English · Slang Attested

gunsel

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Synonym of catamite: a young man kept by an elder as a (usually passive) homosexual partner.

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

The boy’s eyes […] ran over Spade’s body from shoulders to knees […] “Another thing,” Spade repeated, glaring at the boy: “Keep that gunsel away from me while you’re making up your mind. I’ll kill him […] ”

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Synonym of bottom: a passive partner in a male homosexual relationship.

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

Synonym of bitch: a man forced or coerced into a homosexual relationship.

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Topics: Dated

Common questions

What does “gunsel” mean?

Synonym of catamite: a young man kept by an elder as a (usually passive) homosexual partner.

Is “gunsel” formal or informal?

gunsel is generally dated, slang.