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Views on this subject are quite split.

Most people think that the term 'homosexual' is archaic and offensive; however, some gay people (usually older) may claim the label 'homosexual', while most younger gay people generally claim the label 'gay'.

The term queer can be seen as offensive by older people who were called this as a derogatory slur when they were younger, before it became a more inclusive, acceptable word for either an identity in itself or the entire LGBTQ community. However, it is still up for debate. It's important to note that the modern meaning of the word 'queer' is a broader term, and does not exclusively refer to gay people.

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7y ago
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8y ago

The most common polite term to use is "gay."


The term "homosexual" is dated and inflammatory. In general, you should never use it unless you are talking about behavior from a scientific point of view. And it should never be used as noun.

It's best to use the word "gay" to refer to a person who is sexually attracted to members of the same sex.
The term "queer" has a slightly different meaning. It is more broad, including not only gay people but all sexual identities that are not the norm. This term is gaining acceptance, and many people prefer it. However, if you do not know which term to use, the best thing to do is ask, because just as there are people who prefer the term "queer," there are also still some people who prefer the term "homosexual."

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Q: Is the term homosexual acceptable or is the acceptable word now queer or gay?
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Related questions

What are synonyms of queer?

Another Word For Queer Is Strange Or In A Different Case The Other Words Are, Gay, Homosexual, Poof,


What is slang word for gay men?

Gay IS a slang term! It means homosexual. Some other slang terms for homosexual men would include queer, fruit, drag queen, nancy, or pansy.


Is the term 'queer' acceptable to describe a gay person?

The term "queer" is now an acceptable word to describe all members of the LGBT community. Although this was originally an offensive and derogatory word, it has been adopted by the LGBT community as an umbrella term. The reason for adopting this insult was to turn the tables and "hijack" the insult. This turned the insult into a positive term and took away some power from homophobic people. Homphobes had their insult "stolen" from them and used to turn into something positive. Personally, I dislike this word, primarily because of the negative connotations still surrounding it. However, you can usually hear the neutral or negative tone when you are called a "queer".


What is a gay person called?

The correct term is "gay man" or "gay person." The word queer is sometimes preferred, but you have to ask the person, because some gay people do not like this word. Most other words are considered derogatory or outdated.


How do you say queer in french?

In French, the word "queer" is often translated as "non conformiste" or "hors norme," which generally convey the idea of expressing one's sexuality or gender identity outside of societal norms. However, it's worth noting that language evolves, and the use of the term "queer" can vary depending on cultural and personal contexts.


What is the proper name for a lesbian gay or transgender?

Gays and lesbians are fine. Women can also be called gay. Queer is not acceptable by everyone. Although some people prefer it, there are just as many that do not. If you don't know how a person feels about the word "queer", then gay and lesbian are best because they are universally acceptable. "Homosexual" is outdated, and usually used mainly by people who oppose gay rights.


How did the word queer became a slur word?

As a common slang word for homosexual, queer dates from the 1920's. Whether it is a slur or not depends entirely on the speaker's intent. The adjective queer normally means different from expected, arousing suspicion, eccentric; as a slang term it means fake, counterfeit, male homosexual. As a verb, queer means to ruin or thwart ( an enterprise), put (someone) in an awkward or bad position. It derives from a Germanic root meaning perverse, cross.


What does manyak mean?

"manyak," a homosexual slur." The word needs not be a slur, just like queer. It literally means somebody who receives sex, or who is penetrated


What is the politically correct word for gay?

"Gay" emerged as a politically correct word for "homosexual" in the early 1960's. By the 70's, the politically correct term became "Gay and Lesbian". By the 90's, the politically correct term was Lesbian, Gay Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning -- "LGBTQ". A number of younger gays and lesbians began to refer to themselves as "Queer", but for the most part this word is still unacceptable outside of our community. I suggest you pick up a gay newspaper or magazine in your area to see what's acceptable local usage.


How is the word queer pronounced?

queer = /kwi:r/


Is zat a word?

It is a slang word for that and can be an acceptable term in every day speech.


Is the homosexuals a bias statement?

it is not biased; however, using the word "homosexual" as a noun is inappropriate and dated. The proper term would be gay or lesbian person.it is not biased; however, using the word "homosexual" as a noun is inappropriate and dated. The proper term would be gay or lesbian person.