rough trade
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
Rough or tough men who are available as casual sexual partners for other men (for example in exchange for money).
Register: slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
Looked to me like one of these here sissies lookin' for rough trade, see, thought I'd roll him for some jack, what the hell, what can you do if you're sick an' can't work?
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
Violent or sadomasochistic sex, especially casual gay sex.
Register: slang
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “rough trade” mean?
Rough or tough men who are available as casual sexual partners for other men (for example in exchange for money).
Is “rough trade” formal or informal?
rough trade is generally slang.