Gay Slang Collection
Bōlí. Gay Dictionary (China, Taiwan).
Attention faggot!
The English translation of the Chinese word bōlí (玻璃) is crystal, glass, etc., and since the mid-90s it has been used as a slang term for homosexual men by the LGBT community in China and Taiwan. This slang word comes from the English acronym B.L., which has several versions, like Boy Lover, Boy’s Love, Boys Love. All of them serve to refer to the love between boys, men, etc. BL, which is pronounced “bee” [bi:] “el” [ɛl] or “bê” [pɛ] “êl” [ɛl], began to be replaced at some point by the word bōlí, probably when BL became too well known.
We must bear in mind that in China, homosexual behavior was decriminalized in 1997 and it was not until 2001 when homosexuality was removed from the list of mental illnesses. That’s why jargons and slang, as well as an identity issue, are also a necessity to be able to speak more freely without other people understanding what they are talking about. Probably, the expression “bi el” was replaced by a word as common as bōlí, as it happens in the French jargon Verlan, in which when one expression becomes well known is changed by another.
Bōlí design
The illustration we have made of the word bōlí for the Gay Slang Collection is the typical warning sticker that it is stuck to transport boxes containing glass. Attention bōlí! Attention crystal! Attention faggot! Is the classic vectorial design that we used to do at the beginning, and in which the word was not the main focus of the illustration. There are two versions, one in white and one in red, and if you like it and want to buy it, please note that you must use an appropriate background so the illustration stands out.
Remember that you can buy this design in the online stores that we have selected for you. You have a lot of products to choose from, posters from € 14, shirts from € 19 and much, much more. Treat yourself or surprise some special person with bōlí and its story.
Check our Chinese Gay Dictionary to learn more interesting words and stories or our blog to learn new points of view about human sexual diversity and relevant scientific information.
Know the sexual diversity in China according to Wikipedia
Bōlí. Gay Dictionary (China, Taiwan).
The translation of the Chinese word bōlí into English is crystal, glass, etc., and is used as a gay slang. This Drawing & Story is the typical glass warning, available in white and red, that you can purchase in an original and funny gay shirt, and in many other products.
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