We hate to do it, but we've got to quote Alicia Silverstone's Clueless character and say "Old people can be so cute sweet!"*

Take, for example, Arizona-resident Norman Derouin, who's having some trouble with sexualized slang:

Call me of the older generation, but I remember a time when to be identified as gay was to be identified as a happy, outgoing guy. "Let's Be Happy Let's Be Gay Let's Declare a Holiday" was a popular song.

I feel disenfranchised. I cannot say in mixed company that I am feeling gay. I would get looks.

I have nothing against the people who are of that genetic disposition. But please, come up with another widely approved description!

Hmmm, "faggot" is probably out, as is the truncated "fag". Many people may find "Poofta" objectionable and "butt-fucker" far too crude. We've always been a fan of "homo," but have a feeling people won't agree.

So, what does that leave us? Not much. Sorry, Mr. Derouin, you're just going to have to come up with a new word for "happy and outgoing". How's animated? What about gregarious? Oh, we know! Frolicsome! That's very masculine.

*That hurt us more than it did you.