knowhomo:Queer Avoidance, Vocabulary, Euphemisms, and the...

knowhomo:

Queer Avoidance, Vocabulary, Euphemisms, and the Language of Lesbians

9 Ways the Early Twentieth-Century Newspaper

Reviewed Broadway Plays & Avoided Saying the “L” Word

“A Twisted Relationship” - New York Times, 1926
“A Warped Infatuation” - New York Times, 1926
“Tormenting Impulses” - World, 1926
“Bondage” - World, 1926
“The Poisonous Serpents Spell of Decadent Women” - Evening News, 1926
“A Cancerous Growth” - Daily News, 1926
“A Monstrous Sexual Perversion” - New York Evening Journal, 1934
“L—N” - New York Herald Tribune, 1934
“A Naughty Word” - New York Herald Tribune, 1934

16 (Ninetieth/Twentieth Century) Euphemisms for Lesbian Relationships

Smashes
Sentimental Friends
Special Friends
Romantic Friends
Two Hearts in Counsel
Love of Kindred Spirits
Boston Marriages
Urningin
Gynander
Viragint
Invert
Contrasexual
Androgne
Moderne
Roaring Girl
Female Adventurer

Lists From:

Richards, Dell. Lesbian Lists: A Look at Lesbian Culture, History, and Personalities. Boston: Alyson Publications, 1990