Can I still use the word "ejaculate?"

It's neither outdated or is it current. I've never heard the term used in this manner. It's not a correct choice of words. No one would make that choice without getting odd looks by listeners.

A sudden verbal outburst...could be 'exclaimed' or 'blurted out' as alternative choices.

For at least 50 years, the primary meaning of 'ejaculate', for many native users, is 'shoot semen from the penis during orgasm'. For this reason many native speakers avoid its use when they intend to convey the meaning of a sudden verbal outburst. You can, of course, still use it with that meaning, but with care.

Do you ever do any research before posting? In British and US English, up to maybe 1950 or so, 'ejaculate' had indeed a widely understood meaning of 'exclaim' or 'blurt'. Later, the primary meaning became the sexual one. It is frequent in the 'Biggles' books of Captain WE Johns (1920s-40s) and also those of the early American SF writer of the same era, EE "Doc" Smith, and many others.

As regards the usage of the term, I stand by this statement:
If this person is researching word usage that will be clearly understood without garnering unwanted attention, they should not use the word.

Furthermore indicating you know of certain language usage by some obscure Science Fiction writer does not validate its usage. Many SF writers invent their own words without any regard to legitimacy or proper language usage. The Op wanted to know if it's advisable to use the word in this context. To say the least, it is not a common usage nor is it one that most would readily understand.

On my first visit home from college, my parents picked me up at the airport in their brand new car.

It had all kinds of features, and was pretty sleek.

My father showed me some feature that reminded me of a James Bond car.

"WOW!" I said, choosing the wrong word, "I'll bet this car even has an ejaculation seat!"

I couldn't understand why we drove in silence for quite a few miles after that.

Good one. Tnx for sharing.

"Cam I still use the word "ejaculate?" was the question asked by the author of this thread.

Yes, you may. Ejaculate remains a free word in the English language.

I was busted back in '63 for using the word "expulsion" but times have changed.

Welcome to the free world.

It works best in light fiction that also uses words, like fecundate.

Now here's a tailor-made topic to flush-out and bring on a Gustav sighting.

WB, Gustav!

Light friction you say?

Next time, fight with a copy of Strunk & White and an Uzi.

gus sighting, must enter it in my log.

You were caught out making a hasty and ignorant post. Now you are wriggling on the hook. You wrote:


It was once current, if somewhat literary, and is now outdated.


"Having never heard" of a usage does not automatically mean it is inccorrect.


It is a correct, but unusual and nowadays odd usage.


This at least is true.


I have shown that up to about 60 years ago using 'ejaculate' to mean 'exclaim' was current and acceptable usage in British and US written usage. I gave examples of two pretty well known writers (in their fields) of that period, one on each side of the Atlantic. There were plenty of others. You appear to be asserting that if you have not heard of something, it cannot be true.

Dr. Watson Ejaculated Twice as Often as Sherlock Holmes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5JEJiiSZCM

HG Wells' The War Of The Worlds is full of them. Here are a couple of my favourites.

I grew very weary and irritable with the curate's perpetual ejaculations

Part of the time we spent helping two old women to pack a ...... dressing gown and shawl; her husband followed ejaculating

Somehow I connect the earlier less sexual use of the word with another, hallelujah. Oh, wait.. maybe that's how it became so associated with the sexual activity.


Ejaculate - Definition and More from the Free Merriam ...
www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ejaculate‎
Merriam‑Webster
medical : to release semen from the penis.
: to say (something) suddenly and forcefully.
ejac·u·lat·ed
ejac·u·lat·ing
transitive verb
Full Definition of EJACULATE.
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ejaculate

Gee, and I thought that was sort of funny.

Sue me! I got it wrong.

Your post was a kind of ejaculation, I daresay?