a slang vocabulary used by theatricals and homosexuals. Variants include: 'polare' and 'parlaree'. Probably from Italian parlare (to talk). This 'language' itself derives in great part from Italian and Romany roots, incorporating back slang, Cockney rhyming slang and Yiddish among its influences. The earliest form, known as 'parleyaree', was used by C17 actors who, as a despised section of society, needed a discreet means of communication; as theatricals achieved a degree of respectability so the use of the language changed and polari emerged. By the late 1930s the tolerance of theatre-life had attracted many homosexuals who, as a despised section of society, needed a discreet means of communication UK, 1966

to talk, especially to talk in polari UK, 1997