Etymology

gay cancer

Today it means: Synonym of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Full definition →

First used Used in the 1980s.
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The story

From gay (“homosexual”) + cancer (“disease”). From the fact that HIV/AIDS was in its beginnings very disproportionately found in homosexual men. The word “cancer” from the analogy with a suddenly emerging, highly feared and highly lethal disease.

First known use, by meaning

  • Used in the 1980s. Synonym of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.