Lonan3 Posted June 7, 2006 Share Posted June 7, 2006 When Chris Moyles recently described a ringtone as "gay", it reopened the debate about our ever shifting language. While the BBC Board of Governors rejected complaints against the Radio One DJ of homophobia, saying in their best Queen's English that in addition to meaning "homosexual" or "carefree", it is also used by young people to mean "lame" or "rubbish", there are others who believe that, at the age of 32, Moyles should have a more sophisticated grasp of the English language. "The BBC is right in the fact that 'gay' meaning 'rubbish' is in common use among young people," says Professor Sally Johnson, head of linguistics and phonetics at Leeds University. "But that doesn't make its use acceptable. The BBC is a public service broadcaster and Chris Moyles should know better." The new meaning of "gay" was apparently first noted six years ago being used by young people and teenagers in California, a state which ironically has a large and influential gay community. The change represents another major departure for a word which originally meant carefree, happy or bright and showy. The sexual connotation was first acquired in the late 17th-century when it was used to mean "uninhibited by moral constraints" and later used to describe a foppish dress code. It took until the 1960s for it to be adopted by homosexuals [Yorkshire Post 7/6/06] So, is it now acceptable to use the word 'gay' to mean rubbish - or am I likely to be handbagged if I do? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrsTrellisfromNorthWales Posted June 7, 2006 Share Posted June 7, 2006 Strange when you think what "naff" meant originally in Polari (gay patois) before it moved into the mainstream. "Not Available For Fucking", i.e. heterosexual. Then "naff" became a synonym for rubbish. So straight and gay are the same thing, after all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ardvark Posted June 7, 2006 Share Posted June 7, 2006 Then "naff" became a synonym for rubbish. A bit like What Everyone Wants. Or that shop run by Lee Whateverhisname is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rog Posted June 7, 2006 Share Posted June 7, 2006 I've reposisioned my opinion regarding homosexuality. (no smart arsed somments thank you.) I recognise that society has changed. i have too. It's not for me, but it no longer is it the anti-social thing it once was. As regards the use of the word "gay", surely words only mean whatever we want them to. For example it was once a bad thing to be wiked. Now it means something is great. (Please excuse me - I'm suffering from a bad case of the "Stolichnayas'"!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Declan Posted June 7, 2006 Share Posted June 7, 2006 You're back! Or someone pretending to be you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rog Posted June 7, 2006 Share Posted June 7, 2006 You're back! Or someone pretending to be you! My back? Warra-baht it? No, no quitting, just a few days away. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Declan Posted June 7, 2006 Share Posted June 7, 2006 /Points to apostraphe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rog Posted June 7, 2006 Share Posted June 7, 2006 /Points to apostraphe. /points to half empty bottle of 'Stolly'. Age dosn't always bring wisdom! 'Least, not in my case! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WilDDog Posted June 7, 2006 Share Posted June 7, 2006 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheScope Posted June 7, 2006 Share Posted June 7, 2006 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hboy Posted June 8, 2006 Share Posted June 8, 2006 That has to be the worlds most improbable gay couple - unless of course gay really does mean rubbish and if that is the case they are definately the worlds two gayest people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Albert Tatlock Posted June 8, 2006 Share Posted June 8, 2006 Wot u talkin about Wildog? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WilDDog Posted June 8, 2006 Share Posted June 8, 2006 Wot u talkin about Wildog? I'm talking about life being so gay, it's great isn't it? Just like the two dudes in the picture, they're great as well aren't they? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Albert Tatlock Posted June 8, 2006 Share Posted June 8, 2006 Wot u talkin about Wildog? I'm talking about life being so gay, it's great isn't it? Just like the two dudes in the picture, they're great as well aren't they? I really hope you're missing the point here Willdog - that's Gary Coleman - from 'Different Strokes' - with his well known catchphrase . '' I don't believe you!' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WilDDog Posted June 8, 2006 Share Posted June 8, 2006 What you talkin about Willis er Albert. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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