Anglicisms and word axiology in homosexual language

Abstract

Among those areas linked to the forbidden, homosexuality has traditionally met one of the strongest interdictions. Given the taboo nature of homosexuality, it is our purpose in this paper to gain an insight into the axiological values that anglicisms present in the Spanish homosexual vocabulary. The analysis of the different types of anglicisms in a sample of 253 English borrowings reveals that pure anglicisms (including clippings and initialisms) are the most frequently used, followed by pseudoanglicisms. Calques, hybrids and adapted anglicisms are used less often to refer to homosexuality. The research carried out reveals that anglicized units perform different X-phemistic functions in homosexual discourse: not only that of softening or avoiding the use of a taboo term in Spanish but also displaying in-group solidarity or referring to homosexuality disparagingly. Homosexual-related anglicisms promote innovative uses of the Spanish language and provide evidence of a special kind of language used by homosexuals.