Gay slang trade

Trade (likewise referred to as chow) represents a gay slang expression which signifies the informal companion of a gay male or the category of such relationships. Individuals fitting the description of "trade" do not identify as gay. Historically, the intentions might sometimes involve a craving for emotional satisfaction and respect; nevertheless, the word commonly relates to a heterosexual man who engages with a gay man for financial gain, either via a direct monetary transaction or through alternative, less obvious methods (presents, educational funding, and so forth). Trade initially designated casual sexual partners, regardless of sexual orientation, as many gay and bisexual men remained closeted, yet it evolved to suggest the gay partner is relatively affluent and the partner, or trade, is economically disadvantaged. Illustrations of this encompass affluent Englishmen seeking partners among underprivileged Cockneys in London during the 1930s. More contemporary usage has focused on any casual sexual encounter between men, and as an adjective to denote any male viewed as masculine and/or sexually attractive. Often, the terms trade and rough trade are considered interchangeable. Frequently, the attraction for the gay male partner is the discovery of a dangerous, even thuggish, partner who may turn violent. That is not to suggest that people inherently wish to be physically injured, but the potential danger of finding a partner in a public park, restroom, or alleyway may be invigorating. Another nuance compares regular trade to rough trade, which is more likely to be working-class laborers with limited education and more physical demands from their work; therefore, their bodies are developed naturally instead of in a gym. They may possess a less refined or polished style compared to an office worker or professional businessman.