Gay-2-Zee: A Dictionary of Sex, Subtext, and the Sublime [Hardcover]

Donald F. Reuter (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 30, 2006

If you've ever wanted to know the origins of the gay meaning of the word "pansy," the slang term "Twink(ie)," or the phrase, "Mary, don't ask," then  girlfriend, you're in luck. Gay-2-Zee is the absolute go-to-guide (don't call us anything as dull as a dictionary) for all things said from a queer perspective.

 

Lavishly illustrated in two-color throughout, Gay-2-Zee explores the gay dialect in twenty-six sections (one for each letter of the alphabet) with entries that include definitions, provenance and which section of the gay community is most likely to use the term.

 

Gay-2-Zee compellingly makes the case that language, especially a vernacular born out of secret, coded communication, can tell a provocative and enlightening tale of turmoil, compassion and fortitude of the history of homosexuals -- all done with plenty of laughs.

Editorial Reviews

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

Donald F. Reuter has served as creative/art director, designer, illustrator and author on a number of highly praised books including two New York Times bestsellers, Making Faces and Face Forward, both with the late makep artist Kevin Aucoin. He has also written, edited and designed the books Heartthrob, Shirtless and Gaydar. He lives in New York, NY.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (May 30, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312354274
• ISBN-13: 978-0312354275
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,148,701 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Hilarious words to add to your vocabulary, November 13, 2010

By 

J. Johnson (Chicago) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Gay-2-Zee: A Dictionary of Sex, Subtext, and the Sublime (Hardcover)

This book is full of words I've never heard of or used, but learning them and peppering them into a conversation can be a lot of fun. The pictures in the book are a bit odd but its a great book and conversation starter.

5.0 out of 5 stars Very funny and informative, September 20, 2009

By 

Michael Harper "Lover of entertainment" (NC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Gay-2-Zee: A Dictionary of Sex, Subtext, and the Sublime (Hardcover)

If you wanna know what some of the words you might hear on TV or the movies mean, then get this book. Not only that, but learn some new words and find out more about gay culture and where it started. It's a book for anyone with an open mind or a willingness to explore a great and varied community of individuals.

5.0 out of 5 stars Surprisingly entertaining!, July 2, 2006

By 

Allen B "Allen B" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gay-2-Zee: A Dictionary of Sex, Subtext, and the Sublime (Hardcover)

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!