General
orange hanky
What does orange hanky mean?
In the gay leather hanky code, orange is the wildcard. It doesn't lock you into one kink — it broadcasts that you're open, adventurous, and down to negotiate just about anything. Worn back left pocket = you take the lead; back right = you receive. The code itself started in the 1970s so men could cruise each other in bars without saying a word out loud, back when saying it out loud was dangerous.
"He had an orange hanky in his left pocket, which is leather-speak for 'surprise me, I'm game.'"
Origin
Part of the gay handkerchief/bandana 'hanky code' that took hold in 1970s US leather and cruising culture; left pocket signals top/active, right signals bottom/receptive.
Frequently asked questions
What does an "orange hanky" signal?
In the hanky code it's the colour worn to signal "anything goes" — up for pretty much anything.
How do you use "orange hanky" in a sentence?
"He was wearing an orange hanky, so he was open to whatever."
Where does the "orange hanky" come from?
It's part of the hanky code, a colour-coded handkerchief system used to signal preferences.
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