Gayface
Reference
Definition
Gayface is slang for an appearance that someone interprets as visibly or stereotypically homosexual, often associating effeminacy with men or masculinity with women. It can also refer to a straight person portraying a caricature of a gay person.
Quick Facts
| Term | Gayface |
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What does gayface mean?
Gayface describes an apparent or stereotypical look that someone associates with homosexuality. The expression is often based on gendered stereotypes, such as perceived effeminacy in men or masculinity in women.
The word can also describe a straight person portraying a caricature of a gay person. In this sense, it refers to the portrayal rather than to someone’s actual sexual orientation.
How gayface is used
Gayface is an uncountable slang noun. It can appear in phrases such as “he has gayface” or “in gayface.”