Topic: Why do we use the word "Fag" in a non-literal sense?

[Dragon Of Grief]

Ok. Everyone here knows I am a fruitcake. I am gay. Whatever. But I seem to notice that people around here call someone a fag or a faggot... but like... they aren't really calling them gay. They are calling them stupid or moronic... or something like that. I mean, it doesn't hurt me, but then again it does... because people are saying homophobic slurs without even realizing it. Your opinions?

[Banshee 1920]

I don't care, my uncle says that actors are gay.

[J.R.]

I don't understand using slurs outside of their definitions.  I don't agree with calling someone a "faggot" to begin with but it makes even less sense to call someone that when they're not even gay...I mean I guess if you're trying to take a shot at their masculinity or somethin...I dunno.  Seems stupid.  It's like calling a black person a spic. 

[ssj4gogita4]

faggot


o.o;;

[Chongster]

It depends where you're from on this with me. Because in the UK, the word 'fag' is used as an idiom for Cigarette. Rarely is it used in a homophobic way in this country.

[Burnam Wood]

I don't care, my uncle says that actors are gay.

It seems to me that you and your uncle are both morons and sadly misinformed.

Here in the U.S., the word is not used in a kind fashion; thus, it shouldn't be used at all, no matter the user's definition.

[SpongeBrain]

The only time I think about the word is using it to describe someone acting like the gay stereotype. That's probably still not good, though.

[Patback399]

I don't care, my uncle says that actors are gay.

It seems to me that you and your uncle are both morons and sadly misinformed.

The facts are on her side, Jack. Can you even name 5 actors who are straight?

[Dragon Of Grief]

I am still waiting for some smartass to tell me I am going to hell. Hah. Anyways, it is one thing to joke around you know... like "Oh you're such a fag!" or something along those lines. But to call someone a fag out of spite or like Jeremy said, to take a shot at their masculinity... I think that is uncalled for. It doesn't bother me when you're kidding around with someone. But saying it out of spite or hatred is in my opinion, when you have crossed the line.

[Scilla]

I use it.. it's not like I'm thinking when I say it, its just something you say from hearing it so much. I don't know how it caught on but it did. And I don't feel bad about saying it.. just like it doesn't bother me when someone calls someone else a dolphin noise if they aren't black.. its just a word. If you don't want it to hurt you, it won't.

[AppleNick]

Ok. Everyone here knows I am a fruitcake. I am gay. Whatever. But I seem to notice that people around here call someone a fag or a faggot... but like... they aren't really calling them gay. They are calling them stupid or moronic... or something like that. I mean, it doesn't hurt me, but then again it does... because people are saying homophobic slurs without even realizing it. Your opinions?

It's basically lost it's meaning to me, and I even occasionally catch myself using the word

[VulturEMaN]

once a word is used in such context, and becomes popular to use it in such a manner, it would be nearly impossible to stop it.

I see where your objection would be to using it, but americans love their 1 syllable words.

[Chrono]

If you're joking around, calling someone a faggot as a joke, then sure. Who cares? It's a joke.

But if you're not joking around, or just saying "oh that guy's such a faggot" when you just hate them, it's plain stupid.

[Daniel]

I am still waiting for some smartass to tell me I am going to hell.

You're going to burn in hell you fag.

=O

[SpongeBrain]

DANIEL HOW COULD YOU