Code Words For Lesbianism In Classic Films

lesbianIf you hear any of the following words or phrases used to describe a female character in a movie made before 1970, odds are good that they’re trying to tell you about a lesbian, a real shadows girl, someone who prefers the hour just after dusk, a gal with her own library card.

Improbable

Unlikely

Curious

Irregular

Oho

Fond of her health

Peculiar

Glasses

Inquisitive

“Pays her own way”

Well-read

Mysterious

Independent-minded

lesbian2Pocketbook

Scholarly

Incurable

“She keeps her hands in her pockets”

Resourceful

Standoffish

Uninvited

Companionable

“Carries plenty of spare change”

A real pal

Unaccountable

A shirts-and-trousers female

Busy

“Carries her own purse”

Confidential

Marvelous

Uncanny

Contralto

Financially secure

Unfriendly

lesbian3Private

Remarkable

Solitary

Loyal

Singular

Artistic

Unsympathetic

Reluctant

“She kisses backwards”

Sturdy

Outdoorsy

“She’s an evening girl, fond of the twilight hours”

Tight-lipped

Devoted

Civic-minded

Energetic

Steady-handed

Alert

“Stands up on a night train”

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11 Comments

  1. Guest

    wonderful story, thank you for sharing. Doctors don't give odds any more, though.

  2. Halloween Jack

    "Goddamnit, when am I gonna learn not to smile at the crazy-eyed ones when I stamp their books?"

  3. femmefan1946

    There are several gay characters in the Lucia books, including Georgie Pillson and Major Benjy. The only reason any of the women seem to wish to marry is to one -up their friends.
    Quaint Irene is the most sensible of the lot. (And the opera singer, whose name I have forgotten.)

  4. femmefan1946

    Women in Sensible Shoes is the name of a Canadian comedy troupe. Not all are gay but all are hilarious.

  5. OrmondroydChronicles

    There's something Bogart-ish about the line "She kisses backwards." I can just picture it, with a glass of rum in one hand and a cigarette in the other scowling "Well let me tell ya, kid, she kisses backwards behind yella teeth."