Is it US users that mainly use 'gay' as an insult...ie ''that's so gay?''?

Question

If so does this indicate a higher level of underlying homophobia than some other countries?

Answer 1

I believe so. To the first question, at least. Many Americans, primarily teens, say "that's so gay"-- merely because of what the teenage population associates the word "gay" with. Typically, teens tend to think of "gay" as fruity or peculiar (seeing as gay also means happy, eccentric), and so when they see something a bit odd, it's considered "gay."-- although I do NOT believe it's an attack on the gay community at all. It's merely a phrase that's been passed down throughout the years, and stands for nearly nothing now, although I refrain from using that particular idiom to be politically correct.

It has become a bit common... almost as common as "wassup" in slang. It was originally said to be insulting, but over time, it's lost it's original meaning and is a worthless idiom.

Kind of odd though. It's probably just the culture. Not homophobia, but something that's remained in our language. Something that ORIGINATED by bigots but has spread across the nation so much so that Americans use the phrase just for the sake of saying it.

Hope this answers your question adequately.

Answer 2

No it doesn't indicate a higher level of homophobia. They just use different words/phrases. Homophobia exists everywhere. You can be put to death in some Islamic countries, but it still goes on

Answer 3

I'm an Australian and from what I've seen, it's not just U.S users that use that phrase. Over here, we sort of copy (if you will) American sayings so it's become quite pronounced here as well. Yes, I agree with those that say that it started off with bigots and has gradually lost it's hateful underlying tone. It does depend on how it is used though or more importantly who's mouth it comes out of.

Answer 4

It must be... it's common in the USA. Yes, I think homophobia is high here in the USA; maybe higher than other countries...

FYI, I asked a similar question... do a search, and you'll get some interesting answers on this topic.

Answer 5

Yep, that's used in the United States. I've used it myself. I don't know if that indicates higher levels of underlying homophobia. That one's on you.

Answer 6

Well seeing as how I have never been out of the states in a coherent state of mind I cannot answer that first question. But I am a lesbian and use it quite often, I find it somewhat funny - I only use it around a couple of my straight friends though because they are so afraid to say it around me for fear of offending... I think it is funny, no matter how many times I might use it they still won't and if it does slip they look at me for approval with a slight bit of fear in their faces... very funny...

Answer 7

Yes to both your questions. The USA still has a lot of growing up to do. Gay has been corrupted by homosexuals and heterosexuals alike.

Answer 8

being gay myself...i dont get offended when ppl say that. in fact i dont get offended easily. i've been called "a worthless fruit..." only im not a fruit...altho if u want to consider that all guys have "seeds" then yea i guess i would be a fruit. y get offended by that? just a thought.

Answer 9

Yep, the US is a little uneducated when it comes to opening thier big, fat, biggoted mouths. But I've learned to just ignore them, as the best punishment for them is when they grow up & realize how ******' moronic & stupid they sound when they say **** like that.

Answer 10

Well, I'm a lesbian and I tend to use the term "That is so gay." I've got a big thing about context of words, though. Words don't tend to bother me that much, depending on how they are used in my presence.