The word "gay" as a noun denoting homosexuality

He is gay -- adjective
He is a gay -- noun

Mr. M -- do you ever hear anyone say "he is a gay"? I think it's very rarely used that way. I would say that the noun is mostly used in the plural -- "Do you think gays should be allowed to adopt children?" In fact, even in the plural it's not used much (except maybe in headlines). It's much more commonly used as an adjective.

"he is a gay"? - That sounds odd!

I agree "gays" (used as noun in plural) is more common.

Gay men HIV cases quintuple in Shanghai

Gay men HIV cases quintuple in Shanghai Groups

I agree with khoff - it's almost a perjorative as a noun in the singular, and not very common as a plural either.

Oddly, homosexual functions nicely as both a noun and adjective.

Grammar GeekOddly, homosexual functions nicely as both a noun and adjective.

As does lesbian.

CJ

Grammar Geek it's almost a perjorative as a noun in the singular

I agree completely. But the OP asks how it's used, not necessarily how it's used in polite society, or how we recommend he should use it.

Best regards, - A.

But I think we need to make sure people know how to use the words, not just what they mean.

If someone asked "Is it true that the word [which will become *** so there is no point in writing it] means ***** as well as rooster?", we can't just say "yes." We need to say "Yes, but DON'T USE THAT in polite society."


Same with "Jew" but the opposite. Don't use it as

Hi,

I agree with GG completely. Giving that kind of commentary is one of the strengths of our Forum.

Best wishes, Clive

Grammar Geek
Same with "Jew" but the opposite. Don't use it as an adjective!

So, we can say "He's a gay Jew" but not "he's a Jew gay"?

CliveI agree with GG completely. Giving that kind of commentary is one of the strengths of our Forum.

I'll second that [Y] (or third it!)[Y][Y] - A.