We’ve had some fun posting uses of the word “gay” before it meant what it means today. For example, the “gay nineties,” “to wake up GAY in the morning!,” and “I’ve robbed the rainbow to make you gay” (yes, really).
Here’s another fun one: a letter from Marilyn Monroe thanking the German Consulate General for a bottle of champagne. May we all be as gracious.
Thanks to Retronaut for the find!
Lisa Wade, PhD is an Associate Professor at Tulane University. She is the author of American Hookup, a book about college sexual culture; a textbook about gender; and a forthcoming introductory text: Terrible Magnificent Sociology. You can follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
Comments 9
LegoLewdite — December 2, 2012
And let's not forget the end of the Flinstones' theme...
Tlaad — December 2, 2012
I found that note utterly charming, and I wish I could be so good with so few words.
My mother's first name is Gay, like many people her age. I really appreciate her attitude when people suggest she change it; she says that it's their problem and not hers that they don't like it.
I happen to be queer myself, and I remember having a conversation with her that came down to, well, nobody snickers when we use the word "straight" (meaning something that doesn't turn) in conversation, and "gay" as its used in Monroe's letter is a really useful (and fun!) word. We're missing out by making it sort-of-taboo, when we could honestly have the same attitude we have towards the word "straight."
Kat — December 2, 2012
All humor aside, this is a really relevant social issue. The way that society changes the meanings of words is a really poignant example of modern culture. Some words, like 'gay,' are taken both sensitively and insensitively. It can obviously be used insensitively, but I would argue that the increased sensitivity of proponents is prolonging the issue. Were it not such a hot point, it would less discussed and less used. Also, it's true that some people only use the word because of how often it is discussed.
FAGGOT — December 3, 2012
I LOVE TO SUCK PENIS
LeilaM12 — December 3, 2012
I just googled it: She misspelled the name of the German Consul; it was Volkmar von Zühlsdorff. In the 1930s he was as a Social Democrat against the Nazis and fled Germany because of them. He returned in 1946.
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James Jordan — August 4, 2023
I am glad you enjoyed the post and found it amusing. Marilyn Monroe was a legendary actress, singer, and model who captivated the world with her beauty, talent, and charisma.
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