What does 'gay' mean?

• In our modern times, it is a common idiom often used to refer to homosexuals: a man who is sexually attracted to men or a woman who is sexually attracted to women. Today, you are often hearing the word "gay" as a reference to something or someone that is somehow related to homosexuals or their lifestyle. The person being described himself may in fact be a homosexual, and hence "gay."
  
  On another note, the word has recently become a sort of replacement adjective for someone or something that is thought to be "stupid" or "lame"; it is sometimes used today as an adjective that is not even related to sexual preference.
  
  In the past, for example in the 40's and 50's, it meant something quite different. It simply meant, by definition:
  
  Showing or characterized by cheerfulness and lighthearted excitement; merry. Or, bright or lively, especially in color.

• Gay means to be happy and full of joy, which is the description in the dictionary. However, the term is widely used nowadays as a term for same-sex relationships or men who behave in a feminine way.

• A person who is happy or a person who finds other people of the same sex attractive (also known as a homosexual).

• Gay in the modern sense and current usage refers to homosexuality. In earlier times it was taken to mean "happy" or "carefree."

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First answer by Ebeaman. Last edit by Robin. Contributor trust: 303 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 71 [recommend question]