gay: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, informal, colloquial, and offensive depending on usage.
Quick answer
What does “gay” mean?
An adjective used to describe a person who is emotionally and/or physically attracted to people of their own gender, especially men. In its original sense (now chiefly dated), it means 'happy' or 'bright'.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An adjective used to describe a person who is emotionally and/or physically attracted to people of their own gender, especially men. In its original sense (now chiefly dated), it means 'happy' or 'bright'.
Can be used as an umbrella term for the LGBTQ+ community. Informally, it can be used as a pejorative adjective meaning 'stupid' or 'lame' (considered offensive).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both countries use the word identically for its primary meaning. In both, the pejorative slang use ('that's so gay') is common among some younger speakers but widely condemned as homophobic.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties for the primary meaning. The historical/literary usage may be slightly more recognized in British English due to older cultural references (e.g., 'The Gay Divorcee').
Frequency
Extremely high frequency in both. The primary meaning is the default in contemporary discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “gay” in a Sentence
be + gayidentify as gaycome out as gaygay + noun (man, woman, person)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gay” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Rare/archaic) 'To gay' is not a standard verb. The term is 'to come out'.
- Don't use it as a verb.
American English
- (Rare/archaic) 'To gay' is not a standard verb. The term is 'to come out'.
- Don't use it as a verb.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard) 'He danced gayly' is archaic for 'happily'. Use 'happily'.
- Do not use as a modern adverb.
American English
- (Not standard) 'She laughed gayly' is archaic for 'happily'. Use 'happily'.
- Do not use as a modern adverb.
adjective
British English
- He's been openly gay since university.
- It was a gay, colourful parade (historical).
American English
- They are a gay couple living in Chicago.
- The room was decorated in a gay style (historical).
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) contexts, e.g., 'gay-friendly workplace policies'.
Academic
Used in sociology, gender studies, and history, e.g., 'gay liberation movement'.
Everyday
The most common context, e.g., 'My brother is gay.' 'They went to a gay club.'
Technical
In clinical/psychological contexts, 'homosexual' may be preferred, but 'gay' is widely acceptable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gay”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gay”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gay”
- Using 'gays' as a plural noun for people (often considered reductive/offensive; prefer 'gay people').
- Using the pejorative slang meaning unaware of its offensiveness.
- Misinterpreting historical texts that use 'gay' in its old sense.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, using 'gay' as a noun to refer to a person (e.g., 'He is a gay') is generally considered reductive and offensive. Use it as an adjective: 'He is a gay man' or 'He is gay'.
While 'gay' is often used specifically for men, it is also commonly used as an umbrella term. Many women, especially in the LGBTQ+ community, use 'gay' or 'queer' to describe themselves. 'Lesbian' is the more specific term for women.
Because it implicitly equates homosexuality with negativity, reinforcing harmful stereotypes and contributing to a climate of homophobia, even if the speaker doesn't intend that meaning.
This is complex. 'Гей' is the direct equivalent but can sound foreign. 'Гомосексуал' is clinical. Often, a descriptive phrase like 'человек нетрадиционной ориентации' is used, though it has its own connotations. Context and audience are key.
An adjective used to describe a person who is emotionally and/or physically attracted to people of their own gender, especially men. In its original sense (now chiefly dated), it means 'happy' or 'bright'.
Gay is usually formal, informal, colloquial, and offensive depending on usage. in register.
Gay: in British English it is pronounced /ɡeɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡeɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “gay as a maypole (dated, historical)”
- “gay old time (dated)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the rainbow flag, a symbol of Gay Pride: bright, colourful, and joyful, linking to its old meaning, but now representing identity.
Conceptual Metaphor
BRIGHT/COLOURFUL IS GAY (historical) vs. IDENTITY IS ORIENTATION (modern).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'gay' used in its historical (now largely obsolete) sense?