Well Lynn, it does seem to be a world wide thing as it is very common in the UK also, but I don't think young children really understand the meaning of the word. I know fairly young people that use the word 'gay' a lot but not as a real insult. It's a one syllable word that is easy for a child to use and feel clever about using it. I personally don't feel it's really used in the malicious sense and can certainly think of worse words that could be used.

I can see though how this is upsetting for you in particular and you can insist that your own children do not use such language. Unfortunately children today seem to be growing up much too fast.