Origin of the word gay

The word “gay” seems to have its origins around the 12th century in England, derived from the Old French word ‘gai’, which in turn was probably derived from a Germanic word, though that isn’t completely known. The word gay arrived in English during the 12th century from Old French gai, most likely deriving ultimately from a Germanic source.

Meaning of gay'', happy

{INSERTKEYS} [2] In English, the word's primary meaning was "joyful", "carefree", "bright and showy", and the word was very commonly used with this meaning in speech and literature. Originating from Old French "gai" (12c.) meaning joyful or light-colored, "gay" evolved from "merry" and "wanton" in the 14c. to also mean a homosexual.

The word gay dates back to the 12th century and comes from the Old French “gai,” meaning “full of joy or mirth.” It may also relate to the Old High German “gahi,” meaning impulsive. Use of the word “gay” in a homosexual context may date to as long ago as Paris in the late 16th century, when homosexuals were reportedly called ‘gai,” but there are a couple of other intriguing and perhaps more provable theories.

Ginby July 9, pm. We needed something to help us feel a sense of belonging. Jesus would slap the shit out of you! Somebody June 18, pm. {/INSERTKEYS}

Gay - Etymology, Origin & Meaning

Chris Weaver December 30, am. Prospector August 23, am. Thomas November 3, am. The push for the word marriage is nothing more than a scam to try to grab some gay. This article states that as early as the s The youth started using the word gay to mean lame or stupid but we were saying that in school in the s. The word between the Old English and Middle English words "has several points of obscurity" [OED], and except in surnames there is no record of it 13c.

I just wish everyone was as passionate about civil rights of all kinds as they are about who calls who what. APA Style:. It sure does make me wonder about those Christmas songs talking about gay apparel and just what the Flintstones were doing when they had their gay old time. I suppose at that time the homosexual meaning of gay was intentionally cryptic and would not have been widely recognised by the general public.

Muslim bakeries would not do them either, but they are a favorite of the libs these days, so you cannot do anything to offend them. The name chosen by this important early origin group is the main reason gay became the politically correct term instead of any of the many more common terms in use before then.

Gayness is the word used to refer to homosexuality. You had a very sheltered childhood then. Yer Pal May 7, am. Matt L July 14, pm. You are way too ignorant be an authority on the English language. At least the French got that right: Vive la difference! What about the christian who went to a gay bakery and asked for a bible formed cake with some scriptures, none of which referred to homosexually and the bible and they refused to bake it.

The meaning "not a few, considerable, moderately large in quantity, number, extent, or duration" is from late 15c. I can accept the sweetness and creativity of their lifestyle. Not that any one cares what a person does in their private moments, as long as both adults are consenting. See Less. Also it meant frolicsome, impetuous, lascivious and lewd almost like a leprechaun or some clown like archetype.