Dictionary monolingual
English
Gay
ɡeɪ
Extremely common
400 - 500
400 - 500
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Gay -
Homosexual
Example: She came out as gay last year.
Usage: informalContext: conversations among friends or LGBTQ+ community
Note: Commonly used to describe someone who is attracted to the same sex.
Happy or joyful
Example: The children were gay and carefree as they played in the park.
Usage: formal/informalContext: literary or poetic contexts, casual conversations
Note: This usage is somewhat old-fashioned and less common in modern English.
Brightly colored or showy
Example: She wore a gay scarf that caught everyone's attention.
Usage: informalContext: describing clothing or accessories
Note: This usage is more common in older texts or in a poetic context.
Gay's synonyms
lesbian
Lesbian refers to a woman who is attracted to other women.
Example: She identified as a lesbian and was proud of her identity.
Note: Lesbian specifically refers to women, whereas 'gay' can refer to both men and women.
queer
Queer is an umbrella term used by some to describe non-heterosexual orientations.
Example: He is a proud queer activist advocating for LGBTQ rights.
Note: Queer is a more inclusive and diverse term that can encompass various sexual orientations and gender identities.
LGBT
LGBT stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender.
Example: The organization focuses on supporting the LGBT community.
Note: LGBT is an acronym that encompasses a broader range of sexual orientations and gender identities compared to just 'gay'.
Gay expressions, common phrases
Coming out of the closet
This phrase means revealing one's homosexuality or sexual orientation that had been kept secret.
Example: She decided to come out of the closet and tell her family she is gay.
Note: The phrase 'coming out of the closet' specifically refers to revealing one's sexual orientation, whereas 'gay' is a general term for homosexuality.
Pride parade
A pride parade is a public event celebrating LGBTQ+ identity and promoting visibility and acceptance.
Example: They attended the pride parade to show support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Note: While 'gay' is a term referring to homosexuality, 'pride parade' is an event that celebrates LGBTQ+ identities in general.
Same-sex marriage
This refers to a legally recognized marriage between two people of the same sex.
Example: They legalized same-sex marriage in their country last year.
Note: The phrase 'same-sex marriage' specifically addresses the legal union of two individuals of the same gender, in contrast to the broader term 'gay.'
Love is love
This phrase emphasizes that love between individuals, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, is equal and valid.
Example: No matter who you love, remember that love is love.
Note: While 'gay' is a term specifically related to homosexuality, 'love is love' focuses on the universal concept of love.
In the closet
To be 'in the closet' means to keep one's sexual orientation or true feelings hidden or secret.
Example: He's in the closet about his true feelings for his friend.
Note: The phrase 'in the closet' refers to hiding one's sexual orientation, while 'gay' is a term describing homosexuality openly.
Queer community
The queer community includes individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ and may not conform to traditional gender or sexual norms.
Example: The queer community organized a fundraiser for LGBTQ+ youth.
Note: While 'gay' specifically refers to homosexual individuals, 'queer community' is a broader term encompassing diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.
Rainbow flag
The rainbow flag is a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride and diversity.
Example: During Pride Month, many buildings are decorated with rainbow flags.
Note: Unlike 'gay,' which refers to homosexuality, the 'rainbow flag' is a symbol representing the LGBTQ+ community as a whole.
Gay everyday (slang) expressions
Fruit
Fruit is a slang term often used to refer to a gay man in a somewhat derogatory or humorous manner.
Example: He's a fruit; he always knows the latest gossip about everyone.
Note: Fruit is a derogatory term that can be offensive if used in a disrespectful way.
Fag
Fag is a derogatory term historically used to insult gay men. Some individuals in the LGBTQ+ community have reclaimed and use it in a non-harmful way.
Example: He called him a fag, but it was meant as a joke among friends.
Note: Fag is a highly derogatory term that should generally be avoided in respectful conversation.
Sparkle
Sparkle is a slang term sometimes used to refer to someone who is gay or queer, often in a positive and whimsical manner.
Example: She's got a lot of sparkle; her energy is infectious.
Note: Sparkle can be seen as stereotypical and may not be appropriate in all contexts.
Friend of Dorothy
Friend (or Friend of Dorothy) is a discreet way to refer to someone who is gay, especially in situations where being open about one's sexuality may be unsafe or uncomfortable.
Example: Do you know if she's a friend of Dorothy? I want to make sure she feels welcome.
Note: The term originates from a historical reference to Judy Garland's character in the Wizard of Oz, and it may not be widely understood by younger generations.
Rainbow
Rainbow is sometimes used as a discreet way to refer to someone who is gay, particularly in environments where one's sexuality might not be openly discussed.
Example: She's wearing a lot of rainbow colors today; she must be feeling festive.
Note: Rainbow is a euphemistic term that hints at someone's sexual orientation without explicitly stating it.
Flaming
Flaming is a slang term used to describe someone who is overtly and typically effeminately gay.
Example: His outfit is so flaming; he always knows how to make a statement.
Note: Flaming can be seen as stereotypical and may be considered offensive by some individuals.
Gay - Examples
English: He came out as gay last year.
English: The gay community is fighting for equal rights.
English: She has a crush on a girl, she might be gay.
Gay grammar
Gay - Proper noun (Proper noun) / Proper noun, singular (Proper noun, singular)
Lemma: gay
Conjugations
Adjective, comparative (Adjective, comparative): gayer
Adjective, superlative (Adjective, superlative): gayest
Adjective (Adjective): gay
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): gays
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): gay
Syllables, Separation and Stress
gay Contains 1 syllables: gay
Phonetic transcription: ˈgā
gay , ˈgā (The red syllable is stressed)
Gay - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
gay: 400 - 500 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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