A Wordy, Nerdy, History of ‘Gay’

🌈 Abstract

The article traces the etymology of the word "gay" from its origins in Ancient Greek to its modern usage as a term for LGBTQIA+ identity. It explores how the word has evolved over 2,800 years, from its roots in the Greek words "gai" and "gaio" meaning "earthly" and "rejoicing," to its adoption into Latin as "Gaius" and "gaudeo," and its subsequent journey through various Romance languages before arriving in English. The article also discusses the historical context of the word's usage, including its association with sexuality, the criminalization of LGBTQIA+ identities, and the eventual reclamation of the term by the LGBTQIA+ community as a symbol of pride and identity.

🙋 Q&A

[01] The Etymology of the Word "Gay"

1. What are the earliest known uses of the word "gay" and its Greek and Latin roots?

• The earliest known uses of the word "gay" come from Ancient Greek, where the root word was "γαι" (gai) or "γαια/γαιω" (gaia/gaio), meaning "earthly" or "rejoicing/exulting."
• The word was likely absorbed into Latin when the Roman Empire expanded eastward, where it became "Gaius" and "gaudeo," meaning "joyful" and "happy."
• The article traces the evolution of the word through various Romance languages, including Old French, Old Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian, before it was imported into English.

2. How does the article address the potential Frankish etymology of the word "gay"?

• The article acknowledges a competing hypothesis that the word "gay" may have originated from the Frankish word "gahi," meaning "pretty."
• However, the article argues that the Greek-Latin-French lineage has stronger evidence, as evidenced by the use of the Greek name "Philippus" in the 12th century CE.
• The article also notes that the word was already being used in other Romance languages with the meaning of "joyful" by Philippus' time, further supporting the Greek-Latin-French etymology.

[02] The Historical Context and Reclamation of the Word "Gay"

1. How did the meaning and usage of the word "gay" evolve over time, particularly in relation to LGBTQIA+ identities?

• In the 12th century CE, the word "gay" meant "happy" and "joyful," similar to its ancient Greek and Latin roots.
• By the 14th century, the word had taken on additional meanings in Old French, such as "pretty," "shining," and "colorful."
• In the 19th century, the word began to be associated with LGBTQIA+ identities, though it was often used as a derogatory term.
• In the 1950s, "gay" became a slur, while "homophile" and "homosexual" were used by LGBTQIA+ activists and oppressive institutions, respectively.
• In the 1960s, LGBTQIA+ activists reclaimed the word "gay" as a badge of honor, stripping it of its power as a slur and using it to describe their identities.

2. How did the reclamation of the word "gay" contribute to the LGBTQIA+ rights movement?

• The article states that the act of "coming out" and publicly using the word "gay" to describe LGBTQIA+ identities was a powerful message, signaling that the community was no longer willing to endure in the shadows of society.
• This reclamation of the word "gay" was a crucial step in the LGBTQIA+ rights movement, as it allowed the community to assert their identities and demand equal rights.
• The article suggests that the gains made by the LGBTQIA+ community through this reclamation are now being threatened, and calls for future generations to rise and challenge oppression and discrimination.