Current Events > People still use gay as an insult

(+) Yeah! (+)

How is it an insult? What's wrong with being gay

That why when someone calls you gay you just say "that's what's up". Not to mention it's hard to follow up.
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I dont really hear it used seriously anymore but it probably depends where you live and who you know. Last few times Ive heard it used that way Im pretty sure it was someone just trying to be funny and making fun of how it used to be used that way.
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I mean straight guys don't like guys . Unless you're referring to derogatory speech

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People still use the R word as an insult. Dont see why this should be any different.

I hear it a lot, but I work at a school and kids say all sorts of horrible things

Telling someone that the "suck" at something is problamatic as well, but no one on CE believes me and I'm not going to have that argument again

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the insult is not for a gay person to be gay, it's for a straight person to be gay

in other words people find it insulting when you undermine aspects of them that are integral to who they are (e.g. straightness)

it really has nothing to do with gay people and more to do with the security or lack thereof of straight people

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That pisses me off.
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I think we shouldn't take away these words because people that use them show us their red flags. If we ban them then we're forcing ourselves to have to get further in conversations before we realize we're talking to a bigot.
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Non gay people use it against non gay people. If you're gay are you insulted if someone calls you straight?

nuggetg posted...

Non gay people use it against non gay people. If you're gay are you insulted if someone calls you straight?

This is such a straight guy argument to make. Get outta here you fuckin straight fuck
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Whenever I hear or read it as an insult, I imagine that the user is either from the South, poorly educated, a dude-bro, an edgelord teenager or a combination of the four.
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Cause it works

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Yeah, everybody still uses it in NY
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Bad_Mojo posted...

I hear it a lot, but I work at a school and kids say all sorts of horrible things

Telling someone that the "suck" at something is problamatic as well, but no one on CE believes me and I'm not going to have that argument again

I agree with all this and would like to hear what you have to say

tbh i am offended if someone calls me straight or assumes i am, like ew
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Lost_All_Senses posted...

That why when someone calls you gay you just say "that's what's up". Not to mention it's hard to follow up.

I typically will not dignify the insult with a response. But in occasion I go into education mode. Asking what's wrong with being gay. Why is it bad. Etc

sLaCkEr408___RJ posted...

Lost_All_Senses posted...

That why when someone calls you gay you just say "that's what's up". Not to mention it's hard to follow up.

I typically will not dignify the insult with a response. But in occasion I go into education mode. Asking what's wrong with being gay. Why is it bad. Etc

Nothing wrong. It's a good approach. Mine just works for me cause I don't want to get into it with people.
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You know gay used to mean happy right??

Words can have different meaning. It is not a dig a being gay
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StealthRock posted...

You know gay used to mean happy right??

Words can have different meaning. It is not a dig a being gay

Yeah, because when someone says, "That movie is so gay," they totally mean that it's a happy movie. /s

It's about the context.

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gay has a double meaning. It is sometimes used in place of stupid or dumb.
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SH_expert44 posted...

gay has a double meaning. It is sometimes used in place of stupid or dumb.

Which is fucked up, and if you use it that way, you're fucking trash

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Bad_Mojo posted...

SH_expert44 posted...

gay has a double meaning. It is sometimes used in place of stupid or dumb.

Which is fucked up, and if you use it that way, you're fucking trash

Why?
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I still use gay in a derogatory manner on occasion, but never with the implication of it meaning homosexual.
Rather, it works well to describe stuff that's overly sappy/sentimental or too on-the-nose and into itself. These negative implications are more connected to the older meaning of it meaning happy or joyful.

That said, just throwing it around in place of 'bad' or 'stupid', like "Yo, work is gay." is pretty shitty.
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coh posted...

People still use the R word as an insult. Dont see why this should be any different.

The R word is fundamentally a negative thing. Being gay isnt.
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superman 2000 posted...

coh posted...

People still use the R word as an insult. Dont see why this should be any different.

The R word is fundamentally a negative thing. Being gay isnt.

I'd argue that makes the R word worse. It's like calling a guy in a wheelchair "cripple"
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Bad_Mojo posted...

StealthRock posted...

You know gay used to mean happy right??

Words can have different meaning. It is not a dig a being gay

Yeah, because when someone says, "That movie is so gay," they totally mean that it's a happy movie. /s

It's about the context.

So what they mean that "that movie is so homosexual"?
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StealthRock posted...

So what they mean that "that movie is so homosexual"?

Re-read the topic title again, please.

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People really don't want to give up the 90s for whatever reason.

Like, a lot of people really desperately cling to the terminology and shit that was generally considered "fine" back then.

Having grown up with it and being a user of it, I was absolutely glad to move past it.

SH_expert44 posted...

Bad_Mojo posted...

SH_expert44 posted...

gay has a double meaning. It is sometimes used in place of stupid or dumb.

Which is fucked up, and if you use it that way, you're fucking trash

Why?

Isn't it kind of obvious that you're reinforcing negative connotations of the word and trivialising homophobia when you use it in such context? It's like calling something autistic just because you don't like it.
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Bad_Mojo posted...

StealthRock posted...

So what they mean that "that movie is so homosexual"?

Hurr durr. Worda cant have a double meaning silly

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konokonohamaru posted...

superman 2000 posted...

coh posted...

People still use the R word as an insult. Dont see why this should be any different.

The R word is fundamentally a negative thing. Being gay isnt.

I'd argue that makes the R word worse. It's like calling a guy in a wheelchair "cripple"

You would only ever use the R word to describe something unfortunate. Gay should be a completely neutral term.
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StickFigures720 posted...

Isn't it kind of obvious that you're reinforcing negative connotations of the word and trivialising homophobia when you use it in such context? It's like calling something autistic just because you don't like it.

I think using it in the context of calling something stupid totally ignores any homophobic connotations. You are using the word for a totally different meaning.
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SH_expert44 posted...

StickFigures720 posted...

Isn't it kind of obvious that you're reinforcing negative connotations of the word and trivialising homophobia when you use it in such context? It's like calling something autistic just because you don't like it.

I think using it in the context of calling something stupid totally ignores any homophobic connotations. You are using the word for a totally different meaning.

That's what trivialising is. You're taking the word gay that is prominently about homosexuality and placing it in an insulting context (homophobia or not), reinforcing the negative connotations of the word in the first place.
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SH_expert44 posted...

StickFigures720 posted...

Isn't it kind of obvious that you're reinforcing negative connotations of the word and trivialising homophobia when you use it in such context? It's like calling something autistic just because you don't like it.

I think using it in the context of calling something stupid totally ignores any homophobic connotations. You are using the word for a totally different meaning.

Except you end up equating the word "gay" as having the same meaning as the word "stupid", which implies there is something inherently wrong with being gay.
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StickFigures720 posted...

That's what trivialising is. You're taking the word gay that is prominently about homosexuality and placing it in an insulting context (homophobia or not), reinforcing the negative connotations of the word in the first place.

then maybe we should make the word less about homosexuality and give it a new meaning. We can do this by using the word for other totally different meanings. Much like how the word became a word for homosexuality in the first place.
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devilminion posted...

SH_expert44 posted...

StickFigures720 posted...

Isn't it kind of obvious that you're reinforcing negative connotations of the word and trivialising homophobia when you use it in such context? It's like calling something autistic just because you don't like it.

I think using it in the context of calling something stupid totally ignores any homophobic connotations. You are using the word for a totally different meaning.

Except you end up equating the word "gay" as having the same meaning as the word "stupid", which implies there is something inherently wrong with being gay.

Not really

Is the word "cool" a word used to mean that being cold is inherently great?
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StealthRock posted...

devilminion posted...

SH_expert44 posted...

StickFigures720 posted...

Isn't it kind of obvious that you're reinforcing negative connotations of the word and trivialising homophobia when you use it in such context? It's like calling something autistic just because you don't like it.

I think using it in the context of calling something stupid totally ignores any homophobic connotations. You are using the word for a totally different meaning.

Except you end up equating the word "gay" as having the same meaning as the word "stupid", which implies there is something inherently wrong with being gay.

Not really

Is the word "cool" a word used to mean that being cold is inherently great?

"Cool" is not a group of people with a history of being discriminated against.

StealthRock posted...

devilminion posted...

SH_expert44 posted...

StickFigures720 posted...

Isn't it kind of obvious that you're reinforcing negative connotations of the word and trivialising homophobia when you use it in such context? It's like calling something autistic just because you don't like it.

I think using it in the context of calling something stupid totally ignores any homophobic connotations. You are using the word for a totally different meaning.

Except you end up equating the word "gay" as having the same meaning as the word "stupid", which implies there is something inherently wrong with being gay.

Not really

Is the word "cool" a word used to mean that being cold is inherently great?

Cool is warmer than cold though. So yea, actually, if the weather is cool outside, or there is a "nice cool breeze" then it is typically seen as good weather.
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When I hear somebody use gay as an insult my respect for that person plummets. People still use "gay" as an insult because they think gay people (or gay relationships) are something to mock, on some level. And it's not surprising when you see how gay people have historically been depicted in media (most often as something to laugh at)

On_The_Edge posted...

the insult is not for a gay person to be gay, it's for a straight person to be gay

in other words people find it insulting when you undermine aspects of them that are integral to who they are (e.g. straightness)

it really has nothing to do with gay people and more to do with the security or lack thereof of straight people

What a bullshit deflection. I mean you are partly right that insecurity is involved, but you're downplaying the role of straight-up homophobia. Why is straightness considered such a delicate part of your identity, and why do men consider it such an affront to their sense of masculinity to be tagged as gay?

Because of societal homophobia. People use gay as an insult because it's an easy potshot that targets a man's masculinity and because of negative stereotypes about gay people (annoying, weak, overly sentimental, promiscuous, etc.) Men value their masculinity and homophobes view being gay as one of the most feminine traits a man could have.

When a person remarks with disgust about how gay a man is, it's insulting because of the intent. (to assault his masculinity and imply he's less of a man.) Regardless of whether the guy he's targeting is gay or straight. Basically it's the intent that matters, and obviously it's not always homophobic to say that a gay person is gay. But it is homophobic to use gay in a malicious way, whether on a gay or straight person.j

LostForest posted...

I still use gay in a derogatory manner on occasion, but never with the implication of it meaning homosexual.
Rather, it works well to describe stuff that's overly sappy/sentimental or too on-the-nose and into itself. These negative implications are more connected to the older meaning of it meaning happy or joyful.

That said, just throwing it around in place of 'bad' or 'stupid', like "Yo, work is gay." is pretty shitty.

I guess you haven't really thought about it. But the reason you associate "gay" as an insult with "sappy" "sentimental" etc. is because those are traits that have been historically tagged to gay people as a homophobic stereotype.

think about it. That association (gay = sentimental) isn't just there by chance.............It's because that's how dumb straight people have viewed gay people for who knows how long.

If you want to call something sappy or maudlin, mawkish, sentimental, saccharine, etc........then why not just use one of those words. Why are you dragging us gay people through the mud by associating us with those stereotypes. Trying to convince yourself it's actually about how happy the thing is is just you trying to justify it.
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sLaCkEr408___RJ posted...

StealthRock posted...

devilminion posted...

SH_expert44 posted...

StickFigures720 posted...

Isn't it kind of obvious that you're reinforcing negative connotations of the word and trivialising homophobia when you use it in such context? It's like calling something autistic just because you don't like it.

I think using it in the context of calling something stupid totally ignores any homophobic connotations. You are using the word for a totally different meaning.

Except you end up equating the word "gay" as having the same meaning as the word "stupid", which implies there is something inherently wrong with being gay.

Not really

Is the word "cool" a word used to mean that being cold is inherently great?

"Cool" is not a group of people with a history of being discriminated against.

Gay means happy and was not a description of a group of people until recently

But now, since the word has been taken over, all references to the word itself must be absolutely positive.
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devilminion posted...

StealthRock posted...

devilminion posted...

SH_expert44 posted...

StickFigures720 posted...

Isn't it kind of obvious that you're reinforcing negative connotations of the word and trivialising homophobia when you use it in such context? It's like calling something autistic just because you don't like it.

I think using it in the context of calling something stupid totally ignores any homophobic connotations. You are using the word for a totally different meaning.

Except you end up equating the word "gay" as having the same meaning as the word "stupid", which implies there is something inherently wrong with being gay.

Not really

Is the word "cool" a word used to mean that being cold is inherently great?

Cool is warmer than cold though. So yea, actually, if the weather is cool outside, or there is a "nice cool breeze" then it is typically seen as good weather.

"His body is cool"

Oh ok. Guess thats good then

"My food is cool"

Great. Guess thats good then

" its cool outside"

Guess everyone loves that
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SH_expert44 posted...

StickFigures720 posted...

That's what trivialising is. You're taking the word gay that is prominently about homosexuality and placing it in an insulting context (homophobia or not), reinforcing the negative connotations of the word in the first place.

then maybe we should make the word less about homosexuality and give it a new meaning. We can do this by using the word for other totally different meanings. Much like how the word became a word for homosexuality in the first place.

Or maybe, use a different word that sticks closer to what you're looking for. Seriously, out of countless words that are synonyms of dumb and stupid, why is an adjective referring to a homosexual person at the top of your head? Considering that the contemporary use of the word gay is almost always about homosexuality, using it as an insult basically expresses ignorance about how gay people are still being oppressed for being gay. Not to mention, it kind of demonstrates the limited nature of the user's vocabulary.

Not to get too personal, but you sound a bit misguided.
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StealthRock posted...

devilminion posted...

StealthRock posted...

devilminion posted...

SH_expert44 posted...

StickFigures720 posted...

Isn't it kind of obvious that you're reinforcing negative connotations of the word and trivialising homophobia when you use it in such context? It's like calling something autistic just because you don't like it.

I think using it in the context of calling something stupid totally ignores any homophobic connotations. You are using the word for a totally different meaning.

Except you end up equating the word "gay" as having the same meaning as the word "stupid", which implies there is something inherently wrong with being gay.

Not really

Is the word "cool" a word used to mean that being cold is inherently great?

Cool is warmer than cold though. So yea, actually, if the weather is cool outside, or there is a "nice cool breeze" then it is typically seen as good weather.

"His body is cool"

Oh ok. Guess thats good then

"My food is cool"

Great. Guess thats good then

" its cool outside"

Guess everyone loves that

First off, as I said, cool is warmer than cold. So for your examples;
1: If a body is cool, that means it is neither cold nor hot to the touch. A positive, potentially neutral, but not a negative
2: Grammatically, you would say that your food has "cooled off", so yes, again, a positive. It means it is no longer too hot to eat
3: Yes, pretty sure "cool weather" is seen as ideal for most people.

But all of this is besides the point anyways. We aren't talking about the word "gay" being used as a positive. The problem exists because it is substituting an identity for a negative.

Imagine for a second that the word "male" was constantly used as slang for "dumb". That'd be pretty male, huh?
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devilminion posted...

StealthRock posted...

devilminion posted...

StealthRock posted...

devilminion posted...

SH_expert44 posted...

StickFigures720 posted...

Isn't it kind of obvious that you're reinforcing negative connotations of the word and trivialising homophobia when you use it in such context? It's like calling something autistic just because you don't like it.

I think using it in the context of calling something stupid totally ignores any homophobic connotations. You are using the word for a totally different meaning.

Except you end up equating the word "gay" as having the same meaning as the word "stupid", which implies there is something inherently wrong with being gay.

Not really

Is the word "cool" a word used to mean that being cold is inherently great?

Cool is warmer than cold though. So yea, actually, if the weather is cool outside, or there is a "nice cool breeze" then it is typically seen as good weather.

"His body is cool"

Oh ok. Guess thats good then

"My food is cool"

Great. Guess thats good then

" its cool outside"

Guess everyone loves that

First off, as I said, cool is warmer than cold. So for your examples;
1: If a body is cool, that means it is neither cold nor hot to the touch. A positive, potentially neutral, but not a negative
2: Grammatically, you would say that your food has "cooled off", so yes, again, a positive. It means it is no longer too hot to eat
3: Yes, pretty sure "cool weather" is seen as ideal for most people.

But all of this is besides the point anyways. We aren't talking about the word "gay" being used as a positive. The problem exists because it is substituting an identity for a negative.

Imagine for a second that the word "male" was constantly used as slang for "dumb". That'd be pretty male, huh?

No ones body should be cool. If it is that could be a problem

You are changing the context. Cooling off is not the same as cool

And no everyone likes cool whether nor is it always good.

Honestly i wouldnt care. People already use pussy and dick as insults. Why would male be any different?
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I'm gonna go out and say Stealth here is either being completely disingenuous or isn't worth the time.

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Why do they call it a chilli if it's hot xD

That's from Vanity Fair
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I'm bi and this topic is hella gay.

I like to use it ironically sometimes.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAEiI_x71Ko" data-time="
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Lost_All_Senses posted...

I think we shouldn't take away these words because people that use them show us their red flags. If we ban them then we're forcing ourselves to have to get further in conversations before we realize we're talking to a bigot.

What kind of fantasy world do you live in where people are just no good and evil for using words
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