Kids using gay as an insult

thehappybutterfly

Person_one wrote: »

Good lord, did you tell her why gimp is also completely inappropriate and horrible?

Ha ha! Well I've always used the word gimp to describe someone who has just made a fool of themselves but in a funny way like putting food in a stranger's trolley - not for any other meaning! And always, always in a friendly manner.

I've used it in that context since I was a teenager - the first definition of the word I ever heard was 'pregnant camel' :huh:. It wasn't until I got older that I found out it's a male sex slave apparently? I never thought about it meaning a disabled person (which I've literally just found out on Google!)

Like I said, it's a word I use as a friendly insult.

VestanPance

Let's face it the use of it should be discouraged.

If as mentioned the use of the word was questioning sexuality then talk with the children. Although let's face it kids are pure evil. They will pick at the slightest difference in each other and run with it. Thankfully most grow out of it are are only semi-evil as adults.

Personally this thread make me think we should invade America. Force them to stop using 'gay' for lame, pronounce aluminium correctly, start using s rather than z in every other word and counsel them over their fear of the letter u.

Although marshal law and street executions for use of 'talk to the hand' seems completely appropriate.

Person_one

thehappybutterfly wrote: »

Ha ha! Well I've always used the word gimp to describe someone who has just made a fool of themselves but in a funny way like putting food in a stranger's trolley - not for any other meaning! And always, always in a friendly manner.

Like I said, it's a word I use as a friendly insult.

For F***s sake, I give up!

(Now there's a word everyone can enjoy, teach your children the F word.)

System

I probably used to use it when younger, meaning something was naff/crap. Never meant it in a homophobic sense, and i have lots of gay friends who use it too. Don't really say it much these days. I do think its more of case that the word has evolved to mean something else, just as it did from when it went from meaning "happy" to meaning homosexual.

tiger_eyes

Lokolo wrote: »

I think all these adults who think the kids are using the word gay to be an insult of sexuality need to realise they are out of touch with the younger generation.

I love the thought that at 24, I'm already out of touch with the younger generation.

Gloomendoom

thehappybutterfly wrote: »

I never thought about it meaning a disabled person (which I've literally just found out on Google!)

You and me both. Mind you I had no idea Gollywogs made any reference to negros until all the fuss started with Robertsons jams. They were just dolls to me.

thehappybutterfly

Person_one wrote: »

For F***s sake, I give up!

(Now there's a word everyone can enjoy, teach your children the F word.)

Person, it's not like I use it towards complete strangers. Only my hubby and kids and they know what I mean - it's not used nastily.

And they know the F word and I've no doubt they use it but just not in front of me. They're 15 and 20 BTW so not much I can do to stop them but as I said, they know not to swear in front of me.

VestanPance

DannyBo wrote: »

Gay = naff, carp, something negative.

The word wasn't hanging around with no other meaning, waiting to have a new meaning. It is used in a negative way because of it's most common meaning.

That, whichever way you dress it up is homophobic.

Not at all. Do you understand context, or are you also inferring all homosexual people are happy? In the same way one word can have two completely separate meanings it could have three, it could have twenty-three.

The reason this word is causing such debate is due to homophobia which is vile and disgusting, but the use of the word already doesn't just relate to people who are homosexual.

Discourage the use I'd agree with to avoid possible misinterpretation. Talk with the kids and put that across rationally.

VestanPance

Person_one wrote: »

For F***s sake, I give up!

(Now there's a word everyone can enjoy, teach your children the F word.)

Sad but true but I doubt there's a 5 year old in the country that doesn't know that and numerous other swear words.

thehappybutterfly

Gloomendoom wrote: »

You and me both. Mind you I had no idea Gollywogs made any reference to negros until all the fuss started with Robertsons jams. They were just dolls to me.

Correct. The PC brigade make things worse most of the time. Tell people that a previously innocently used word is an insult and guess what? Oh yeah, they start using it as an insult.

It's like banning a movie or song for it's dodgy content - all it does is pique people's interests when it may well have passed them by.