The 'GAY' Word
Word rescue contest34 total reviews
Comment from Dom G Robles
Thank you, Ingrid for sharing a beautiful piece. Your comments and observations
are inspiring, commendable and applauding. What I can say today is, if one tells me today that I am a GAY individual, (please forgive my word) I'll probably give the person a jab to the mouth if I am convinced that what he is telling is something different from the original meaning that I know. That's it and there will be a fight. Do you feel what I am saying. Oh, Ingrid I can be very mean at times. But I can also be like a lamb or a kitten loping a beautiful cheek. I'm back to my "GAY feelings again. (I am trying to go on to 6 but that limits me to 5 max.) Dom
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
  |
Thank you, Ingrid for sharing a beautiful piece. Your comments and observations
are inspiring, commendable and applauding. What I can say today is, if one tells me today that I am a GAY individual, (please forgive my word) I'll probably give the person a jab to the mouth if I am convinced that what he is telling is something different from the original meaning that I know. That's it and there will be a fight. Do you feel what I am saying. Oh, Ingrid I can be very mean at times. But I can also be like a lamb or a kitten loping a beautiful cheek. I'm back to my "GAY feelings again. (I am trying to go on to 6 but that limits me to 5 max.) Dom
Comment Written 18-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
-
Mt dear, take comfort in that while you may think you're mean, I can be a real bitch. ThankAns for the review.
-
Yes, thank you. I mean "lapping"--not "loping" but kissing a rosy cheek.
Dom
Comment from boxergirl
Great article about how the word gay has taken on a different connotation through the years. I especially liked your point about how kids use it today in a negative reference to gay people when they say, "That's so gay."
Back when I was in college, a friend gave me a birthday card that said, "Be Happy, Be Gay...On second thought just be happy." Little did she know that I was both happy and gay. 8-)
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
|
Great article about how the word gay has taken on a different connotation through the years. I especially liked your point about how kids use it today in a negative reference to gay people when they say, "That's so gay."
Back when I was in college, a friend gave me a birthday card that said, "Be Happy, Be Gay...On second thought just be happy." Little did she know that I was both happy and gay. 8-)
Comment Written 18-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
-
I'm sure you knew she wasn't being perceptive, but still had a good laugh at her innocence--or stupidity--your pick.. Thanks
Comment from Sis Cat
This is an excellent essay and a response to the Word Rescue writing prompt. "Gay" is a beautiful word I encounter frequently in my readings of the nineteenth century in its original meaning. I mourn its original meaning, but feel helpless to change its new definition, and am saddened at its growing use as a pejorative inflicted on me, others, and everything not considered "manly."
These were the strongest sentences among many in your well argued essay and forms the heart of it: "We must stay vigilant against new aberrations in our communication so there is no confusion as to what we mean to say.
"Words can build bridges, but they can also build walls."
Thank you for insisting that words build bridges.
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
|
This is an excellent essay and a response to the Word Rescue writing prompt. "Gay" is a beautiful word I encounter frequently in my readings of the nineteenth century in its original meaning. I mourn its original meaning, but feel helpless to change its new definition, and am saddened at its growing use as a pejorative inflicted on me, others, and everything not considered "manly."
These were the strongest sentences among many in your well argued essay and forms the heart of it: "We must stay vigilant against new aberrations in our communication so there is no confusion as to what we mean to say.
"Words can build bridges, but they can also build walls."
Thank you for insisting that words build bridges.
Comment Written 18-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
-
I've always tried to be a linguistic engineer. Some days I fail, and others. like today everybody gets what I'm saying. Even better--they agree. Thanks.
Comment from Cumbrianlass
Nice choice. I actually don't like the word 'gay' being used for homosexuality. I'm not sure why, but it just doesn't sit well with me. I much prefer its original meaning. Maybe that's what it is. I associate it with flowers and ribbons and little children running free on thick green grass in the sunshine.
I don't care who loves who. True love is always a good thing.
I have several gay friends and family members, in truth. But only one of them is homosexual.
Well done, Ingrid.
Av
"He gyped me in the deal." - think it's 'gypped'.
"He gyped me in the deal."
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
 |
Nice choice. I actually don't like the word 'gay' being used for homosexuality. I'm not sure why, but it just doesn't sit well with me. I much prefer its original meaning. Maybe that's what it is. I associate it with flowers and ribbons and little children running free on thick green grass in the sunshine.
I don't care who loves who. True love is always a good thing.
I have several gay friends and family members, in truth. But only one of them is homosexual.
Well done, Ingrid.
Av
"He gyped me in the deal." - think it's 'gypped'.
"He gyped me in the deal."
Comment Written 18-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
-
Maybe that's why spell check didn't like the word. You think? Thanks for the stars. This got an excellent and positive response for which I'm glad. No bashers today.
Comment from Dawn Munro
I could not agree more about feeling the loss of this lovely word, or about being repulsed at its misuse, and I am NOT talking about the use of it by homosexuals - I agree with this author in that regard as well (although it saddens me to lose the word's original definition).
This whole essay is written well, but I especially loved that last paragraph - indeed words CAN build bridges, if only we have a care how we use them!
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
|
I could not agree more about feeling the loss of this lovely word, or about being repulsed at its misuse, and I am NOT talking about the use of it by homosexuals - I agree with this author in that regard as well (although it saddens me to lose the word's original definition).
This whole essay is written well, but I especially loved that last paragraph - indeed words CAN build bridges, if only we have a care how we use them!
Comment Written 18-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
-
We are all linguistic engineers, capable of scaling mountains and spanning gorges. Hugs.
-
Hugs back. :)
Comment from RodG
You could not have chosen a better word for this prompt. You say midway through your essay, "...I mourn the word 'gay,' accepting I may have to add additional adjectives to the sentence..." and express my sentiments perfectly.
No other word's ORIGINAL meaning do I mourn as much.
A superb essay, well-crafted, that not only explains clearly how the word has "morphed" over the decades, but also maintains a mournful tone throughout.
Rod
P.S. one spag: also (SOCIETY'S) repugnance
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
|
You could not have chosen a better word for this prompt. You say midway through your essay, "...I mourn the word 'gay,' accepting I may have to add additional adjectives to the sentence..." and express my sentiments perfectly.
No other word's ORIGINAL meaning do I mourn as much.
A superb essay, well-crafted, that not only explains clearly how the word has "morphed" over the decades, but also maintains a mournful tone throughout.
Rod
P.S. one spag: also (SOCIETY'S) repugnance
Comment Written 18-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
-
Do you know, I went back and forth between societies and your spag correction society's...about four times until I got it. DUH! Thanks for your incredible eye, let alone the magnificent compliment of 6 stars.
Comment from sibhus
It's really curious how the use of words have changed over the years. I remember the first time I read the word ejaculate used in a sentence, in a book written in the earlier 1900's. The sentence went something like, Stop don't do that, Tom ejaculated. I was definitely confused, as I assumed that to ejaculate was a sexual act. It also means, or did mean to express forcefully.
It really does sound a little off when Maria, in West Side Story, sings that she is so happy and charming and gay. But your right it's sad that this word has changed so much. In the new street slang it's almost confusing when some says something is so gay. Are they trying to say that something is homosexual, or stupid, or offensive, I'm always a little confused. My 12 year old niece likes to refer to her girlfriends as so gay, which kinda throws me for a loop. I some times wonder if she even has an idea what the word means. Anyway, this an interesting and informative article, thanks for sharing.
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
|
It's really curious how the use of words have changed over the years. I remember the first time I read the word ejaculate used in a sentence, in a book written in the earlier 1900's. The sentence went something like, Stop don't do that, Tom ejaculated. I was definitely confused, as I assumed that to ejaculate was a sexual act. It also means, or did mean to express forcefully.
It really does sound a little off when Maria, in West Side Story, sings that she is so happy and charming and gay. But your right it's sad that this word has changed so much. In the new street slang it's almost confusing when some says something is so gay. Are they trying to say that something is homosexual, or stupid, or offensive, I'm always a little confused. My 12 year old niece likes to refer to her girlfriends as so gay, which kinda throws me for a loop. I some times wonder if she even has an idea what the word means. Anyway, this an interesting and informative article, thanks for sharing.
Comment Written 18-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
-
Yhanks for sharing 'ejaculation' with me. LO:L. Honestly, had no idea. Thanks for a return tid0bit.
Comment from Tatarka2
I've given away my 6's on this Saturday, or I'd give you one for this. I've had this thought about the word "gay" so many times. I especially like the last sentence, which sends such an important message. Between your essay and Mike Chahill's, I don't know which I would choose. I'm so glad you both entered this important contest.
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
|
I've given away my 6's on this Saturday, or I'd give you one for this. I've had this thought about the word "gay" so many times. I especially like the last sentence, which sends such an important message. Between your essay and Mike Chahill's, I don't know which I would choose. I'm so glad you both entered this important contest.
Comment Written 18-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
-
I;m sure Mikey would appreciate, as I do, that resders will support the contest and read multiple entries. Who know, maybe when all the entries are in, you might not vote for either one of us. Thanks so much for reading my essay.
Comment from rama devi
Excellent and interesting entry for this contest. Thoughtful and witty too. What a funny pun in this line:
The Gay Nineties were heady times."
Well said (note one comma suggestion):
That my Spell-check program highlighted several words in this list is a testament to(,) not only the perverted use of words, but also societies repugnance at allowing slurs to invade our language.
*Not sure you need the comma here:
What I can't abide, is allowing something that began as beauty to turn into garbage.
Excellent concluding paragraph with this pithy line: Words can build bridges, but they can also build walls.
Love the concept of this prompt--and you chose an apt word to explore in that context. Bravo and good luck--a strong contender!
Warmly, rd
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
|
Excellent and interesting entry for this contest. Thoughtful and witty too. What a funny pun in this line:
The Gay Nineties were heady times."
Well said (note one comma suggestion):
That my Spell-check program highlighted several words in this list is a testament to(,) not only the perverted use of words, but also societies repugnance at allowing slurs to invade our language.
*Not sure you need the comma here:
What I can't abide, is allowing something that began as beauty to turn into garbage.
Excellent concluding paragraph with this pithy line: Words can build bridges, but they can also build walls.
Love the concept of this prompt--and you chose an apt word to explore in that context. Bravo and good luck--a strong contender!
Warmly, rd
Comment Written 18-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
-
As always, your help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
-
Most welcome, dear.
Comment from Deejharrington
I agree completely with you. As a former high-school teacher, I was forever trying to discourage the bastardization of language. As you can imagine, I was most often frustrated.
The battle I fought most was over the "n" word. Our student population majority was African-American (don't get me started on that misuse) so hearing young black and white men call each other it, was an hourly occurrence. They believe that if they used an "a" on the end, it was "OK". I would repeatedly ask if it would still be "OK" if I used it. No, it wasn't. But with the popularity in the rap culture, the word's use is still acceptable in a certain context. Again, we go back to word origins. It has been argued that it's use is an attempt to take back a slur and make it belong to the population it insulted.
I retired a few years ago, so I am no longer on the battlefield. I can only hope that future generations will be more enlightened and conscious of the impact of the spoken word.
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
|
I agree completely with you. As a former high-school teacher, I was forever trying to discourage the bastardization of language. As you can imagine, I was most often frustrated.
The battle I fought most was over the "n" word. Our student population majority was African-American (don't get me started on that misuse) so hearing young black and white men call each other it, was an hourly occurrence. They believe that if they used an "a" on the end, it was "OK". I would repeatedly ask if it would still be "OK" if I used it. No, it wasn't. But with the popularity in the rap culture, the word's use is still acceptable in a certain context. Again, we go back to word origins. It has been argued that it's use is an attempt to take back a slur and make it belong to the population it insulted.
I retired a few years ago, so I am no longer on the battlefield. I can only hope that future generations will be more enlightened and conscious of the impact of the spoken word.
Comment Written 18-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
-
I think it must have been horrid. I totally know about the N word and its current usage, but I find it doesn't reclaim the slurs or negate the dominance and abuse. Thanks so much for sharing your experience. I'm sure there are days you are grateful you never need to listen to that crap again. Thanks so much for sharing.
