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Word pc
Posted: Tue May 22, 2018 12:05 pm
by Wendy Seddon
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.
Re: Word pc
Posted: Tue May 22, 2018 7:01 pm
by Maureen K Clifford
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
Re: Word pc
Posted: Tue May 22, 2018 8:40 pm
by Shelley Hansen
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
Re: Word pc
Posted: Mon May 28, 2018 2:41 pm
by Catherine Lee
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!