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
Here’s a fascinating account of ‘The Captive’, the first play mentioned here.
Now to track down all these plays.