Idioms

a friend of Dorothy

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a friend of Dorothy

euphemism, old-fashioned A homosexual. Refers to Judy Garland, who played the character Dorothy in the 1939 film adaptation of The Wizard of Oz and became a gay icon in the 1960s. Even as far as we as a people have progressed, it can still be extremely difficult—dangerous, even—for people to admit they are a friend of Dorothy in certain parts of the country. I don't think anyone was too surprised when I came out as a friend of Dorothy. A: "Sheila, I really don't think you're his type. Like, really." B: "Are you saying he's a friend of Dorothy?"

See also: friend, of

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

a friend of Dorothy

a homosexual person. informal euphemistic

The expression alludes to Dorothy Gale, the young heroine of Frank L. Baum's The Wizard of Oz ( 1900 ), played in the 1939 film version by Judy Garland , who later became a gay icon.

See also: friend, of

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

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References in periodicals archive

These facts will help you understand the slogan and philosophy behind this year's Iris Prize Festival: You don't have to be a Friend of Dorothy to be a Friend of Iris.

One thing in common with these films ... they're all wonderful pieces of cinema; Box Office arts & entertainment The Iris Prize Festival, which celebrates the best in gay and lesbian film from around the world, returns to Cardiff next week. With a pounds 25,000 prize up for grabs, chair of the jurors, Elan Closs Stephens, reveals the aims of the event

Beloved daughter of the late Annie and Joe, much loved cousin of June and Jack and a very dear friend of Dorothy, Jane and Sue.

The mouth came straight out of the Exorcist and the fella with her must have been 'a friend of Dorothy's'.

The rollers were hanging down

For decades phrases like "friend of Dorothy" were pillars of the secret code of the closet.

Musicals and the gay gene. (last word)

Dot replies: "People say I look 20 years younger when I sing." Simon adds: "I'd say 40." The other judges agreed, despite ribbing Simon for being a "friend of Dorothy" - a euphemism for being gay.

THE OAP FACTOR; Dot, 83, passes audition ..with a shopping trolley

WE MAY be out of the World Cup, but there's something for every footy-loving friend of Dorothy out there.

"You've heard the phrase friend of Dorothy? My mother was Dorothy."

Much loved dad of Stuart, Sandra, Denise and Jacqui, a loving father-in-law, grandad, great-grandad and a dear and loving friend of Dorothy. Funeral Tuesday, March 9, friends please meet for service in St.

So, how can you check that the bloke you've had your eye on for ages isn't a friend of Dorothy. Or, more to the point, a boyfriend of Dave?

Man talk #44: THE GAYDAR - It's handbags at dawn as Token Bloke thinks pink

Vogel wrote the first act, the '50s-set "A Friend of Dorothy," about an emerging lesbian (played by Brittany Murphy) who is discharged from the Navy after she's caught in an "alternative" bar.

Uncommonly grounded

"So that confirms it, he is a friend of Dorothy's."

You couldn't be a "friend of Dorothy" before Dorothy existed.

Somebody wasn't gay, he was "a friend of Dorothy." Happy souls would tell you he was "festive." Gloomier friends would describe him as being "in the life." Perhaps he "liked show tunes." Queenier types were solemnly described as "a member of the royal order of the lavender."

Breaking the code

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