What Does “Chicken Hawking” Mean?

The term “chicken hawking” is a slang used in gay culture to refer to older gay men who seek out relationships and sexual encounters with younger male partners. It is sometimes used as a derogatory term within the LGBTQ community. Let’s break down the meaning and origins of this phrase.

The Origins and Literal Meaning

The term combines “chicken”, which is slang for a young, inexperienced gay male, with “hawk”, referring to the predatory bird that hunts for smaller prey So chicken hawking literally refers to an older gay man pursuing younger gay men for sex or relationships.

The word “chicken” in this context dates back to the early 1900s while “chicken hawk” emerged in the mid-20th century. The term was further popularized in the 1994 documentary “Chicken Hawk Men Who Love Boys” which examined controversies around older gay men seeking underage partners.

How It’s Used

In contemporary gay culture, “chicken hawk” is used to describe an older gay man who habitually seeks out much younger male sex partners. It implies he exclusively pursues younger men rather than seeking partners close to his own age.

Related terms like “chicken queen” and “chicken plucker” also suggest an older gay man with a sexual preference for younger men. These terms are sometimes used neutrally or positively within the gay community, but they can also have a negative connotation.

Negative Connotations

While some use “chicken hawk” neutrally, for others it has an unflattering implication. Some view chicken hawks as exploiting young men who lack life experience. The term can suggest the older man is using his money, influence or experience to manipulate less worldly younger partners.

Within the LGBTQ community, “chicken hawk” is sometimes viewed as a slur against older gay men. It can imply their attraction to younger adults is somehow deviant or predatory. However, others in the gay community argue these relationships can be healthy and consensual.

Patterns vs Individuals

It’s important to note that while “chicken hawking” points to a pattern of behavior, it doesn’t necessarily apply to all older gay men. An older gay man may enter a relationship with a younger partner for many reasons beyond exploitative intent.

Not all age-gap gay relationships fit the predatory stereotype associated with “chicken hawking.” Like any relationship, the ethics depends more on how the individuals treat each other than the abstract pattern.

Clarifying the Meaning

To protect chickens from chicken hawks, several strategies can be employed, including physical barriers like netting or a covered run, visual deterrents such as shiny objects and scarecrows, and the use of guard animals or predator calls.