Trade (gay slang)
Trade is gay slang for a casual sexual partner, usually a man who isn’t openly gay. Historically it described a straight man who has sex with a gay man for money or other support. Today, it often means any casual sexual encounter between men and can also refer to a very masculine, attractive man.
Rough trade is a related term. It typically refers to a rougher, working‑class man who is physically strong and not very polished. The terms trade and rough trade are often used together or interchangeably.
The use of trade can point to power dynamics and economic aspects in a relationship, though meanings vary. Some stories describe elite or aristocratic partners in the past, highlighting these dynamics, while in modern use the term covers a range of casual encounters and attitudes toward masculine appeal.
There can be real risk in encounters described as rough trade, including violence. These concerns have appeared in news and discussions about safety, responsibility, and how such situations are described or portrayed in media.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 14:35 (CET).