History of the Word "Gay" | Origin of Everything

PBS Learning Media
Contributed By
PBS Learning Media
Resource Type
Classroom Material
Keywords
history gay origin happy definition same sex language same sex relationships linguistics linguistic appropriation etymology LGBT linguistics homosexuals lesbians self referential terms self-reference Lavender Linguistics linguistic strategies rhetorical strategies Origin of Everything
Subjects
English-Language Arts History-Social Science
Grade Levels
Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12
Audience
Classroom Teacher / Educator
Related Resources

History of the Word "Gay" | Origin of Everything

The word "gay” has a long history in the English language, but why did “gay” stop meaning “happy” and start referring to “same sex relationships”? Watch this episode of Origin of Everything to find out.

About the Author: Niles Mattier is originally from Boston, MA and currently teaches 5th grade History. He created these support materials. Niles attended Syracuse University in New York majoring in History and Education Studies, and recently earned a Master of Education from Boston University.
Publisher
PBS Learning Media

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