Reviews

The Queens' English: The LGBTQIA+ Dictionary of Lingo and Colloquial Phrases by Chloe O. Davis

ljrinaldi's review against another edition

5.0

Most heterosexual people, these days, know the basic terms that are out there. They know what a Queen is. They have seen Ru Paul's Drag race, so they know what drag is as well.

But there are some terms that never come out any further than the gay community itself. There are some

This is so cool. This is not only a dictionary, but also tells where the phrase came from, and who it originated with.

For example, Auntie, which in the straight world, is a term of endearment used for old women of their community, Auntie in the gay world, is a mature, effeminate gay man or transgender woman.

Fascinating study, and I'm so glad that it is here.

Thanks to Netgalleyk for making this book available for an honest review.

xnikkiheart's review against another edition

4.0

Oh my gosh, this book! I felt like I was familiar with a lot of slang and queer words, but this book was so hilarious and insightful with how they presented everything, I didn't even care that I felt like I was reading a dictionary at times. Other moments felt more like an encyclopedia, which I think was the feel the publishers were going for. This isn't something that you'd necessarily read but more of a reference book. In print, it would definitely be a statement piece on your bookshelf or coffee table, where ever.

Thanks to #NetGalley and publishers for the ARC in exchange for a review of #TheQueensEnglish

carleesi's review

3.75

Interesting and historically cool collection of queer words.

The notes were super important for pointing out how some language is historical or problematic unless used by self identification. It was disappointing to not see these discussions extend to fatphobia. There were quite a few fatphobic definitions/ terms that are pro ED and it would have been good for them to be problematised too.

ai_novel_ty's review against another edition

funny informative reflective medium-paced

3.0

tranzkafka's review against another edition

informative lighthearted reflective medium-paced

3.75

i think i expected this book to be more rooted in sociolinguistics/lavender linguistics and the nature of defining queer vocabulary rather than a solely cultural focus, but i had fun with it regardless. it was really thought-provoking to learn how much we owe to Black queer people in lgbt+ vernacular so i'm glad i got to learn about that. i found the extra resources that weren't definitions sometimes helpful when they provided historical context but often a bit distracting from the main focus of the book in defining vocabulary. though the book was graphic designed really well with amazing illustrations, it was quite visually dense and occasionally difficult to read if it was black text on a background with not enough contrast - this made it inaccessible to some readers. also, i found the definition of lesbian to not reflect the experience of many lesbians not actually being women, though i understand historically this is what it has meant and defining identity words is often quite difficult.

readbyashleyd's review against another edition

emotional informative inspiring fast-paced

5.0

Ever wonder where the term yas queen came from? Or as Michelle Visage would say “Do you like gay shit? Then read this book!” It’s such an amazing read, I’m so glad it caught my eye at the bookstore. It provides an A-Z look at queer language and expressions and not only was it informative but also highly entertaining. Some terms I had never heard of or where they came from and getting that background was something I didn’t even know I needed. In some cases I was actually kind of blown away by how certain terms are meant to be used and how much queer culture has been appropriated by mainstream culture. I really loved that they gave examples of usage of each word and warnings when necessary. Highly recommend this “dic-k-tionary” whether you’re queer or an ally. 

heliareads's review against another edition

5.0

I always wanted to read the dictionary from back to front. This probably wasn't the dictionary my five-year-old-self was imagining, but I think it counts.

libraryofretellingsandstars's review against another edition

5.0

"The Queens' English: The LGBTQIA+ Dictionary of Lingo and Colloquial Phrases" by Chloe O. Davis is, a reference guide to everything LGBTQIA+.

I would give "The Queens' English: The LGBTQIA+ Dictionary of Lingo and Colloquial Phrases" by Chloe O. Davis a 5-star review because, 1; the cover is beautiful 2; its a informative novel that is also fun and 3; as a gay person having this reference book is, super useful for myself and others.

charl's review

informative reflective fast-paced

4.5

sharondblk's review against another edition

3.0

Thanks to NetGalley for this review copy of The Queen's English, by Chloe O Davis, a dictionary of terms related to the LGBTQI community. It is beautifully presented and put together, with descriptions, definitions and warnings. Oh yes, the warnings, which are basically "be careful using this language if these are not your people". Very true. I don't want to appropriate another culture's language. In fact, the production of a book like this is part of the gentrification of certain subcultures, some parts of which are quite happy to be joining the mainstream, and other parts who are not. So I don't know who this book for - I feel like "if you know you know" and if you don't know you can't use this language anyway. But it is a very pretty book.