I often hear, "You're so gay," as an insult or putdown. Why should that even be considered an insult

Answer 1

i dunno....i guess it's just something some youngsters came up with...when i was in high school we said it to mean "you're so silly, or wierd, or stupid."

Answer 2

Gay used to mean "happy". While I'm not sure why the Gay community took the word for themselves, it is now taken to mean "homosexual".

However, many younger people are now starting to use the word to ALSO mean "stupid" or "dumb" or "retarded", and I don't understand if they're trying to say that people who are Gay are ALSO stupid, or if they're trying to say that Mentally Disabled people are also Homosexual.

It doesn't make sense, even if they ARE trying to use the word to mean "happy" to say, "that game is gay", especially if referring to a hack/slash type game. The game CAN'T be happy, it can't be Homosexual, and Gay does NOT = stupid.

But I figure that they're ACTUALLY trying to say that Gay/Homosexual = stupid. This, in my opinion, would be a problem with their parents teaching that Homosexuality is "wrong" somehow, and they just never took the time to find out what those people in the GLBT community are like.

My reasoning for this line of thinking would be all of the people who I've asked, "What, are you saying the game is Homosexual?" and gotten the answer, "Well, Gay people ARE stupid!". This is usually followed by a raging, "What the hey are you thinking? Have you ever MET a Gay person?" from me, and an ashamed look from the other person.

Answer 3

This word has really transcended it's conotation with homosexuality when used in this sense I think. No one is making a comparison with gay people, it's become a work synonamous with stupid or lame. I've heard gay people use it in this way. It's still not really something very proper and I think it can still seem a little offensive if stressed a certain way. But on the whole I feel it's just the way that the word has changed over time to develope a new meaning.

Answer 4

When it's said the people aren't saying "you're so homosexual" or anything. It's just saying something on the lines of "lame" or "stupid" etc. Don't take offense to it. It's not directed at a particular group or anything.
It's like being called "slow". All slow runners or slow speakers aren't being targeted.
Whenever you hear it, see if inputing the word "queer" fits. (And I mean the TRUE meaning, as in strange, out of the ordinary)

Example:
Ray makes everyone in the room be quiet because he has an important announcement.
He then bursts out laughing because he made everyone shut up.
That's when a few shouts are heard.
"that was dumb"
"you're slow"
"that was gay"
translation
That was dumb
Most people don't associate doing something incredibly stupid with gay people.

Answer 5

Well, it SHOULD not be considered an insult, but it is always intended as one.

People with very stunted vocabularies, or who harbor bigotry, cannot come up with any other pejorative adjectives than to call someone or something "gay." I wish they would think twice about the hate-filled language they are using.

Until that point, it is incumbent upon us to call people on this intentionally derogartory term, even if they are young. [It's already obvious they are juvenile.]

Good luck!

Answer 6

With the true meaning being "happy" and not the slang meaning, it's not really an insult.
However, depending on the person, anything could be insulting.

Answer 7

If the person who said it meant it as an insult, it's an insult. They could say, "You're such a spoon," with the same tone and it would still be an insult if they meant it as one, even if it didn't make sense.

Answer 8

In my school we used gay as a slang word to mean lame or uncool. So I guess u could take it as a insult since the person is saying u are lame or uncool.

Answer 9

i visit't imagine absolutely everyone affirming that to me :-) i could likely take it as an insult, regardless of the truth that it may no longer be meant as such. reliable wifely characteristics i assume may be the flexibility/favor to face through your better 1/2 through thick and skinny, strengthen reliable solid babies, and preserve a marvelous welcoming living house. that would not sound that undesirable. yet except for the helping your better 1/2 bit it easily would not sound like me. i recognize my boyfriend yet I also love my independence, vacationing, artwork etc. and that i do not favor to be 'tied down' to a loan, living house existence, babies etc. it truly is effective for some human beings, besides the undeniable fact that it truly is no longer my cup of tea. it truly is no longer how I view myself, and it truly is continuously somewhat astounding even as human beings view you otherwise to the way you do your self.

Answer 10

Its all about the word " gay"
it depends on the one who calls you that, whether he has respect for gays or not.
what do you think of gays? respectful or ...?
if you appreciate a gay person then you should NOT be offended by this word...
even if he doesn't call you gay or something, you don't have to listen to him just say " oh, ok , ok , i see, " its like you don't give a *****.!!

Answer 11

it's just a word, like any other slang term that's derrogatory. or any term that's cool, either. the words only carry those meanings if we think they do.
'cause gay actually means happy....i say it sometimes to mean something is dumb or silly though it actually doesn't mean dumb or silly.
same as 'phat', or 'sick'