QUEER WORD
CODE SWITCHING

What it means:

Code-switching refers to the practice of shifting how you speak or behave depending on the social context you’re in. It originally described bilingual speakers toggling between languages—but now it covers everything from how we dress to how we express ourselves emotionally.

Let's Use It In A Sentence:

After years of code-switching at work to seem more 'straight', DeShawn finally wore his favourite crop top to the office Pride party.

A Little Bit of History:

Code-switching seems like one of those terms that quietly snuck into our vocabulary and now turns up everywhere - from academic papers to TikToks. But what does it actually mean, and how did it become so common?

The term was coined in the 1950s to describe how bilingual speakers alternate between languages. Think: saying “hello” to your teacher and “yo” to your mate. It can involve subtle word choices—or full-on grammatical gymnastics depending on who you’re talking to.

But back in the day, it wasn’t exactly celebrated. Linguists often viewed code-switching as inferior language use, especially when it came from Black and brown speakers.

Surprise, surprise: racism and classism were baked into early views of the practice.

By the late 20th century, code-switching’s meaning expanded. It came to describe not just language shifts, but changes in accent, dress, behaviour - even the way you express your emotions - based on your social surroundings.

Why it matters to queer people:

For queer folks, code-switching isn’t just a linguistic quirk - it’s often a tool for survival. In a world that’s still heteronormative (and sometimes hostile), many LGBTQ+ people learn to adapt their tone, posture, or even personality to feel safer or be taken seriously.

That might mean dropping your voice an octave on the phone, dialling down your hand gestures, or avoiding gendered slang in front of your boss or your nan.

Sometimes it's conscious. Sometimes it's muscle memory.

But make no mistake: it takes effort. And while code-switching can help people stay safe or blend in, it can also lead to burnout, dysphoria, and a nagging feeling that you're never quite your full self.

Still, talking about code-switching gives us the language to name this phenomenon, question why it’s needed in the first place, and maybe try to dismantle it in our own lives.

FAQ: What People Ask About Code-Switching

Talk to me like I’m five - what is code-switching in simple terms?
Code-switching is when someone changes how they speak, act, or present themselves depending on who they’re around. It might mean using a different accent, changing your body language, or adjusting your behaviour to fit into a different social setting.

Where did the term code-switching come from?
The term originated in the 1950s and was first used in linguistics to describe how bilingual people shift between languages depending on context. Over time, it expanded to include social and cultural behaviours - not just speech.

How does code-switching affect LGBTQ+ people?
For many queer people, code-switching is a survival strategy. It can help avoid awkward questions, discrimination, or even danger. But it can also feel exhausting, especially when it means hiding parts of yourself or constantly monitoring how you’re coming across.

Is code-switching the same as being in the closet?
Not quite. Being closeted is often about hiding your identity completely, whereas code-switching is more about adapting aspects of your expression depending on the situation. That said, the two can definitely overlap - especially when safety is a concern.

Can code-switching ever be a positive thing?
Sometimes! It can be a form of social intelligence, cultural fluency, or even playful self-expression. But for queer people and other marginalised groups, it’s often born out of necessity rather than choice.

Is it bad if I code-switch?
Not at all. Code-switching is a skill - one many people develop without even realising. But it’s important to notice when you’re doing it and ask yourself: Am I changing how I show up because I want to, or because I feel I have to?