For years, the word gay has been known to be one of the most controversial terms in the English language. It would be fair to say that the way society views the word today is significantly different to how it used to be regarded. The definition of the word gay: (of a person, especially a man) homosexual. But this is just one of a huge selection of definitions that the word has taken over the course of history. The three of us were deeply interested in the etymology of the word gay- after finding out the fact that different meanings of the word have dwelled beforehand. In fact, etymology not only explores into the deep roots of words, but also, as I mentioned before, intends to look at how definitions of them have changed over time. Words are no different to everything else in the world that has progressed, their purposes change over time. Just as computers evolved from saving wars to saving homework deadlines, words gradually evolve from one purpose to another. …show more content…
It first appears to mind why these different perceptions have come about, it is, after all, the same word being used in a different life. After all, arguably one of the grander words of the dictionary in older times has now, it could be said, suffered a dramatic fall from grace; now being viewed upon by some countries and societies as a disgrace and viewed upon as being a criminal word. It is crucial, however, for us to consider two things about the perception of the word gay as its meanings have changed with time, and ask ourselves two main questions: why, and