Word pc

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Wendy Seddon
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Word pc

Post by Wendy Seddon » Tue May 22, 2018 12:05 pm

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.
Wen de Rhymewriter There is nothing mundane about the ordinary.

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Maureen K Clifford
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Re: Word pc

Post by Maureen K Clifford » Tue May 22, 2018 7:01 pm

Just use it - don't go overthinking it :D 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
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Shelley Hansen
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Re: Word pc

Post by Shelley Hansen » Tue May 22, 2018 8:40 pm

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
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Catherine Lee
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Re: Word pc

Post by Catherine Lee » Mon May 28, 2018 2:41 pm

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!

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