Twink (gay slang)
- For other uses, please see Twink.
Twinkie, twinkle, or the most common abbreviation twink, is used in gay slang to describe an attractive young or young-looking male, usually of slender build, only slightly muscular, with little or no body hair (often referred to as a "swimmer's build").
Originally the term referred principally to blonds, but among gay people the term increasingly includes other young men whose features are those principally described above, but are not necessarily blond.
Although the term can be derogatory and pejorative, implying shallowness and lack of intellect, it is rarely used in this manner. In most cases, it is more of a neutral descriptive term, and often a badge of honor. Twinks can include the subsets skaters and surfers, and are contrasted with Jocks and Bears. Closely related is Boi, although this generally represents a more feminine look.
Origin
The origin of the term is unknown but might be an allusion to the Twinkie pastry, which is golden (blond) on the outside with cream on the inside, and is pleasantly sweet but with little nutritional substance.
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.
Another possible definition comes from a literal interpretation of Twinkie. Someone is called a 'twink' because they are full of creme. This is based on one is identified as a "twink" because they appear to be young and often virgins.
Twinks Portrayed in General Media
| Actor | Character | Series or Movie |
|---|---|---|
| Charlie Hunnam | Nathan Maloney | Queer As Folk (UK) |
| Randy Harrison | Justin Taylor | Queer As Folk (USA) |
| Harris Allan | James "Hunter" Montgomery | Queer As Folk (USA) |
| Samuel Collings | Tom | Hex (TV series) |
| Sean Hayes | Jack McFarland | Will & Grace |
| Tom Lenk | Andrew Wells | Buffy the Vampire Slayer |
| Christian Campbell | Gabriel | Trick (film) |
| Roger Bart | Roger Bannister | The Stepford Wives |
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 155583468
External Links
- [http://www.mike18.com/ Gay Sex Site
See also
- Homosexuality
- Boi (gender)
- Sexual attraction
- Sexual orientation
- Chest hair
- Chickenhawk (sexuality)
- Secondary sex characteristic
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