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Polari
EntityQ1359130· pop 20· linked from 515 articles

Polari () is a form of slang or cant historically used primarily in the United Kingdom among the gay subculture, as well as some actors, circus and fairground performers, professional wrestlers, merchant navy sailors, criminals, and prostitutes.

Key facts

Language.name
Polari
Language.nativename
Palare, Parlary, Palarie, Palari
Language.region
United Kingdom
Language.speakers
none
Language.ref
e18
Language.familycolor
creole
Language.family
English-based slang and other Indo-European influences
Language.iso3
pld
Language.glotto
pola1249
Language.glottorefname
Polari
Language.notice
IPA

via Wikipedia infobox

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Article

13 sections
Contents
  • Terminology
  • Description
  • Usage
  • Decline
  • Mainstream usage
  • Legacy and revival
  • In popular culture
  • Glossary
  • Usage examples
  • See also
  • References
  • Bibliography
  • External links

Polari () is a form of slang or cant historically used primarily in the United Kingdom among the gay subculture, as well as some actors, circus and fairground performers, professional wrestlers, merchant navy sailors, criminals, and prostitutes.

There is some debate about its origins, but it can be traced to at least the 19th century and possibly as early as the 16th century. Polari has a long-standing connection with Punch and Judy street puppeteers, who traditionally used it to converse.

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