Is 'fag' really the worst insult on the Internet?

[ACman]

The problem is that America (And most of the world) still have serious problems with homophobia.

While fag may be used in a context in which it has the same meaning a function as calling someone, for example, a prick, a ****, an asshole it still retains its homophobic meaning when directed at homosexual men. Until ingrained intolerance to LGBTs lessens to a background extent (As I would argue has occurred for racial intolerance.)

You've got to remember that gay men are attacked with this slur all the time; and thus when they hear it it results in the perception that they are being attacked again whether it was meant as such or not.

 

[mikespoff]

The fact that we can freely reference the word "fag" on this forum without severe penalty is a good indicator of how insignificant it really is.

You have a good point.

Pretty much.

I wouldn't argue that using it as an insult is not offensive to homosexuals, but I think that generally it's just used by someone who's massively unoriginal and not very bright. And probably just hitting puberty.

So perhaps one shouldn't be too offended by "fag" when it's thrown around by someone who's still grappling with the idea of sexual identity.

...saying something you don't like is "so gay" is not saying that it is homosexual. I work and socialize in my local gay community and find the term
is often used in the pejorative form by my gay friends.

Interesting perspective. This perhaps reinforces my earlier idea that generally it's not actually being used to denigrate homosexual people. It's just a really unoriginal reflex slur.

 

[Bloodstain]

As a bisexual person, I find it much more unnerving that "gay" has become a universal insult in our culture, I've heard some people I know for a fact are in no way homophobic do the exact same thing. Hell, I once thought I was about to have a heart attack when I heard on of my actually gay friends call something "gay" in a derogatory way (however I think he might have been joking). The point is, people do this without even thinking about it anymore, and frankly it bothers me.

I miss the times when "gay" meant "joyful". Those were the days.

 

[Batou667]

Is 'fag' really the worst insult on the Internet?

No, the worst insult is being called a ****ing ****y mother-****er who ****s their own **** with a ****ing **** while sitting on a **** and ****ing **** **** marmalade **** ****er **** **** and a bucket of ****y **** with a double-helping of **** **** ****ing **** Reader's Digest **** ******** with a fish fork, sideways, six ways to Monday.

I had to censor the worst bits or i would have been instabanned. It's that insulting.

 

[jawakiller]

Fag ain't got shit on this.

Trumpet>trombone.

Tuba>everything else

Baritone > Tuba

Simple fact right there.

 

[HalfTangible]

Only on internet forums. The worst single-word insult on the internet would be noob* or troll.

But really, the clearest sign I've ever seen of racial equality was when my brother (white) and his friend (black) could both use slurs at each other and LAUGH about it the same way you would if I called a skinny guy 'so unbelieveably fat you collapsed into yourself like a black hole'**

Why? Because it demonstrates clearly that they cared more about HOW the word was used, rather than what the word itself was. And that is BEAUTIFUL.

---

*assuming newb and noob are two different words
**Thank you, Seth McFarlane or MacFarlane, however it's spelled.

 

[Mr.Mattress]

All insults hurt a person regardless of whether or not they are jokes (Unless the other person also knows its a joke). The Term "Bundle of Sticks" (Not a Cursor here) is definitely an insult, but I feel as it's become weak due to over usage. I think we should invent a new Curse Word. I recommend "Meecrob".

Fag ain't got shit on this.

Trumpet>trombone.

Tuba>everything else

Sitar>Tuba. You failed to take into account the Foreign Instruments. Therefor, Sitar>Everything Else. (Sitar is my Favorite Instrument, but Sadly I do not have one yet)

 

[Anarchemitis]

The worst insult is being ignored on the internet. Either that is true, or held as the unsaid truth;
Since most who frequently browse the internet aim to have attention first and foremost.

 

[madkill]

To answer the thread.

Is it the worst? No, but it is one of the most common.

 

[Flames66]

So Escapist users, tell me is being called a ****** or a gay equivalent, really the worst insult ever?

I do not understand why being called a cigarette (fag) or a salty meatball thing (******) is insulting. As for homosexuality, I am open to the idea of attraction to someone of the same sex, even if I haven't experienced it personally.