Gayle language

Gayle, or Gail, is an English- and Afrikaans-based gay argot or slang used primarily by English and Afrikaans-speaking homosexual men in urban communities of South Africa, and is similar in some respects to Polari in the United Kingdom, from which some lexical items have been borrowed.

[3][4][5] Gayle originally manifested as moffietaal (Afrikaans: literally, "homosexual language") in the drag culture of the Cape Coloured community in the 1950s.

[3][4][5] Gayle arose for the same reason that most antilanguages develop, to ensure in-group preference in diverse societies.

However it also fulfilled other functions such as to "camp up" conversation, and provide entertainment in a subculture where verbal wit and repartee are highly valued.

More recently, Gayle has experienced a resurgence and increased popularity following the Showmax series Beaulah: Queens Van die Kaap - a 2024 reality TV show that documents the lives and talents of prominent and upcoming drag queens from the Cape Town drag scene.