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gay


Uncool, unstylish, ugly, etc,. Generally derogatory: I wouldn't buy that dress (picture, car, house, etc.), it's gay!

Editor's comments: This term is very common amongst schoolkids and teenagers generally, and is perhaps not a regionalism. More confirmation from around the country would be greatly appreciated. Certainly this usage is seriously objected to by many gay-identifying people.

Contributor's comments: My teenage daughters (in Brisbane) use 'gay' in this sense.

Contributor's comments: Usage of gay as a deregatory term for anything or anyone is the norm in the Goldfields. It can cause a bit of confusion because of the mixed message. It's usually used by kids rather than adults, and often the association with homosexuality is not made by the kids, but by adults.

Contributor's comments: Gay is used very much in Qld in a non-homosexual sense, i.e. Don't be gay!, which generally means you should participate, i.e. not pike. It can also mean that you have a view/doing something the other person doesn't agree with. Compare, "He's being gay" (non-homosexual connotations) vs He's gay - he's homosexual.

Contributor's comments: This word, generally meaning "uncool" is definitely used in Melbourne amongst girls of 13-18. I have rarely heard it used by males of the same age, but my 13 yr old daughter insists that teenage guys use it too. It has no link with homosexuals when used in this sense. Used extremely frequently, as is "like".

Contributor's comments: [Perth informant] Not cool: "That mobile looks gay."

Contributor's comments: It means bad, uncool, 'lame' - fairly derogatory when you think about it.

Contributor's comments: I have heard both my teenage children use the term 'gay' in this sense of disapproval or ridicule over the past 12-18 months. It appears to be a common term among their school peers.