Queer
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Usage Note
The use of this word to mean "homosexual" was formerly, and is often still, considered pejorative. However, the word is also sometimes now used (primarily as adjective) as a neutral or even positive descriptive term, including by some homosexuals. In its pejorative use, it is applied almost solely to males. In its modern neutral use, it can be applied to both genders.
GLBT youth now sometimes use the term as an "all-inclusive" term for the GLBTIQ etc. community. It is also used in the generic term "genderqueer" to refer to anyone who doesn't identify with the societal norm in relation to gender identity, whether through cross-dressing, transgendered, non-gendered, etc. Used in this manner, it is generally considered non-pejorative, and is, in fact, a positive term.
Noun
- (Slang) A homosexual, one who appears homosexual, or who has homosexual qualities.
- (Slang) A member of the homosexual/bisexual/transgendered/intersex/questioning community.
Translations
- Breton: heñvelreviad m (neutral), paotretaer m (inoffensive), pich kaoc'h m (highly offensive)
- Bulgarian: хомосексуалист m, гей m, педал m (highly offensive)
- Dutch: homoseksueel m, homo m
- French: gay m (inoffensive), pédé m (highly offensive)
- German: Homosexueller m, Schwuler m (usually offensive)
- Italian: gay m, finocchio m (offensive)
Adjective
- (somewhat old-fashioned) Weird, odd or different.
- (somewhat old-fashioned) Slightly unwell (mainly in to feel queer). (Is this UK usage only? (No))
- (Slang) Homosexual.
- (Slang) Having to do with homosexuality, bisexuality, transgenderism, etc.
Translations
- Breton: iskis (1), dihet (2)
- Bulgarian: странен m (1), чудат m (1), особен m (1); хомосексуален m (3)
- Dutch: bizar, afwijkend, homoseksueel m
- French bizarre (1), mal fichu (to feel queer se sentir mal fichu) (2), gay (3) (inoffensive), pédé (3) (highly offensive)
- German: seltsam (1), unwohl (2), schwul (3,4 not offensive)
- Italian strano (1), curioso (1), un po' male (to feel queer stare un po' male, sentirsi poco bene) (2), omosessuale (neutral) (3)
Verb
- To render an endeavor or agreement ineffective or null.
