QUEER WORD
TRADE

What It Means:

‘Trade’ is a slang term used primarily in the queer community to describe a man - usually cisgender, often straight-passing or hyper-masculine - who has sex with other men.

The term can also be used to refer to the hookup itself (‘I got some trade last night!’) or to the dynamic of cruising or casual encounters. ‘Trade’ is often associated with a certain aesthetic: rugged, masculine, and not always visibly queer.

Let’s Use It In A Sentence: 

He admired my flannel shirt, called me ‘total trade,’ and suddenly I’m blushing like a schoolgirl.

Origins and History of ‘Trade’ in Queer Slang

So, where exactly did ‘trade’ come from?

Like many queer slang terms, it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact origin of ‘trade’. But, we do know that it has its roots in the underground worlds of cruising, sex work, and ballroom culture - spaces where queer men, particularly Black and Latinx men, could safely (or at least semi-safely) explore their desires in a world that wanted to erase them.

In its earliest usage, ‘trade’ described a very specific kind of man: typically masculine, working-class, and often straight-identifying, who would hook up with gay men - sometimes for cash, sometimes for an illicit thrill, sometimes just because. The term is believed to have originated in Black and Latinx queer communities in the early 20th century, particularly in New York before becaming a fixture in ballroom and drag scenes by the 1980s.

Why ‘trade’?

The idea was that these hookups were transactional in nature - sex, attention, and validation exchanged for the thrill of connecting with someone ‘straight-acting.’ There’s a lot to unpack here (far more than we can do justice to in this article), but many gay and queer men have fetishised straightness for decades - seeking out the attention, affection, or validation of men who embody that hyper-masculine, working-class vibe.

Some also believe the term ‘trade’ comes from the kinds of professions these men typically held - plumbers, electricians, carpenters, labourers. They worked a ‘trade’, so the name stuck.

Today, ‘trade’ has evolved in its definition and use. While it still carries the connotation of masculine, often hyper-masculine men, it’s no longer strictly about transactional sex. It can describe any hook-up (especially a particularly hot or unexpected one) or a certain rugged, masculine vibe: eg. ‘That guy’s total trade.’

Trade: FAQs

What does trade mean in gay slang?

Trade originally referred to straight-acting, masculine men who would hook up with gay men, often in a transactional or secretive context. Today, it can describe a hot hook-up, a ruggedly masculine guy, or even just the vibe of someone who’s giving ‘trade’.

Is ‘trade’ always a positive thing?

Not always! It can have a bit of an edge. While ‘trade’ can be hot, it also comes with complicated power dynamics - especially in its historical context, where many ‘trade’ men were closeted, straight-identified, or exploiting queer men for sex, money, or status.

Can ‘trade’ apply to women or non-binary folks?

Traditionally, ‘trade’ has been used in gay male spaces, but like all slang, it evolves! Some people now use ‘trade’ to describe any hot, masculine-presenting person who gives that certain vibe. Language is fluid, so if it feels right for you, go for it - just be aware of the term's roots and your audience.

Is the term "trade" still used today?

Yes, "trade" is still used in many parts of queer culture today, although its usage may vary by region, community, or subculture. It’s especially common in discussions about casual sexual encounters or when referring to individuals who cross traditional gender and sexual lines.

What does ‘giving trade’ mean?

If someone says you’re giving trade, it’s a compliment (usually!). It means you’re exuding a masculine, rugged, or sexy vibe that makes people look twice.

Is the concept of "trade" linked to masculinity?

Yes, "trade" often has connotations tied to masculinity, particularly in its use within gay male subcultures. The men described as "trade" are often those who present as hyper-masculine or "straight-acting," but are open to same-sex sexual encounters. This reflects a desire to separate sexual acts from gender identity or societal norms of masculinity.