Covering the gamut of gayspeak with an irreverent point of view, this guide to gay vernacular explores the gay dialect in all its many flavors, including origins and definitions of terms, along with which segment of the gay community is most likely to use them. It provides a look at the evolution of gay culture and the requisite changes in vocabulary, from the pre-Stonewall era to the Gay Nineties and beyond, and makes the case that language, expecially one born out of secret, coded communication, can tell a provocative and enlightening tale of turmoil, compassion, and fortitude--all done with plenty of laughs.--From publisher description.