Robert Sterling Newall

Fruit, fruity, and fruitcake, as well as its many variations, are slang or even sexual slang terms which have various origins. These terms have often been used derogatorily to refer to LGBTQ people. Usually used as pejoratives, the terms have also been re-appropriated as insider terms of endearment within LGBTQ communities. Many modern pop culture references within the gay nightlife like "Fruit Machine" and "Fruit Packers" have been appropriated for reclaiming usage, similar to queer.