Throughout history, languages have emerged not just as tools for communication, but as powerful symbols of resistance, culture, and community. Among these, Polari stands out uniquely. Born from the theatrical world of the 16th century, adopted by sailors, and later becoming the clandestine tongue of the gay community in 20th-century Britain, Polari was more than just words. It was an emblem of identity, a shield against prejudice, and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Dive into its captivating journey from the stages of old to the streets of London.
What is Polari?
Polari is a form of cant slang that was spoken in Britain, primarily by gay men, during the 20th century. It was a secret language, a badge of identity, and a protective cloak against a society that was, at the time, deeply prejudiced against homosexuality.
But to truly understand Polari, we need to trace its roots back through history.
The Theatrical Origins
Polari’s beginnings are believed to be in the entertainment world of the 16th century. Travelling performers, circus folks, and actors used a form of slang to communicate with each other without their audience understanding. This was known as “Parlyaree” or “Parlary”, derived from the Italian word “parlare” meaning “to talk”.
As these performers travelled, they picked up words from Romani, Lingua Franca, Yiddish, and other sources, enriching the vocabulary of Parlyaree.
From The Sea to the Streets
By the 18th century, many of the words from Parlyaree had migrated into the language of London’s criminal underworld and the docks. Sailors, many of whom had also been associated with the entertainment industry, adopted and adapted the language. It was during this period that Parlyaree began its transition to Polari.
Polari and the Gay Community
In the 20th century, with homosexuality being illegal in Britain until 1967, many gay men sought a discreet way to communicate. Polari, with its secretive nature, provided the perfect vehicle. It allowed gay men to identify each other, share experiences, and even flirt without the fear of being understood by the wider society.
Words like “vada” (to see), “naff” (bad, drab, or heterosexual), and “bijou” (small) became part of the vernacular of a community that was, at the time, living in the shadows.
Broadcasting Polari to the World
Perhaps the most unexpected chapter in the history of Polari is its brush with the mainstream media. In the 1960s, the BBC aired a radio show called “Round the Horne”, which featured two characters, Julian and Sandy, played by Kenneth Williams and Hugh Paddick. These characters often conversed in Polari, introducing the secret language to millions of listeners.
While the show played a role in popularizing Polari, it also marked the beginning of its decline. As the language became more widely recognized, it lost its function as a secret code.
The Decline and Legacy of Polari
After the decriminalization of homosexuality in 1967, the need for a secretive language diminished. By the 1980s, Polari was largely forgotten, remembered only by older generations and fans of “Round the Horne”.
However, the legacy of Polari is still felt today. It remains a powerful symbol of resistance, identity, and community. Many words from Polari have found their way into mainstream English slang.
A Modern Revival?
In recent years, there’s been a renewed interest in Polari. Scholars, linguists, and members of the LGBTQ+ community have sought to document and preserve the language. There are now Polari dictionaries, apps, and even workshops that teach the language.
For many, learning Polari is a way to connect with a rich and vibrant history, to remember a time when speaking your truth required a secret language, and to celebrate how far society has come in terms of acceptance and understanding.
Conclusion
The story of Polari is one of adaptation, resilience, and community. It serves as a poignant reminder of the lengths to which marginalized communities will go to protect themselves, find kinship, and assert their identity. In a world of over 7,000 languages, Polari stands out as a testament to the power of language to shape, and be shaped by, the human experience.
