Friend of Dorothy: Difference between revisions
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The term dates back to a time in the early [[20th century]] when [[homosexuality]] was against the law in both the [[United Kingdom]] and in the [[United States]]. Saying at a social gathering that another man was a "friend of Dorothy" was a [[euphemism]] used for discussing [[sexual orientation]] without other people knowing what you were discussing. |
The term dates back to a time in the early [[20th century]] when [[homosexuality]] was against the law in both the [[United Kingdom]] and in the [[United States]]. Saying at a social gathering that another man was a "friend of Dorothy" was a [[euphemism]] used for discussing [[sexual orientation]] without other people knowing what you were discussing. |
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The origin of the term is unknown and there are various theories. Most commonly it has been linked to the [[film]] ''[[The Wizard of Oz (1939 movie)|The Wizard of Oz]]'' because [[Judy Garland]], who starred as the main character [[Dorothy Gale|Dorothy]], is often noted as a major icon in the gay community. |
The origin of the term is unknown and there are various theories. Most commonly it has been linked to the [[film]] ''[[The Wizard of Oz (1939 movie)|The Wizard of Oz]]'' because [[Judy Garland]], who starred as the main character [[Dorothy Gale|Dorothy]], is often noted as a major icon in the gay community<ref>Urban Dictionary - [http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Friend+of+Dorothy Friend of Dorothy]</ref>. |
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Starting in the late 1980s, on several [[cruise line]]s, gay passengers began approaching ship staff, asking them to publicise gatherings in the daily cruise activity list. As the cruise lines were hesitant to announce such things so blatantly in their daily publications, they would list the gathering as a "Meeting of the Friends of Dorothy". Such meetings have expanded in popularity and frequency over the years. Now, many cruise lines will have multiple "FOD" events, sometimes as many one each night. |
Starting in the late 1980s, on several [[cruise line]]s, gay passengers began approaching ship staff, asking them to publicise gatherings in the daily cruise activity list. As the cruise lines were hesitant to announce such things so blatantly in their daily publications, they would list the gathering as a "Meeting of the Friends of Dorothy". Such meetings have expanded in popularity and frequency over the years. Now, many cruise lines will have multiple "FOD" events, sometimes as many one each night. |
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*[[Friends of Bill]] |
*[[Friends of Bill]] |
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*[http://www.cruisecritic.com/cruisestyles/articles.cfm?ID=188 Cruise Critic on "Friends of Dorothy"] |
*[http://www.cruisecritic.com/cruisestyles/articles.cfm?ID=188 Cruise Critic on "Friends of Dorothy"] |
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==Citations== |
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{{reflist}} |
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[[Category:LGBT argot]] |
[[Category:LGBT argot]] |
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Revision as of 03:10, 28 March 2007
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In gay slang, a Friend of Dorothy is a term for a gay man.
The term dates back to a time in the early 20th century when homosexuality was against the law in both the United Kingdom and in the United States. Saying at a social gathering that another man was a "friend of Dorothy" was a euphemism used for discussing sexual orientation without other people knowing what you were discussing.
The origin of the term is unknown and there are various theories. Most commonly it has been linked to the film The Wizard of Oz because Judy Garland, who starred as the main character Dorothy, is often noted as a major icon in the gay community[1].
Starting in the late 1980s, on several cruise lines, gay passengers began approaching ship staff, asking them to publicise gatherings in the daily cruise activity list. As the cruise lines were hesitant to announce such things so blatantly in their daily publications, they would list the gathering as a "Meeting of the Friends of Dorothy". Such meetings have expanded in popularity and frequency over the years. Now, many cruise lines will have multiple "FOD" events, sometimes as many one each night.
See also
Links
Citations
- ^ Urban Dictionary - Friend of Dorothy
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