It' about the only word in the English language that I can think of that's not only commonly used a form of ridicule that reflects a fairly substantial part of population. Just about every other word that is used as a derogatory term for race, creed, or sex are looked upon as a source of disdain by most people, and anyone that uses those words are publicly scorned. You don't have to look far to see how the word "gay" is used a form of insult, just take a look at every other question here at Yahoo Answers.
I think this day and age most of us have at least one gay person in our lives, whether it be a relative, a friend, a neighbor, or a co-worker. If that's the case, why do we continue to use this word in an insulting manner? We we are truly supposed to love thy neighbor and be more decent human beings, shouldn't our language reflect that as well?
2007-08-31T14:37:59Z
Yes, I realize that gay originally meant happy, but these days the word gay is more commonly used as a term for homosexuality. It's actually a dictionary term these days.
fastfinal1372007-08-31T15:00:19Z
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As a lesbian I can honestly say that I am not offended by the word gay in regards to my sexuality. I am bothered, not enough to be offended by its liberal use as an insult or in place of lame, stupid, etc. Unfortunately, in this day and age, people have a strong need to label people or groups. For some, the word gay is indeed used to describe the homosexual population in a derogatory manner, but I know for myself, partner, and friends, we would much rather be referred to as gay rather than homosexuals, not for any reason other than we don't care for the sound of the word. I do get frustrated when I see the term gay being used as an insult, especially within the teen age group since there are so many teens questioning their sexuality and now feel even more pressure to conform to what is more widely accepted rather than feeling comfortable to be who they are without the threat of ridicule and outcast.
The use of the word 'Gay' changed from meaning happy to homosexual, which was meant to be a positive thing because it gives a positive relation to being a homosexual. I think the word is just changing meaning again but for a darker reason, homophobia. There will be haters always and people will always pick up expressions whether the source is recognized or not.
Slang is slang and should not be taken seriously :)
Just deal with it. People will use any word they want. Outlaw a word and two things will happen.
1. The word will be more fun to use because it is outlawed. 2. They will just make some other harmless term derogitory.
Just like '******' is a cigarette or bundle of sticks... Words are always going to be thrown around, just don't let it get to you.
edit: Or you could use censorship to cover something like f*ggot, which not only annoys me because it ruined the above thought, but you have no clue what the heck I had typed before.
Riggo 44 (Joe DeForest is the worst DC in history)2007-09-06T12:53:44Z
Honestly, every homosexual person that I know (my part of the country, or a least the crowd I hang out with include probably less than the average amount of those folks) refer to themselves as "gay."
The English language is a living language. So it is subject to change.
I think "gay' is the best choice if you need to identify someone by their sexual orientation. There are Gay Parades and Gay Pride so it seems the people who are in the category are OK with it.
In my personal experience, the males I know are OK with "gay" but some of the women I know prefer to be called lesbians.
Situations can be awkward when the person is bi-sexual or transgender.