General
beard
What does beard mean?
A person, usually of the opposite sex, paraded as a partner to disguise someone's actual orientation. The classic closet accessory: she's on his arm at the gala so nobody asks questions. Can be a knowing arrangement between friends or a cover the beard doesn't even know they're providing.
"Everyone in town clocked that his wife was just a beard."
Origin
1950s American slang. The idea: a beard hides the face, a 'beard' hides the truth. Long used for the partner brought along to throw people off the scent.
Frequently asked questions
What does beard mean in slang?
A beard is a fake date who covers for someone hiding that they're queer.
How do you use beard in a sentence?
"He brought a beard to the party so no one would ask questions."
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