Today In Euphemizing Johnny Weir's Gayness: Chicago Tribune, ESPN, And Many More

An occasional series in which we document — and evaluate — the sports media's pained efforts to call the sexually undeclared figure skater gay without quite calling him gay.

Euphemist: Philip Hersh, Chicago Tribune Choice descriptions: "diva persona ... avant-garde showman ... never hides his light ... 'Care Bear on acid' ... garish attire ... sparkle ... pretty in pink ... gilded egg"

Euphemist: Jim Caple, ESPN Choice descriptions: "spandex and sequins ... twirls ... flamboyant [headline] ... as if he had hired the costume designers for Cher and Judas Priest ... wearing something Elton John would consider over-the-top ... would like to go into fashion design"

Euphemist: Nancy Armour, Canadian Press Choice descriptions: "Colourful. Eccentric. Talented. Artistic. Quirky. Entertaining. Outrageous. ... pizazz"

Euphemist: Craig Hill, Tacoma News Tribune Choice descriptions: "Weir's flamboyant muse [headline] ... sprightly fashionista ... flashes butt cleavage, frolics on a bed with another guy ... his foxy long program"

Euphemist: Steve Kelley, Seattle Times Choice descriptions:: "flamboyant [headline] ... flamboyant ... gender-bending showman ... vamped ... in high heels and short skirts ... soaking in a tub with a male friend ... sparkle and spangle ... athletic showmen like Johnny Weir ... wears tassels"

Euphemist: Neil Genzlinger, The New York Times Choice description: "flamboyant"

Euphemist: Gary D'Amato, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Choice description: "flamboyant"

Euphemist: Noelle Crombie, The Oregonian Choice description: "unapologetically flamboyant"

Euphemist: Steve Keating, Reuters Choice descriptions: "flamboyant Johnny Weir ... flamboyant Weir"

Euphemist: John Henderson, Denver Post Choice description: "flamboyant reality show"

Euphemist: Vahe Gregorian, St. Louis Post-Dispatch Choice description: "flamboyant fan favorite"

Flamboyometer: Rating the euphemisms (on a scale of 1 to 5 high-stepping Liberaces)

Weir photo via ESPN.com