Where did the word "Queen" come from ?

Question

As in referring to a "gay" guy. Also, did it have anything do to with the band Queen?

Answer 1

Queen
More rarely, Quean. A derisive term for effeminate male homosexuals that dates to the 19th Century (possibly earlier). Like many derogatory terms, Queen is a nasty insult when used by non-gays, but in some gay circles, the word is used in an affectionate way. Still, many gays dislike being called Queens no matter who does the calling because they resent the implication of effeminacy. Thus, "that Queen" can be an insult or an expression of endearment depending on who says it and about whom it is said.

Like many slang words for homosexuals, "Queen" first acquired a sexual meaning when it was applied to loose women and prostitutes, probably in the 18th Century. As sodomy became more closely associated with effeminacy and prostitution in England, "Queen" gradually came into use for sodomites. By 1900, the word was well established in English slang.

(from http://www.gaysmokeout.net/resource4.html)

Answer 2

No, its been around much longer than the band Queen.

Most likely it started out with 2 old gay men b*tch*ng at each other, yelling "you old Queen, get you *ss in here." Even the Queen Mother, Queen Elizabeth used to say when she rang for tea, "Would one of you old Queen's bring this old Queen a cup of Tea?" No joke. She was always a favorite of mine.

Answer 3

Just working on Katheryn answer above that drag means clothes, I bet the term if from the Shakespearean actors who portrayed the real English Queens on his stage. These were men who dressed as women. They were quite admired by the theatre goers of the time.

Answer 4

According to Wikipedia:
The term drag queen originates in Polari, a subset of English slang that was popular in some gay communities in the early part of the 20th century. Drag meant "clothes", and was also theatre slang for a woman's costume worn by a male actor. Queen refers to the trait of affected royality found in many drag characters.

According to etymology dictionary:
Meaning "male homosexual" (especially a feminine and ostentatious one) first recorded 1924; probably an alteration of quean (female serf, hussy, prostitute- Popular 16c.-17c. in sense "hussy." Sense of "effeminate homosexual" is recorded from 1935, esp. in Australian slang.) in this sense.

Answer 5

Why do you want to know? Does it bother you?

Probably comes from the stereotype that all gay men are demanding, pompous and are arrogant enough to assume they expect to be treated like royalty simply for wanting to suck on penises.

Probably came from the reign of Elizabeth I.

Answer 6

Yes! I think they started that word for gays.

Answer 7

demanding from old guys