What is "lavender linguistics"

n. The study of language as it is used by gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer speakers.

Lavender linguistics is a term used by linguistics and advanced by William Leap to describe the study of language as it is used by gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer ( LGBTQ) speakers. It "encompass[es] a wide range of everyday language practices" in LGBTQ communities. The term derives from the longtime association of the color lavender with LGBTQ communities. The related terms lavender language and simply LGBTQ language also refer to the language used by LGBTQ speakers. "Language," in this context, may refer to any aspect of spoken or written linguistic practices, including speech patterns and pronunciation, use of certain vocabulary, and, in a few cases, an elaborate alternative lexicon such as Polari.