Polari: The Secret British Slang That Still Talks to Today’s Crowd

If you ever hear a flamboyant phrase like “nailed it” or “varda” in a British show, you’re probably hearing Polari. It’s the colorful, coded language that gay men used in the 1950s and ’60s to chat without worrying about the police or hostile crowds.

Where Polari Came From

Polari isn’t a single invention; it’s a mash‑up of several sources. Theatre slang, Italian cruise‑ship talk, Cockney rhyming, and even some Romani words blended together. Back then, being out was risky, so a hidden language let people say what they meant while staying under the radar.

One classic story is the 1962 TV show That Was the Week That Was, where host Terry Jones tossed out Polari terms on air. That moment turned a secret code into a brief pop‑culture splash, and a few words like “bona” (good) and “omi” (man) slipped into mainstream chat.

Key Polari Words You Might Hear

Below are some of the most common Polari bites. They’re short, easy to remember, and still sound fresh:

• bona – good, fine, great.
• varda – look, watch.
• naff – uncool, tacky (originally meant “not attractive”).
• omi – man.
• zhoosh – to improve or spruce up.
• lally‑gag – a joke or nonsense.

Throw a couple into a conversation and you’ll sound like you’ve stepped out of a vintage London club.

Polari isn’t just nostalgic; it still shows up in drag shows, cabaret, and LGBTQ‑friendly media. The language reminds us that creativity can thrive even under pressure.

Why Polari Matters Today

Beyond the fun words, Polari represents resilience. It proved that a community could carve out a safe space when society said “no.” Modern queer culture honors that spirit by keeping the language alive, whether in memes, music lyrics, or pride‑parade chants.

Learning a few Polari terms also lets you connect with older generations. Many original users are now storytellers, passing down the slang to younger fans who appreciate its history.

Finally, Polari shows how language evolves. New slang constantly emerges online, but the idea of a coded, inclusive tongue stays the same. That’s why you’ll still hear Polari pop up when people want to celebrate queer heritage.

So next time you hear someone say something is “bona” or they tell you to “varda this,” you’ll know you’re hearing a piece of British LGBTQ history speaking right now. Have fun trying out a few words—just remember to keep the vibe respectful and celebrate the creativity that kept the community talking when it mattered most.