Wordplay
Chicago’s shadow homosexual world of the 1930s was so well developed that participants devised their own cant. Professor Ernest W. Burgess compiled a “Glossary of Homosexual Terms.” Among them:
Auntie—Older queer, or one who acts old
Belle—Any homosexual person; one who is usually aware of his condition
Bitch—Term for homosexuals, usually among themselves
Blind—Homosexual traveling with a girl, or who marries to conceal his condition
Chorus moll—Type of young homosexual who is effeminate, uses rouge, lipstick, dresses foppishly
Dirt—Persons, often trade, who blackmail or rob homosexuals. Usually picked up in public places
French—Fellatio
Green—Homosexual who is ignorant of his condition; average person who is ignorant of homosexuality
Marjorie—Homosexual who is affected, flirty, very effeminate, “sweet and lovely”
Miss Lesbos—Term applied to lesbian girl
Party—Sexual act; usually involves fellatio
Tea room—Public toilet
Trade—One who will permit homosexuals to have sexual relations with him, usually for money
–L. F.