As gay as

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with gay aˈbandon

(old-fashioned) without thinking about the results or effects of a particular action: Although she was nervous at first, she was soon singing and dancing with gay abandon.

Gay here means ‘happy and without cares’.

See also: abandon, gay

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

(as) gay as pink ink

mod. having to do with an obviously homosexual person, usually a male.

A pun on the phrase "buy now, pay later," referring to purchases made in installments. There was also another word “gey cat” at this time which meant a homosexual boy.

By 1955, the word gay now officially acquired the new added definition of meaning homosexual males. I can't believe Sarah asked him out on a date—how can she not see that he's clearly as gay as a picnic basket?I've been gay as a picnic basket since I was a teenager, so it wasn't a surprise to my parents when I came out.

See also: basket, gay, picnic

be (as) gay as springtime

To be overtly or flamboyantly homosexual.

To be overtly or flamboyantly homosexual. I can't believe Sarah asked him out on a date—how can she not see that he's clearly as gay as a lark?I've been gay as a lark since I was a teenager, so it wasn't a surprise to my parents when I came out.

See also: gay, lark

(as) gay as a picnic basket

Overtly or flamboyantly homosexual.

Those were just accepted definitions, along with the other meanings of the word.

Around the 1920s and 1930s, however, the word started to have a new meaning. Or “as a tangerine”.

“Gay as a tangerine” has always been a personal favorite. As if being bi isn't a valid thing!"Bi now, gay later," please.

I can't believe Sarah asked him out on a date—how can she not see that he's clearly as gay as a three-dollar bill?I've been gay as a three-dollar bill since I was a teenager, so it wasn't a surprise to my parents when I came out.

See also: bill, gay

(as) gay as pink ink

Overtly or flamboyantly homosexual. book

Henry’s description of himself being “as gay as a maypole” is used much later in the book, when he talks to Philip (his brother) while his whole (royal) family is present (Alex included).

Meaning of “Gay as a maypole”

This phrase can be explained in multiple ways.

Although women could still be called gay if they were prostitutes as that meaning had not yet 100% disappeared.

Since then, gay, meaning homosexual male, has steadily driven out all the other definitions that have floated about through time and of course also has gradually begun supplementing the word ‘lesbian’ as referring to women who are homosexual.

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Bonus Facts:

• The abstract noun ‘gaiety’ has somehow largely steered clear of having any sort of sexual connotation as with the word “gay”.

  Notorious for it.

  This quote comes from the movie ‘Red, White & Royal Blue’. Offensive when used pejoratively. Offensive when used pejoratively. | Red, White & Royal Blue is produced by Amazon Studios

   

   

  Movie vs. offensive slang To cause someone to be or become gay.