B KENYON (LET, January 12) inquires why people use the word "gay" instead of homosexual.

Well in fact, this isn't an isolated phenomenon -- language abounds with abbreviations, nicknames and euphemisms.

Why do we do it? Sometimes out of affection (mum); sometimes to ease embarrassment (loo); sometimes for brevity (phone). The nickname for heterosexuals like myself and (presumably) Mr Kenyon, is "straight".

Where harm is done, I am all for straight talk -- child abuse, rape and racism, sexual harassment and drug-dealing, physical and psychological violence, theft, vandalism and exploitation of any kind, needs to be named and shamed.

Only by doing so can steps be taken to eliminate such abuses.

However, where people are doing no harm to anyone they surely deserve to be treated with kindness, gentleness and respect whatever their genetic differences or chosen lifestyle and whatever they choose to call themselves.

Indeed, intolerance of those differences is yet more harm done.

Euphemisms are also, of course, a form of protection against intolerance and perhaps "gay" is a good one for those trying to remain cheerful and retain their sense of worth in the face of undeserved prejudice.

MRS K LOCKER (address supplied).