Gaudio (1994): No difference in vocal pitch between gay men and straight men.
● Paul Baker, the writer of The Guardian ‘Polari’ article, has spent several years researching the ‘different’ ways and speech of this social group. Research shows that the language is characterised by acronyms, plays on words, double meanings and a range of lexis used that is only intended to be understood by the gay community. Often these words describe the appearance of a man or, more commonly, relate to sexual practices.