A popular Chinese dictionary has left out the ` ` gay '' definition of a word used to describe homosexuals . The word ` ` tongzhi '' traditionally means comrade but has evolved to refer to gay ##s and lesbians . Compilers of the dictionary said they did n't want to change that use of the word . Journalists and linguists are angered at the omission because it 's not right to leave out a widely - used word .
A popular Chinese dictionary has left out the `` gay '' definition of a word used to describe homosexuals . The term `` tongzhi '' traditionally means comrade but has evolved to refer to gay men and lesbians . Compilers of the dictionary said they did n't want to encourage that use of the word . Activists and linguists are angered at the omission saying it 's not right to leave out a widely-used word .