Twink (gay slang)
- For other uses, please see Twink.
The label of Twink is used in gay slang to describe an attractive young or young-looking gay male (usually 18-22) with a slender build, a slight muscular physique, and little or no body hair. In some societies the term "chick" is prefered.
Originally, the term referred exclusively to blonds, but among gay people the term has become increasingly inclusive to refer to other young men whose physical features match those principally described above, but are not blond or even Caucasian.
The term can be used in a derogatory and pejorative manner, implying shallowness and lack of intellect. In some cases it is a neutral descriptive term and in others it is a badge of honor. Twinks can include the subsets skaters and surfers and can be contrasted with the jocks and the bears. Closely related is boi, although this generally represents a more feminine look.
The term twink is often modifed by various descriptors such as butch twink, femme twink, Euro twink, or muscle twink.
Origin
The origin of the term is unknown but might be an allusion to the Twinkie pastry, which is golden (blonde) on the outside with cream on the inside, and is pleasantly sweet but with little nutritional value.
There is a backronym that states "twink" stands for "teenaged, white, into no kink," although none of those things are either necessary or sufficient for being a twink.
In some societies, Twink can also mean a younger gay male who has the support/partnership of a older gay male.
References
- Reuter, Donald F. 2006. Gay-2-Zee: A dictionary of sex, subtext and the sublime. St Martin's Press. ISBN 0-312-35427-4
- Rodgers, Bruce. 1972. The Queen's Vernacular: A gay lexicon. Straight Arrow Books. ISBN 0-87932-026-5
- Stewart, William. 1995 Cassell's Queer Companion : A Dictionary of Lesbian and Gay Life and Culture Cassell. ISBN 0-304-34301-3
- Hart, Jack. 1998 Gay Sex: A Manual for Men Who Love Men Alyson Books. ISBN 1-55583-468-X
External links
- Aaron's Dictionary of Gay Terms (warning: explicit content) (includes definition of "twink")
- Matt & Andrej Koymasky Glossary of Gay Slang Terms — T (warning: explicit content) (includes definition of "twink")
- The Twink Code Version 1.12
See also
