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