Gay
/ɡeɪ/noun
A term used to describe someone who is attracted to members of the same sex, especially males.
Did you know?Originally, 'gay' meant 'joyful' or 'happy' in Old French, reflecting a carefree spirit long before its modern connotations emerged in the 20th century.
Etymological Timeline
Old French
Old French
gai
“Joyful, merry, or carefree.”
Middle English
Middle English
gai
“Happy, bright, or lively.”
16th Century
English
gay
“Exuberant, cheerful, or bright in color.”
19th Century
English
gay
“A term for carefree living, often associated with pleasure-seeking.”
20th Century
English
gay
“Specifically referring to homosexuality or same-sex attraction.”