The history of the word “gay”
Gay is a term that primarily refers to a homosexual person or the trait of being homosexual. The term originally meant "carefree", "cheerful', or "bright and showy". [1] While scant usage referring to male homosexuality dates to the late 19th century, that meaning became increasingly common by the midth century. [2]. Want to remove ads? Log in to see fewer ads, and become a Premium Member to remove all ads. How did “gay” come to mean “homosexual”?
Today I found out how ‘gay’ came to mean ‘homosexual’. The word “gay” seems to have its origins around the 12th century in England, derived from the Old French word ‘gai’, which in turn was probably derived from a Germanic word, though that isn’t completely known. The word’s original meaning meant something to the effect of “joyful”, “carefree”, “full of mirth. For centuries, gay was used commonly in speech and literature to mean happy, carefree, bright and showy, and did not take on any sexual meaning until the s. At that time the meaning of gay as carefree evolved to imply that a person was unrestrained by morals and prone to decadence and promiscuity. 
A History of 'Gay' and Other Queerwords
Originating from Old French "gai" (12c.) meaning joyful or light-colored, "gay" evolved from "merry" and "wanton" in the 14c. to also mean a homosexual. However, around the early parts of the 17th century, the word began to be associated with immorality. Fast-forward to the 19th century and the word gay referred to a woman who was a prostitute and a gay man was someone who slept with a lot of women ironically enough , often prostitutes.
How ‘Gay’ Came to Mean ‘Homosexual’
Dear Cecil: Where, when, how, etc., did the good-natured word “gay” pass into the vernacular as a designation for all things homosexual? Can one be homosexual without being gay, and vice versa? Tom M., Los Angeles Cecil replies: Hate to tell you this, Tom, but the “good-natured word ‘gay’” has been leading a double life. . 
Gay / gaycat — Wordorigins.org
by Jordan Redman Staff Writer Do you know what the word gay really means? The word gay dates back to the 12th century and comes from the Old French “gai,” meaning “full of joy or mirth.” It may also relate to the Old High German “gahi,” meaning impulsive. .
Origin of the Name Gay (Complete History)
The name ‘Gay’ has a rich and intriguing history that encompasses various facets of language, society, and culture. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the etymology, evolution of meaning, societal perception, representation in literature and media, global context, and predictions for the future of the name ‘Gay’. Understanding the Term ‘Gay’ The term ‘Gay’ is. . 
Gay
It was used mainly by “ordinary” and “straight-acting” gay men in preference to a host of words for effeminate gay men: nellie queens, margeries, fairies, pansies, nancy-boys. By the s the homosexual meaning of gay was common knowledge to those in the gay subculture and in the bohemian demi-monde in America. .
Gay
The simple answer to your question is, the quoted reference uses the original meaning of "light-hearted, carefree; manifesting, characterized by, or disposed to joy and mirth; exuberantly cheerful, merry; sportive." However, this question deserves a more detailed answer How the definition of the word "gay" changed from its original to what we understand it to mean today is a valuable study in. .