I want to use the word gaily.
It is a perfect word for the feeling I want to convey.
The closest 2 syllable I can come up with is brightly, but it's not the same.
I want to use it in a children's poem.
Would they know its 'other' meaning today?
Thoughts please...it's for a comp.
Word pc
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Wendy Seddon
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Word pc
Wen de Rhymewriter There is nothing mundane about the ordinary.
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Maureen K Clifford
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Re: Word pc
Just use it - don't go overthinking it 
The spelling is not the 'Gay' that most people associate with sexual preferences so it shouldn't detract in any way in your poem. Good Luck
The spelling is not the 'Gay' that most people associate with sexual preferences so it shouldn't detract in any way in your poem. Good LuckCheck out The Scribbly Bark Poets blog site here -
http://scribblybarkpoetry.blogspot.com.au/
I may not always succeed in making a difference, but I will go to my grave knowing I at least tried.
http://scribblybarkpoetry.blogspot.com.au/
I may not always succeed in making a difference, but I will go to my grave knowing I at least tried.
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Shelley Hansen
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Re: Word pc
Yes, I’m inclined to agree with Maureen, Wendy.
It is true that sometimes a synonym is not quite good enough. I’m sure the context of your children’s poem has nothing to do with the contemporary meaning of “gay”, so it is hardly likely to be mistaken.
It is a pity we feel reluctant to use the word, because its original meaning conjures up such a carefree image. “Bright” is subtly different.
But maybe one of our judges might like to give you some feedback ...
Cheers
Shelley
It is true that sometimes a synonym is not quite good enough. I’m sure the context of your children’s poem has nothing to do with the contemporary meaning of “gay”, so it is hardly likely to be mistaken.
It is a pity we feel reluctant to use the word, because its original meaning conjures up such a carefree image. “Bright” is subtly different.
But maybe one of our judges might like to give you some feedback ...
Cheers
Shelley
Shelley Hansen
Lady of Lines
http://www.shelleyhansen.com
"Look fer yer profits in the 'earts o' friends,
fer 'atin' never paid no dividends."
(CJ Dennis "The Mooch o' Life")
Lady of Lines
http://www.shelleyhansen.com
"Look fer yer profits in the 'earts o' friends,
fer 'atin' never paid no dividends."
(CJ Dennis "The Mooch o' Life")
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Catherine Lee
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- Location: Thailand
Re: Word pc
Absolutely nothing wrong with the word 'gaily' Wendy...I'd use 'gay' too if I needed to - the only reason I don't think I have is that it's a bit old-fashioned...It wouldn't even cross my mind that 'gaily' had any other connotaion other than what it really means. Go for it!