Gay Lingo: Its Etymology and Word Formation Processes

AUTHOR(S)

EDERLYN C. ALONZO

ABSTRACT

— This study aimed to determine and describe the etymology and word formation processes of gay lingo used by the senior high school gay students in Catubig Valley National High School. It tried to gather the different gay lingo terminologies used by the gay students, the etymologies of these gay lingo terminologies, and the word formation processes that these gay lingo terminologies have gone through. Qualitative type of research was used in the study. The respondents of the study were the gay senior high school students enrolled in Catubig Valley National High School who participated in the focus group discussion. Data were recorded, transcribed and analyzed based on the collection of terminologies and their etymologies using content analysis. In addition, the data from the extracted conversations were divided into different word formation processes. The findings revealed that there were gay lingo terminologies showcasing the ability of students to adapt dynamic linguistic features with its own structure, variation, and usage in actual conversations. It is a sociolect that promotes inclusion and creativity, making it an important and growing method of communication. The findings of this study also revealed that gay lingo modified words from Waray, English, Filipino, Spanish, Greek, Japanese, and Cebuano to create unique linguistic expressions. Most terms originated from existing words but they underwent alterations through linguistic changes. Many terms captured the most typical example of gay humor, turning ordinary words into something with flair. Beyond the fun, gay lingo works as both shield and welcome mat for LGBTQ+ folks and it carries along its sociolinguistic function. Further, several word formation processes were observed in the creation of gay lingo like substitution and addition of letters, use of foreign word, rhyming foreign words other than English, Filipinized reading, use of Philippine slang, rhyming with object/thing/event, misappropriation of affix, repetition of words, creation of portmanteau, association with a characteristic of an object/thing/event, and abbreviation or use of acronym. Generally, this study found out that the gay lingo used by senior high school students in Catubig Valley National High School has evolved into a vibrant linguistic phenomenon with cultural and social significance. Keywords — Gay Lingo, Etymology, Word Formation Processes, Gay Students, English Language Competence