Boti
/id/Source Language: The language or dialect this term originates from (ID).Definition & Context
NounNoun
A word that functions as the name of a specific object or set of objects, such as living creatures, places, actions, qualities, states of existence, or ideas.
A slang term referring to individuals with same-sex orientation, used broadly within Indonesian LGBT communities. “Boti” serves as an informal umbrella label for gay, lesbian, or bisexual persons.
Synonyms & Variants
homoseksual
The formal and standard equivalent used in medical, academic, and journalistic contexts.
gay
An English loanword widely adopted in Indonesian, more specifically referring to males.
homo
A shortened form of `homoseksual`, informal and often used with a derogatory tone outside the community.
lesbi
A shortened form of `lesbian`, used informally and specifically referring to women, unlike the broader "boti".
belok
A metaphor from the word `belok` meaning to turn or deviate, widely used among urban youth as a euphemism.
lgbt
A broader and more inclusive term than "boti", used in public discourse, media, and activism.
Usage Notes or Etymology
The word “boti” is believed to be an acronym or phonetic compression derived from the Indonesian gay and waria street slang tradition, with its precise etymology remaining debated. Some sources link it to a coded abbreviation used in underground LGBT circles in Jakarta during the 1980s and 1990s, while others suggest it emerged as a phonetic blend of terms like homo and lesbian. In contemporary usage, “boti” is not inherently pejorative. Within LGBT communities, it may be used neutrally or even reclaimed as an in-group identifier. Outside those communities, however, it frequently carries a negative or mocking connotation. The term circulates primarily in social media discourse, urban youth conversation, and informal entertainment contexts across Indonesia.
Real-world Usage
Katanya dia boti, tapi nggak ada yang berani nanya langsung sih.
English Translation
Representative of real-world usage and contextual accuracy.