Collocations for "gay"
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word "gay" in context.
WordReference English Collocations © 2026
gay
ⓘMost examples are given in US English. We have labeled exceptions as UK.adj
- a gay [man, woman, senator, player, priest, couple]
- a gay [resort, club, magazine, movie, hotel]
- gay [pride, rights, associations, marriage, relationships]
- gay [sex, porn]
- gay and [straight, lesbian]
- I am (so) gay for [you, my best friend]
- offensive: this is so gay!
- offensive: that's [such a, a totally] gay [idea, thing to do]
- offensive: stop being gay!
- with gay abandon
- dated: (in) gay [spirits, humor]
- dated: gay [colors, ornaments, decoration]
- dated: had a gay old time
- dated: [young, carefree] and gay
- Note: The plural gays is often considered pejorative or offensive, and in general the term gay people is preferred.
- discrimination against [gay people, gays]
- allow [gay people, gays] to marry
- [rights, privileges] for [gay people, gays]
- [rights] for [gay people, gays] and [lesbians, trans people]
- [bars, clubs, resorts] for [gay people, gays]
- a popular resort [among, for] [gay people, gays]
'gay' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):