poofter

A derogatory term, of British origin, for a male homosexual, particularly one that is thought to be effeminate in action or appearance.

I haven't seen a lexicographical origin for this word, so I'm going to postulate, here... the word probably came into common usage in the 18th and 19th centuries, though perhaps earlier, when male courtesans and other fops of society used French poufs to apply their makeup.