Use of the word straight. Just as offensive?
- Thread starter Evilbunny
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I think we're all aware of how the word is used differently but that doesn't make them all good choices.rossatdi said:
Your first example is antiquated. No one uses that expression to describe happiness anymore unless they're of pensionable age, and even now they're probably more aware of it's modern meaning.
The second is absolutely correct, though the sentence you used expresses shock or disgust.
The third has no homosexual overtones? The very idea of describing something as gay (which isn't) in a negative fashion has it's roots in homophobia and a subculture of hatred. Or prepubescent YouTube comment section spammers.
Queen's music is gay. I kid.bkd69 said:
Seriously though. I have a gay roommate, and he is pretty open about his sexuality. Sometimes we have people over and they sometimes use the word gay to describe something bad. He gets a little annoyed at this, but no big deal. Personally, I think using the word gay to describe something other than homosexuality is just juvenile and ignorant.
As far as the word straight goes, I've never used it in that context, but I don't think it's offensive because: 1)It's being used to describe something...not bad, and 2)It's not as widely used as "gay = bad" is.
It's all to do with connotations.
Camp doesn't mean gay, it just means to act in an effeminate manner. Equally transvestites are often heterosexual.
Bent gets it's 'offensiveness' from use to describe things that are abnormal rather than apart from normal. Similar as left-handed, which gets it's problem from the Latin sinister, so left-handed stuff is "evil".
If you're talking about a straight banana, or raving heterosexual; there's still an insult hidden in there: connotation wise.
Camp doesn't mean gay, it just means to act in an effeminate manner. Equally transvestites are often heterosexual.
Bent gets it's 'offensiveness' from use to describe things that are abnormal rather than apart from normal. Similar as left-handed, which gets it's problem from the Latin sinister, so left-handed stuff is "evil".
If you're talking about a straight banana, or raving heterosexual; there's still an insult hidden in there: connotation wise.
I'd certainly argue that many people use it divested of its original meaning. Lets not forget that 'dude' used to be an insult and 'knackered' technically means you've spent all night sleeping with women.Unimagined said:
"Damn, I just lost my last life. I've been trying to kill that boss for weeks!"
"Sorry dude, that's pretty gay."
The response does not imply the game is homosexual merely that the situation is annoying.
Then you're living in a sad, sad world. I haven't heard anybody older than an 11 year old using the word gay like that in years if you excuse Jay and Silent Bob strike back.Gildedtongue said:
Again, I do understand what is being said with regards to the term gay being used for things that aren't...gay.rossatdi said:
It hasn't been totally removed from it's more common, sexual meaning. As I said in a previous post, a homophobic will use it to describe gay people negatively as well as unfavourable things that do not have sexual qualities.
That isn't to say everyone that uses gay to describe negative things is homophobic, but it does happen, and there are better words out there that won't imply you could be homophobic.
Another word with two meanings is ******: can be a term of endearment for Black people between themselves, or a terrible slur if directed at a Black person by someone who isn't Black.
Imagine if things of poor quality were to be described as Afro-American, but in a non racist way. Does it really hold up?
I'm hearing a lot of people say my example is weird, which is odd to me since almost everyone I know uses it in that context. Maybe it's just where I live. Regardless, use your imaginations here. If you've ever heard somebody use the word straight to describe something "fine" or "ok" just substitute that in.
I don't think its offensive at all. To begin with, gay people don't walk around referring to themselves as homosexuals; its to much of a mouthfull. Secondly the word has multiple definitons, one of which over the past few decades has become "thats messed up/unfair yo".
The english language, despite the best efforts of dear old Webster, contantly evolves and changes with words evolving into different meanings. The word gay hasn't always meant you're sexually attracted to members of the same sex. Matter of fact it used to mean that you were having a good time.
A word only becomes offensive if people decide to make it offensive, if you begin using the word to belittle and humiliate someone then it becomes offensive. Now running around referring to gay people as fags really is straight up offensive. And the reason why is because it has become a word used to insult someone, anyone who pisses you off. No one here can honestly say that they haven't used that word as an insult, or ever attempted to make it a compliment. If you have, well then I applaud you for your imagination.
It like the old saying goes
"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me"
Of course they can hurt if someone really tries to hurt you with them, but the overall point is this. A word is offensive only if we make it offensive.
The english language, despite the best efforts of dear old Webster, contantly evolves and changes with words evolving into different meanings. The word gay hasn't always meant you're sexually attracted to members of the same sex. Matter of fact it used to mean that you were having a good time.
A word only becomes offensive if people decide to make it offensive, if you begin using the word to belittle and humiliate someone then it becomes offensive. Now running around referring to gay people as fags really is straight up offensive. And the reason why is because it has become a word used to insult someone, anyone who pisses you off. No one here can honestly say that they haven't used that word as an insult, or ever attempted to make it a compliment. If you have, well then I applaud you for your imagination.
It like the old saying goes
"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me"
Of course they can hurt if someone really tries to hurt you with them, but the overall point is this. A word is offensive only if we make it offensive.
No, political correctness has gone too far already with people getting offended at the drop of a hat, without more controversy being thrown into the fray.