noun

gaydar

GAY-dah

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Gaydar (noun) means the informal, supposed ability to tell whether someone is gay based on subtle cues in their appearance or behaviour. Example: “My gaydar's never wrong," she joked after guessing correctly again.”

noun

The informal, supposed ability to tell whether someone is gay based on subtle cues in their appearance or behaviour.

""I dunno. He's carried this one on since Halloween. I'm starting to think the lie was actually the 'straight guy role'. I may have a crappy gaydar, but having faked heterosexuality before, I feel like I should be able to recognize it."" — Jocelyn Samara DiDomenick, Comic 368 – January Girls (2013)

""My gaydar's never wrong," she joked after guessing correctly again."

"When you first come out, you might have an overactive gaydar. When I realized I was gay, I wanted everyone to be gay too, which led to a lot of wishful thinking. "Helen Hunt is gay!" Dream on, girl!" — Judy Carter, Step 3: Find Another Homo (1996)

How to use gaydar

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA joking term for someone's supposed knack for spotting who is gay.

When to use it

Informal and often used humorously; not a scientific or reliable concept.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: gaydars

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

"My _____'s never wrong," she joked after guessing correctly again.

Etymology

A blend of "gay" and "radar."

Frequently asked questions

What does “gaydar” mean?

The word “gaydar” means the informal, supposed ability to tell whether someone is gay based on subtle cues in their appearance or behaviour. In plain terms, a joking term for someone's supposed knack for spotting who is gay.

How do you pronounce “gaydar”?

“Gaydar” is pronounced GAY-dah (/ˈɡeɪˌdɑɹ/ in IPA).

How do you use “gaydar” in a sentence?

Here is “gaydar” used in a sentence: “"My gaydar's never wrong," she joked after guessing correctly again.”

What part of speech is “gaydar”?

“Gaydar” is a noun.