Is it right to say, for example, "my friend is a gay"? I always thought of gay as an adjective "my friend is a gay PERSON" (though I wouldn't phrase it like that ever), never a noun. My husband and I have debated this. My first language is English and his is Danish. Though he is very proficient in English, I believe he is sorely mistaken about calling someone "a gay." Besides the fact that it sounds offensive (almost like the f-word), I don't believe it's grammatically correct. We tried to look it up on the internet and then we found something on Wikipedia that says "he is a gay" has been used in some British comedy play. He took this to mean that he was correct, but I don't believe it to be so. Someone who has knowledge of English grammar, please tell me if "gay" can be used as both an adjective and a noun. Is it ever correct to refer to someone as "a gay"??
2007-07-24 22:31:23 · 3 answers · asked by Maya S 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
That's an interesting question. I have some knowledge of grammar, but I think you need to hear from someone in the gay community about what is acceptable. Grammatically speaking, certainly the adjective form is fine. I've also seen it used as a noun, but mostly in the plural (gays). The singular form seems to be avoided, for the most part, although I've heard it now and then. I don't really know whether this is because it's offensive or not, and it will be interesting to hear what people say.
PS You also might want to check to see what country responders are from, as there may be regional differences as to acceptability.
2007-07-24 22:53:03 · answer #1 · answered by Insanity 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it's a cultural thing. I'm Danish living abroad and it's not considered offensive to say "my friend is gay" (in English) in Denmark or where I'm living now. The homosexuals I know all refer to themselves as being gay. I wouldn't say "a gay person", though. I can't say if it's offensive or not, as I've never heard it used before, but it just doesn't sound right in my ears.
2007-07-25 06:11:42 · answer #2 · answered by Voelven 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well it wont be offensive if he';s using the word in front of straight indviduals.. u know what i mean?
but if he's using it infront of the people who are really gays or bi's i think that would be big problem..
2007-07-25 05:42:03 · answer #3 · answered by whiskey_tears 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋