Product Description

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #521110 in Books
• Published on: 2006-05-30
• Released on: 2006-05-30
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 256 pages

From Publishers Weekly
In this dictionary of gender and sexuality, Reuter defines words that are sexual, political, playful, hateful and everyday, all brought together under the umbrella of "queer vernacular" or "gayspeak." He does well to include a brief history of gay culture, from the formation of well-known gay communities in port cities (like San Francisco and New York) after WWII, when men and women in the service did not wish to return to their traditional, pre-war gender roles, up to today's "post-gay" era of assimilation, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy and the metrosexual. In a sentence demonstrative of Reuter's use of the vocabulary to illustrate cultural trends, he writes of the diverse gay community of the 1970s: "Queers were not just queens anymore. 'Effies' could be he-men. Homos were women, too, and fairies danced in a rainbow of colors." As Reuter calls himself a linguist in quotation marks, his project is akin to Judith Butler's linguistic discussions in queer theory and analyses of in-group construction, but simplified (some may say oversimplified) in this entertaining reference book.
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About the Author

Customer Reviews

Gaybonics 101


Gaybonics 101


Reuter, Donald F., "Gay 2 Zee: A Dictionary of Sex, Subtext, and the Sublime". St. Martin's Griffin, 2006.

Amos Lassen and Literary Pride

Evidently someone thinks I am not up to task on my gay speak. This is the second book that I have received in less than a week which defines gay terminology. After reading them both, I realize how little I knew and maybe this explains my lousy sex life lately. "Gay 2 Zee" is an excursion into the way gay men speak and the words they use to describe their body parts and functions as well as the activities of which they partake. I now realize that I have been doing all kids of things but just didn't know what to call the activity. I also now know that I will never do those things again without consulting this book first and know that I have my terminology correct (wink).
Not only does this great little book define the terms but it also tells us from whence they came. If ever you wanted to know how you became a pansy, then this is the book for you. How many of you know who "Mary" is? Why are so many men referred to as "Mary"? Who was this "Mary" anyway? Reuter has ideas about that. He says it could be because "Mary" is such a common name and appears in children's stories and nursery rhymes ("Mary, Mary, quite contrary") or that it rhymes with fairy or is there some connection to Mary of the New Testament? It's something to think about, Mary. You have to love this book just for its sheer irreverence.
The book is full of great illustrations--some tacky and some wonderful but they will keep your eyes busy. As Reuter explores our gay dialects and definitions of terms, he gives us all we want to know with a great sprinkle of humor. He further divides the words into the groups of usage--which gay men will use what gay terms. Isn't it nice that we have our own language? I suppose it is called "gaybonics".
"Gaybonics" like any living language is constantly changing and what was in vogue ten minutes ago is no longer acceptable. Look at the term "KY" for example. Does anyone still use KY? Once it was all we had (aside from Vaseline). In this modern age you can go to Wal-Mart and buy your favorite kind of lube and KY is quickly becoming a thing that only Papis use (See papi under P). You can even get Kiwi-Mango flavored lube--the tastes rival Jell-O.
Have you ever heard of Margo Polo? No, that is not a typo--it says Margo Polo. Do not fret; I had no idea what it meant. Margo Polo means a gay man from Italy and since Italy was once Rome, his sexual apparatus is his Roman candle. When Margo Polo hauls out his Roman candle, fireworks are to be seen. (Now that is some informative news--in case you go to Italy).
I know all of you know what morning dew s. But I bet you do not know what morning dew is in "gaybonics". I am telling you--you learn something new everyday. It means gay men still on the prowl after a late night out. So next time you are out until the wee hours, check out the dew. Who knows, maybe you will get lucky--getting done by the dew.
Remember that the next time you go in for a prostate exam that in gay slang, a rectal exam means anal sex and if you have a hot doctor, then beg him for that exam. And let me close with a word of warning. Beware of your "relaced" friends. No, it has nothing to do with silk panties. Relaced means a gay man who has tried to become straight but returns to us, happily accepting who he really is. There is just so much in this book that you can have a look see whenever you want and learn something new. I think it would make a great give away item from Triple A for when you plan that next road trip. Make sure you have plenty of "pipe fixtures" in your suitcase and a copy of "Gay 2 Zee" in your glove compartment. What a fun book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Surprisingly entertaining!
Initially i bought this book believing it would be a humorous addition to my library. Much to my surprise, i found it to be not only entertaining but also well researched and informative. The professionalism Mr. Reuter brings to this work is outstanding. This is a great gift idea, not only for gay and lesbian friends, but anyone who wants to be "in the know" and have a greater command of the English language!