MORPHO-SYNTACTIC CHARACTERISTICS OF GAY LANGUAGE: A LINGUISTIC ANALYSIS
This study examined the morphological and semantic features of Gay Lingo as a creative form of communication within a digital context. Using a qualitative linguistic approach, social media posts were analyzed to identify the morphological processes and meanings constructed in actual discourse. The findings revealed that the most common word-formation processes include clipping, borrowing, eponymy, reduplication, word reversal, and clipping with affixation. Furthermore, the expressions used in Gay Lingo convey linguistic, emotional, and social meanings that vary depending on the context of use. The study also found that Gay Lingo serves functions beyond being a mere language variety; it acts as an important tool for expressing identity, solidarity, and social connection within the LGBTQ community. Through its innovative and dynamic nature, Gay Lingo enables speakers to create shared meanings and strengthen group membership. Overall, the study demonstrates that Gay Lingo is a systematic, meaningful, and powerful form of social expression that reflects both linguistic creativity and cultural identity in contemporary digital communication.