouldn't be, technically, a dictionary, but to really enjoy this book, it does actually need to be more than a dictionary. It's such a beautiful book, but other than its appearance, there isn't enough to it. Closer to a 2.5, but rounding up because the book itself is so beautiful.

[Jules Tollett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was outstanding! I loved the way that Davis was able to include such diverse terms in such a genuine and hilarious manner, while also maintaining the importance of using and understanding these words.

I think that as a queer person, having handbooks such as this is extremely important, as it can serve as a tool to help educate yourself and even others around you. As Davis says, language is constantly changing, and having resources such as this book can be beneficial in a variety of ways. I also loved the way that Davis included so many illustrations along with their definitions, as it really made the book a lot more interactive.

This book is an excellent tool for so many people that touches bases on so many different parts of queer culture. I think that more books like these should be available to younger people and older people alike, whether they’re queer or straight. Overall, I really enjoyed Davis’ work, and am happy to have gotten a copy of this from NetGalley.

[eveline williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was really cool, the illustrations were incredible and it was a very comprehensive and well researched dictionary, which was also extremely accessible to a public audience. Only reason it is 4 stars and not 5 is because it is repetitive and for an entertainment and sitting down to read for fun point of view it hasn't got as much to offer as a novel or poetry etc, but it is literally a dictionary and that is not a bad thing or a criticism at all, and as a dictionary and educational tool I would 100% give this 5 stars. I'd very highly recommend this to anyone wanting to know more about gay culture and the LGBTQIA+ community no matter your own sexual or gender identity.

[Emma Goldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

It might have taken me nearly a year, but this book is worth it. Every home needs a dictionary, and my home now has an LGBTQ+ dictionary to sit beside my 2 volume shorter Oxford, which, for some unknown reason, doesn't contain a lot of the words in The Queen's English, and even less of the definitions!

[Arthur · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 point .... 8? This is a great resource (and actually gets the definitions for asexuality / aromanticism right!!) but there's just one little (major) thing:

When defining a word that is / could be derogatory or offensive, or that has been appropriated from another culture, this book is very good about including a usage note that warns of that. I just want to be clear that I'm not complaining about the inclusion of words that have been / are slurs, etc.

AND YET--when defining and discussing "gold star" "silver star" "platinum" "PURE" ??? (they really straight up fucking called it *pure* with no note or discussion or anything) they drop the usage note for no identifying reason, except what?

Y'all forget trans people exist?

Y'all really forgot about rape victims?

Didn't even want to say anything about compulsory heterosexuality?

For literally every other term that could possibly be offensive or outdated, this book actually was very good about including a usage note stating that, and then casually and unironically decided to define gays who haven't had sex with someone of different gender as PURE.

No mention whatsoever about the biphobia, the superior attitude, the fact that some people didn't CHOOSE to WILLINGLY ""have sex"" with a different gender, that transgender people exist and L/Gs bragging about how they would !!NEVER!! fuck us, the societal pressures of compulsory heterosexuality, any leeway given for ever questioning or being unsure of your identity--

Nah. Fuck all of us.

If you say the phrase "gold star gay" out loud and can't understand how that inherently (and often deliberately) ranks some gay men and lesbians above others, and how that just miiiiiight be like. gee, idk Jill. super fucking problematic?? Idk what to tell you

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

From Abigail (never had heard of this one before) to Zaddy (also never heard of this one), here is a complete dictionary of terms and lingo for the LGBTQIANP2+ newbies, oldies and allies.
The book is treated like a dictionary in terms of the word, spelling, origin, definition and example, showing off 800+ words.
Most words specify usage notes in the origin so as to be as PC as possible.
Interspersed throughout are some more in-depth history about queer history as well.
The real-life examples are often very humorous.
Finally, the book contains 2 pages of resources, supporting LGBTQIA+, if education or aide is needed.

The colorful black and rainbow book is an honest must-have for allies and a good one for recently out or questioning individuals.

[Quinn Arruda]

Honestly, I wasn't impressed. The example phrases tended to be awkward, the book seemed to be padded with unnecessary terms and definitions, and some necessary terms went undefined or underexplained. For example, "boobs" is included and defined, while the entries "metoidioplasty" and "phalloplasty" just said "see bottom surgery".

[Zada Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been searching for books and materials I believe will be the best resources for LGBTQueer-ies’ readers when I came across this book by Chloe O. Davis. And it has surpassed all my hopes for it.

The author, Chloe O. Davis, has done us all a massive favor by brilliantly compiling hundreds of terms connected to and used by the LGBTQ+ community. With this book, there is no longer any excuse to proclaim you don’t understand what your queer kids or friends are talking about.

This book is one I will revisit repeatedly. It is a reference book for anyone wanting to better understand the culture and unique vocabulary surrounding LGBTQ+ folks. Each entry (a term or phrase) includes much more than a mere definition. Synonyms, usage suggestions, and even historical references are included for most of the words and phrases that are listed.

The author has made it especially easy to use as well. The entire tome is organized alphabetically so if you hear a term or phrase you want to know more about it’s simple to look it up.

And I have to comment on the beautiful aesthetic of this book. From the gorgeous rainbow cover to the small silvery, glittery binding, this book grabs your attention immediately. Then you open it and the colorful graphics all throughout makes learning any of these terms fun and fabulous.

I really enjoyed reading through The Queens’ English. As a parent to a transgender young man, this book is invaluable to me. It provides me a way to better understand a group my son identifies with. It has taught me many things I previously had no clue about. And it’s prompted some fantastic discussions with my son and his friends.

This book will never be placed on a bookshelf and forgotten in my house. It prominently stays out on the coffee table in the hopes that any visitor will see it and ask questions. And thanks to Chloe O. Davis, the answers to those questions will be inside.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

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"). THE QUEENS' ENGLISH is as much a glossary as it is a dazzling art book, boasting colorful and engaging art and illustrations on every page by Troy Lambert and contributors Cassandra Fountaine, Mark Uhre and Shanee Benjamin.

Davis does not merely define words and phrases--she offers "Usage Notes" that warn readers about terms that are considered derogatory, as well as slurs that have been reclaimed by the community. She also gives readers stories about the origins of the words. The reclaimed terms "bull dyke" and "bull dagger" can be traced back to the Black lesbian community in the 1920s Harlem Renaissance, where these terms were embraced by lesbian blues singers Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith. The 1970s ballroom culture originated "work," "fierce," "shade" and "read." The dismissive signifier "Bye, Felicia" originated in the 1995 film Friday. The book also sprinkles longer pieces throughout, like "History Lessons" (covering gays in the military, HIV/AIDS, Stonewall, etc.) and "What's My Gay Type?" (find the correct label for your body type, from "bear" to "twink"). There's even an instructive sidebar on how to tuck (for men) or bind (for women) when dressing as the opposite sex.

With the breezy, fun and informative THE QUEENS' ENGLISH, no one need ever confuse "kai kai" (sex between two drag queens) and "kiki" (gathering for gossip and conversation). They can sashay away and pick up a copy of this sickening xtravaganza!

This beautifully illustrated dictionary of LGBTQIA+ words and phrases and their origins is informative, fun and indispensable.

[Favorite Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Queens’ English by Chloe O. Davis is THE official LGBTQIA+ Dictionary and is A MUST-HAVE!

GO. GET. THIS, BOOK— trust me! GO. GET. THIS. BOOK!

This title is an illustrated glossary of over 800 terms, with real-life examples and history of ALL LGBTQIA+ history, identities and culture. This dictionary solely explores LGBTQIA+ communities and exploring key moments in intersectional queer history, various queer spectrums, and is packed with history!

From Agender, Lesbian, Gay, Non-binary, Questioning, Two-spirit, Bi-sexual, Butch, Polylove, Gender non-conforming and Trans-identifying narratives to the immeasurable illustrated lingo and colloquial terms— this book honestly doesn’t miss or exclude any communities under the rainbow.

My favorite portion of this book is the “usage notes.” These are insightful blurbs to provide the origin of terms and how to appropriately use specific terms.

This book is perfect for any reader looking to become a better ally, refine their support or gain a better understanding of the queer community— this book is for you.

I definitely suggest this title as a must-have for your home library.

The author is also a Hampton University grad and a Black Queer Woman doing the damn thing! Add this title to you PTA To-Read-List, gift this title to your loved one, suggest this title at your public, local or academic library.

Whatever you do— Go. Get. This. Book.

[Chalice Mathioudakis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything I hoped it would be. Including historical references and contexts, giving credit to the communities and sub-communities where terms originated, and disclaimers for derogatory and contextually derogatory words. I laughed. I reflected. I quizzed my own knowledge as I went along.

Davis notes in the beginning of the book that labels may be used to categorize and divide us, but how we express our identity and our spectrum of attraction for others is really what unites us. This had me reflect on how various queers feel about our ever expanding terminology. Some folks feel pigeonholed by labels, and others feel connected through them. I think it’s equally important to acknowledge that any term limits expressing ourselves in our fullness, but there’s also value in having these terms, words, slurs to be ABLE to communicate and express ourselves. All forms of self-expression are beautiful. Whether that includes grounding ourselves in one strong label, stringing together a constellation of words to better express, or renounce labels altogether and express in other ways. All are beautiful.

Familiarity with the language helps though. And I couldn’t think of a queer term that Davis didn’t include. A great resource, and I hope she creates updated versions in the future.

[alexander shay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I came across this title at work and had to check it out, to see how much I didn't know about the community. A lot, it turns out. But most of it centres around ballroom and drag culture, which I'm not a part of so that makes sense. I appreciate that David includes usage notes so you learn where the terms came from, since many also come from QTBIPOC sources, and also that some may be outdated/derogatory. I confess I didn't read the book cover to cover, since it is a dictionary, but I did read all the terms and their definitions, and the little history segments. The pages on 'types of gay' and 'the lesbian spectrum' were both interesting and entertaining. I was surprised to see the wrong flag used for pansexual though, and the definition for omnisexual in the text is not what I've learned about the identity.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most heterosexual people, these days, know the basic terms that are out there. They know what a Queen is. They have seen Ru Paul's Drag race, so they know what drag is as well.

But there are some terms that never come out any further than the gay community itself. There are some

This is so cool. This is not only a dictionary, but also tells where the phrase came from, and who it originated with.

For example, Auntie, which in the straight world, is a term of endearment used for old women of their community, Auntie in the gay world, is a mature, effeminate gay man or transgender woman.

Fascinating study, and I'm so glad that it is here.

Thanks to Netgalleyk for making this book available for an honest review.

[Bash · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to thank Netgalley for giving me an advanced copy of this beautiful and so valuable dictionary in exchange for my honest review.


The queen’s english is a dictionary where you could find some terms that are used in the LGBTQ+ community.

This is a book that any person MUST read because it really shows some terms that I didn’t even know that existed, and some that are very useful, this also explains with some examples and even got the opposite words of every term for you to get it better.

I even wish I could have this book in my hands because I know that someday I will forget some of these terms and I will need them.

Basically this is Ten’s across the board (5 stars in Goodreads) and I will love this and it’s fully necessarily.

[Sharondblk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for this review copy of The Queen's English, by Chloe O Davis, a dictionary of terms related to the LGBTQI community. It is beautifully presented and put together, with descriptions, definitions and warnings. Oh yes, the warnings, which are basically "be careful using this language if these are not your people". Very true. I don't want to appropriate another culture's language. In fact, the production of a book like this is part of the gentrification of certain subcultures, some parts of which are quite happy to be joining the mainstream, and other parts who are not. So I don't know who this book for - I feel like "if you know you know" and if you don't know you can't use this language anyway. But it is a very pretty book.

[Carmel · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are like me and hear a few slang words that you have to use urbandictionary.com to figure out, you may like this book.

Fantastic as a reference guide, maybe not so much for light reading. This book is an honest dictionary, a list of words defined, words that you may or may not find as well defined elsewhere (like the internet). There is also a cultural appropriation guide and a usage guide to help you know when (mostly when to not) use the words.

Readers with LGBTQIA+ family, friends, neighbors, and students (so, everyone) will benefit from knowing the contents of this book or, at a minimum, having this book at hand. Know lots of words and know lots of ways to use them.

Highly recommended.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

This brand new book by Chloe Davis is a wonderful resource in getting to know the terminology frequently used in the LGBTQ communities. Like any other dictionary, this book takes you letter by letter through some of the key terms and phrases of the LGBTQ community, providing an illustrated glossary, examples of word usage or origins, as well as real-life examples of usage in sentences. In addition, the book contains historical lessons about people, places, and events that have shaped the queer community and its language. This is a very helpful resource for anyone who has friends or family who are in the LGBTQ community and who wishes to better understand and communicate effectively with them. And, it contains some good humor along the way. :)

[Carianne Carleo-Evangelist · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting read. It's an A-Z dictionary of some of the less common words and phrases in the LGBTQ+ lexicon. I actually wish the author would have gone for quality over quantity as I'd have loved more on the etymology of some terms, rather than just that they originated in X culture/scene and would have loved some more on the regional, generational use of some terms. We know that "Boston Marriage" is dated, but are there current terms that Boomers would use but GenX don't, etc.. Did appreciate the author notes as to which had been reclaimed, and which hadn't as so many have complicated histories and usages.

I wish the Kindle edition had made better use of being an e-b0ok so that the see-also notes went to the cross references rather than having to use the search.