The term "gay"...?

Question

I often use the term "gay" such as "that was the gayest question ever!" and I am in no way homophobic and I have many gay friends (most of whom use the term like that too.) However, I've had a few (not homosexual) people tell me that the term is very offensive. What are some of your thoughts?

This PC stuff sure is confusing...

1st of all, didn't "gay" used to mean happy? Can't words change their meaning through time and by me calling something gay am I offending happy people too?

2nd of all, my friends and I always joke around with ethnic slurs and stuff... like we call each other greasy Wops and Stupid Polocks and stuff and it's all in fun. My homosexual friends call each other ******* too. Maybe it just depends on the company you keep. Am I right?

The One,

I am 26 and I have been studying and continuing the fight against every injustice I can think of or imagine, not just the ones that affect me. I have a college education and I am an active member of many organizations that promote the advancement of all kinds of people. Do I sound stupid or something? Whoa!

Answer 1

Its all a matter of preference. It depends on the person. I identify as a lesbian but if someone uses the word gay around me in a slang way, I really don't take offense. Especially if they are my friend. I understand that some people have naively had that word instilled in their vocabulary and are not using it offensively. However, they should be careful about when and where they use that word because some do in fact take offense and that is just it.

Answer 2

Well, an argument could be made that you are using the word gay to mean something stupid. As a gay person myself I can see how it would be seen as offensive. But you are likely young, and probably so are your friends, which means they probably have no idea about human rights activism or gay rights activism either. They also probably have no clue on the history of gay rights activism in America over the last 50 years and probably aren't concerned with it to begin with. My suggestion, is to educate yourself and to have your gay friends educate themselves on everything that has been done for them and to be knowledgeable on how and who paved the way for the acceptance and the open mindedness that gay people enjoy today which is a LOT more than we did say, 10 or 15 years ago. Once you all have educated yourselves, you too, will find the use of the word gay in that manner offensive. Oh, and don't think that this is coming from someone much older than you, I am only 24.

I was not trying to say you are stupid. Stupid is someone who does not get it after you explain it to them. Some people are offended by the use the word in that way. Its good that you fight against injustice, but no one can know the history behind EVERYTHING, and there is no shame in that. And I don't just worry or fight for the things that affect just me, seeing as I am FAR away fighting for the rights of others right now. I only assumed you were young because it seemed like a very young way of thinking to me, but if that is how you and your friends joke around and no one's feelings are hurt then go for it. Just be careful how you use the word around other people.

Answer 3

If you use a term you should know its meaning first, right? So, why would you use a term such as this one to denominate something that has ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with it?

I realize I can't answer a question with another question, but I just thought I'd try and make you see how silly and ignorant it can sound. You know that stereotype, the airhead one? Now you know where it comes from. AND I'M IN NO WAY TRYING TO INSULT YOU, its a mere example.

I'm a lesbian and I don't take "gay" as offensive, except when you use it like that, because times change and today gay doesn't exactly mean "happy", it concomitantly implies SO many other things...

Answer 4

Personally I find the term a bit derogatory but not to the point of being insulted. To me it's just tacky. No real concern one way or the other.

That said however, permit me to ask this. Would using the N word as some blacks do to each other be considered offencive if used as the word gay is? answer that and you'll see why some people get upset.

It all comes down to respect, no more, no less.

Edit: please note that people like David S, is neither gay or black, and as such his opinion should not be taken as a truly serious commentary.

Answer 5

My thoughts? I think overusing the word gay like that does get annoying after a while. Then again the odds of people not using gay like that are about as small as the Native Americans ever getting any respect so I guess we'll all have to tolerate hearing it every 30 seconds.

Answer 6

My got here upon son is in simple terms that - my son. no longer my birthson.... i could think of he could experience insulted if I presented him as such. in simple terms as including the prefix start to dad or mum objectifies them - it does a similar yet extra so, to a individual who replaced into accompanied to be stated as a start newborn. i don't get it why some people have a situation with the certainty that an accompanied individual has 2 mothers, 2 fathers and she or he or he's in basic terms a son or daughter to the two.

Answer 7

Say what you like so long as you don't mind me calling people like you morons...free speech all's fair!
Your use of the word gay (as rubbish) is a fad it will naturally fall out of usage in a few years time just like droopy-drawers jeans that hang half way down people's @sses...slang gets dated and left behind as people move on to more updated things.

Answer 8

It's very offensive. It's like referring to somebody who acts a certain way that's steriotypically Jewish as "Jewy". Or if a lazy person as a "*******".

It's offensive.

Answer 9

Quit trying to be PC, and talk the way you want.

If someone gets offended, too bad for them.

Answer 10

The pc libs are just trying to brainwash you into believing calling anything stupid as "gay" is just as bad as using the "N" word about blacks. They are facist thought control communists.