Gay Stuff: How Would You Update The Hanky Code?
For gay men of a certain age, the hanky code is definitely something they’re familiar with. It’s a color-coded system widely used during the 70s by gay and bisexual men to indicate whether they were a top or a bottom, their preferred sexual fetish, and what kind of sex they’re seeking.
While there are a lot of lists online that have elaborate explanations as to which hanky color stands for what, the generally accepted list comes from Larry Townsend’s The Leatherman’s Handbook II. A hanky in your left pocket means you’re the top or the dominant. Meanwhile, a hanky in your right pocket means you’re the bottom or the submissive.
In the book, the colors were also assigned the following meanings: black for S&M, dark blue for anal sex, light blue for oral sex, brown for scat, green for hustlers or prostitutes, grey for bondage, orange for anything goes, purple for piercing, red for fisting, and yellow for watersports.
of course, it’s been decades since the hanky code’s been in use. Over the years, the gay sexual landscape has changed drastically, especially with the AIDS epidemic of the 80s. Even cruising like they used to back in the 70s has changed, what with the emergence of dating sites and apps.
There’s an inherent excitement to cruising out in the open, as well as to knowing a code the mainstream isn’t aware of. If you were to bring the hanky code back in style, how would you update it?
For instance, what hanky would you use if you were a top only looking for safe sex? How would you signal that you’re a bottom looking for outdoor sex? What hanky would be appropriate to show that you’re a top looking for group sex?
We know you’re all a creative bunch here on Adam4Adam, so we want to hear all your suggestions. Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below!
“Does this hanky make me look gay? Or is it my cute scarf, trendy sweater, and tight ankle pants?”
Who needs a hanky? T-shirts were advertised here not too long ago that spell things out clearly like “BOTTOM” and “TOP”.
LMAO! 90% of the “post-pandemics” even know what the hanky code even was, don’t know how to “cruise in open water,” and they don’t care about anyone but themselves and their fucking iPhone. Oh I suppose we COULD add colors like pale yellow for “crank addict looking for Tina” and various colors for the gifters and bug chasers…but I want a color that says, “MILLENIALS STAY AWAY!”
A full pinwheel rainbow in one hanky for the pnp group.
Hysterical comment, REALDEAL !!! I totally agree !
I would like to see one for PrEP. I’d buy it.
*yawn*
There’s really no need for a hanky code nowadays. Hey, can they make one for LTR? Jk, or maybe not! Everything is sex related lol!
The reason we really don’t need it much is because we’ve come a long way, most are out and it even seem ‘fashionable’ to be trendy gay nowadays. Apps makes it easier to hook up, although the hanky might still be in good use for those closeted married guys lol!
Good one. ROFLNAO
Camouflage hanky for outdoor sex
😉
With phone cases. Almost everyone walks around with a a phone in their hand. Seems fitting to skip the hanky and opt for a phone case. In regards to left or right just hold the phone on the side you would place the hang i.e. Yellow hanky right pocket would be yellow phone case held on the right hand.
1970 tired passe.
REALDEAL sounds like a bitter sore loser that can’t get any young dick. Poor him (not). Anyway, the first I heard of this was from the film “Cruising” starring Al Pacino. It’s a great film. But this ‘hanky code” sounds utterly disgusting. Don’t update it. Leave it dead and buried. Now I know why the “normies” and conservatives have always hated us so much; because of crap like this…smh
I don’t think I have seen such around here, but maybe just don’t notice it.
GRINDR already created “Gayemojis”
Hanky codes were complicated and a long list. I prefer simple. I do like the codes as when I see a hanky I get excited.
I think its time has passed; secret codes lose their usefulness when no one knows the secrets.
I’ll still flag one if I’m cruising in San Francisco, just cuz it feels appropriate.
if you’re interested in history of our coded communications, check out Hal Fischer’s groundbreaking 1977 photo essay Gay Semiotics. you’ll be glad you did.
Well I’m out since mid ’70’s and I like the idea of new colors especially…here’s my contribution to the cause:
Cobalt blue for daddy’s who btm for big dick twinks…
Tiedyed for versatile…
What say you
These may come across as negative, but they are offered in the spirit of updating the code for the internet age:
Magician’s Handkerchief – Disappears into thin air without notice
Microphone – all talk, no action
Ziplock Bag -(guess)
Instamatic Film Cartridge – Online photos are historical documents and may not reflect current circumstances
There was a variation on the code back in the day that I’d like to see make a comeback – a small teddy bear indicating an interest in cuddling. Then there can be additional variations based on how the bear is decorated/dressed. I recall meeting a man who had a little bear dressed in leather in his right hip pocket. That was a memorable night, erm… weekend.
Ok I’m unfamiliar with that but a question pop into my head how did that work when street gangs came into play?
That’s a good question. Or did they did come in to “play” ,or find some poor horny dope to take out to “play” some boxing practice on. From what I’ve heard some of these gangs like the notorious ones don’t really like gays or allow any among their members.
LOL to the guy above. How true it is. Everyone everywhere with their head down, staring at whatever on their stupid phone. I cannot understand what is so fascinating, that all they do is that? WTF?
Now THAT was a damn good response. Spot on!
Although I was a teenager in the late 70s/early 80s and knew what the hankys meant its probably best to leave the past in the past. Besides, there’s too many moving parts for millenials to figure out anyway.
I think its obsolete or antiquated, its not likely something to be revived. Besides depending on where you live, you could be sporting the wrong color; putting you in grave danger with all of these gang-bangers these days.
How about plastic bracelets like the live strong ones. You could use the same color code. they could double as a cockring too.
I lived in the 70’s. I didn’t see hankerchiefs in guys pockets. Was I in the wrong town?
Yes.
A yellow hanky with a pin for diaper play
Well, I was a NYC High School teenager in the 1980s, and never heard about these,
“ROYGBIV – BANDANNAS”, having any sort of sexual symbolization.
At the time gang violence, reached epic proportions in public, and private schools.
Students worried about being stabbed or sliced by a razor blade in school, or while traveling home on foot, the subway and buses.
If you were caught checking out another guy’s rear pockets one would endure bullying, physical beatings, etc.
The only hankie one had was white to utilize what it was made for.
In the 1980s there was a movie called “Cruising” With Al Pacino. It was abut cruising for sex and someone was murdering gays into the leather scene. Almost ruined Pacino’s career. I don’t remember much of the movie but I do remember it explaining to Pacino how the hankerchief colors worked.