How 'fruity' went from a slur to reclaimed gay slang
The word "fruity" has been used for decades as slang to describe queer people, particularly gay men.
In Season 17 of RuPaul's Drag Race, contestant Suzie Toot wore a piece modeled after 16th-century Spanish breeches for the "Who Wears Short Shorts" category. On it, she proudly had the word "Fruity" sewn over her butt in a font that matched the timeframe the piece was modeled after, but a bold statement as she walked away.
While some embrace "fruity" with humor and pride — it's a whole category of memes online — others view it as a relic of coded language that carries a history of mockery and discrimination.But where did this term come from, and why has it endured? The answer lies in a complex blend of linguistic evolution, cultural shifts, and social perception.
Let’s take a look at that evolution and discuss how much of it—if any—is still relevant in 2025
The origins of fruity as queer slang
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The connection between queerness and fruit dates back to at least the 19th century. According to linguistic research, "fruit" was once used to describe someone eccentric, lively, or flamboyant. It was thought to originate in Britain as a reference to the fruitcake, which commonly contains nuts, which is another term used to describe mentally insane people. Since homosexuality was (and in some places still is) viewed as a mental illness, it's thought that "fruit" came from something like "nutty fruitcake."
Thoughts on fruity? 🥝 #learnontiktok #tiktokpartner #berriesandcream #lgbtq #gaytiktok
By the early 20th century, the term took on a more pointed meaning, often used to belittle men who didn’t conform to traditional masculinity.
Dr. Ann Monis, a clinical and forensic psychologist at Medical Anti-Aging, explains that "fruit" became an easy metaphor because of its association with sweetness and softness—traits historically linked to femininity.
it’s something about her wink 😖 @dojacat
“As society became more rigid in its expectations of masculinity, language was used to reinforce those norms,” Monis tells PRIDE. "By the mid-20th century, the word ‘fruit’ and ‘fruity’ were commonly used to mock men who were perceived as too delicate or expressive.”
How fruity became both an insult and an identity
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While the term was originally a slur, members of the LGBTQ+ community have a long history of reclaiming language. "Fruity" is no exception.
In certain queer spaces, particularly among gay men, it became a tongue-in-cheek way to describe one another. In the same way that terms like "queer" and "fairy" were initially used to degrade but later embraced, "fruity" found its place in self-expression.
Send this to a fruity friend!!! #lol #fyp #fruity #games #cowboy #gay #fypシ
Sofie Roos, a licensed sexologist and relationship therapist at Passionerad, tells PRIDE that “the term is still considered offensive by some, especially when used by straight people, but within the LGBTQ+ community, it can be used playfully.” She compares it to other identity-specific terms, like “twink” or “butch,” which serve as descriptors that carry both personal and cultural weight.
WOAH 😨😨 (were both fruity) #Bf #relationship #fruity #meme #flop #viral #fyp #gay #erm #real #relateable
Online, however, the rise of straight men "claiming" their "fruity side" has also been met with mixed reviews, with some thinking it's a move toward acceptance and others thinking it's a form of gaybaiting or internalized homophobia.
Straight boys are a little fruity #gay #theboys #fruity #homies #bro
Others, however, have been more open and accepting to straight men accepting their more "fruity" side as a means of moving toward inclusivity.
Why do so many queer slurs reference nature?
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A striking pattern in LGBTQ+ slang is the frequent use of nature-based metaphors, from "pansy" to "fairy" to "fruit." Monis attributes this to cultural associations with beauty, fragility, and nonconformity.
“Flowers, for example, symbolize emotions and aesthetic appeal, which have often been coded as feminine,” she says. “Calling someone a ‘pansy’ or ‘fruity’ was a way of implying they were delicate, passive, or weak.”
Similarly, "fairy"—which Monis notes originated from folklore—carried connotations of whimsy, otherworldliness, and gender nonconformity. Over time, these nature-related terms became part of the larger lexicon used to both insult and identify queer individuals.
Is fruity still relevant in 2025?
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The word "fruity" has seen a resurgence in recent years, especially among younger generations on social media. As Monis points out, “Language shifts with culture, and Gen Z has reclaimed ‘fruity’ as something playful rather than pejorative.”
The term is often used humorously in TikTok videos and online conversations to describe behaviors, fashion, or even just a vague queer vibe.
its honestly fucking insane i almost die from laughing like...they will say shit like that casually
However, not all members of the LBGTQ+ community are on board. Older generations who experienced the term as an outright slur still find it comes with a bit of a sting, whereas younger queer individuals often wear it as a badge of pride.
These varying opinions also highlight a common occurrence in the age gap experienced by gay men: The older generations who lived the horror and the younger ones who get to reap the benefits.
The evolution of queer slang beyond fruity
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While "fruity" remains in circulation, modern LGBTQ+ communities have expanded their vocabulary significantly. Rather than relying on broad terms, today’s queer slang is more nuanced. Labels like "twink," "otter," and "bear" describe different types of gay men, while "butch," "femme," and "stud” speak to varying expressions of lesbian identity.
Roos believes this shift reflects a larger cultural move toward specificity. “The slang has become more advanced and deep, so there’s not one word to describe people in general anymore, but instead tons of terms that give more depth to what kind of queer person you want to describe.”
All in all, although “fruity” might still be around, it’s not the dominant slang term anymore, whether as an insult or a badge.
Final thoughts: The staying power of fruity
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Despite its complicated history, "fruity" has managed to stick around in both queer and mainstream conversations. Its meaning has changed over time, oscillating between insult, joke, and self-identification.
Whether it remains part of LGBTQ+ slang in the future depends largely on cultural trends and continued reclamation by the community. Language is fluid, but “fruity” is a reminder of both the challenges queer people have faced and the resilience they’ve shown in shaping their own narratives.
May that resilience stay strong throughout 2025 and beyond, because we're going to need it.
