Why do we use the word gay ?

Question

to mean homsexual? When was it first used? I mean gay means happy or gleeful does that mean we assume homosexuals are happier then "straight" people?

Answer 1

I did some quick searching, and here's what I came up with. The word 'gay' was used to describe homosexuality by the 1920s, and the two likeliest explanations are as follows:

1) The word 'geycat' (also spelled 'gaycat') was a term for a tramp or a vagabond who had recently started his or her travels. These people were commonly in the company of older, more experienced tramps. Apparently, this kind of relationship implies homosexuality.

2) In the late 19th century, the term 'gay house' was used to refer to a brothel, so the implication of sexual promiscuity may have rubbed off on the homosexuals who openly advertised their sexual preferences.

Answer 2

I think it is a really a shame that the word "gay" has been completely altered in meaning over recent years.
Unfortunately, a lot of young people only now the homosexual connotations.
While not passing judgement on people's sexual preference, I think, surely, a more suitable word might have been coined.

Answer 3

The historical truth is that the use of the term gay, as it relates to homosexuality, arises from an extension of the sexualised connotation of "carefree and uninhibited", implying a willingness to disregard conventional or respectable sexual mores. If you would like more information on where the word came from then please consult the following: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gay

Answer 4

Maybe it is because homosexuals are generally happy and carefree people. It may have started out innocently, before the word became derogatory.

Answer 5

I always thought it was because they behaved in an extravagantly gay way. ll that camp stuff! It's a pity that so many words have been hijacked for sexual meanings . It means you can't use them anymore for their original meaning. Words like gay, buns, root, a$$ and lots more. People seem to have their heads up their derrieres!

Answer 6

Gay has a lot of meanings. but to mean as homosexual, it is similar with the word debauched which means unrestrainedly and immoral self-indulgent according to thesaurus. Or also can mean showing or having carefree spirit.

Answer 7

Maybe the old timers thought that homosexuals were just too happy.

Answer 8

Gay is an adjective meaning "carefree", "happy", or "bright and showy why do we use it now in days who knows

Answer 9

That picture of you stopped all my gay tendencies anyway, problem solved thank you

Answer 10

many people say it means happy
but......
gay still sounds better
we got so used to it