I have to disagree. In England the term 'gay' is often used by todays youth to describe anything, with no relationship to homosexuality. If you are looking to be 'offended' by it, it is possible that some over sensitive souls might be, but it is not used in any way that is meant to be offensive.
As for comparing it's offensiveness to the use of the word 'nigger', I think you must have just got here from another planet!!!
For one, the original poster listed his location as New York and not England; therefore, I was not referencing your particular slang. Secondly, the context of the original sentence speaks for itself. He wasn't complimenting nor empowering him by being "ghey/gay."
I am far from being a slave to political correctness, but enough is enough. I am not looking to be offended, but it is disturbing to be constantly exposed to the undercurrent of homophobia that is prevalent in American society.
Here is the definition from Merriam-Webster online:
1 a
: happily excited
: merry <in a
gay mood> b
: keenly alive and exuberant
: having or inducing high spirits <a bird's
gay spring song>
2 a
: bright,
lively <
gay sunny meadows> b
: brilliant in color
3
: given to social pleasures;
also : licentious
4
a: homosexual <gay men> b: of, relating to, or used by homosexuals <the
gay rights movement> <a
gay bar>
To save time, the first entry from slang site urbandictionary.com:
gay1. jovial or happy, good-spirited
2. a homosexual male or female
3.
often used to describe something stupid or unfortunate. originating from homophobia. quite preferable among many teenage males in order to buff up their "masculinity"
1. "We'll have a gay old time."
2. "You DO know he's gay. Notice his homoerotic pornography collection."
3. "Man, these seats are gay. I can't even see what's going on!"
After reading these possible definitions what do you think was meant by the original sentence?
Freedom of speech is supposedly guaranteed to all in this country, that is fine and dandy, but please be aware that what you say
can and
is hurtful to other people. Cultural sensitivity is something only you can police, I am speaking up and communicating my discomfort to him. Ultimately, it is his choice to continue or desist and my choice to either respond or ignore him. I can't make him stop, but I
can let him know that it is not appreciated; maybe in the future he will think before opening his mouth or typing something derogatory. This isn't the first or last time I will hear this particular usage of "gay." I have kept silent in the past to not rock the boat but that has changed the last several years; I don't want to hear it anymore. It is not acceptable, and by keeping silent I am passively and tacitly agreeing that homophobia is okay.
You, and others, are offended that I even associated the "N" word in this discussion. Apparently social conditioning has made that word usage taboo. Good. People know better than to use the "N" word, it is not socially acceptable and that is how it should be. However, all things are not equal and progress is haphazard since it is still perfectly okay to bash homosexuals. If even the Catholic pope can do it, why shouldn't you? If in doubt, put down homos and nazis, you won't be chastised. Well, not according to this 'mo, please stop.
I do have a sense of humor, I understand what he's getting at, but you know what? There are plenty of other topics that can be fodder for ridicule, why not lay off the gay bashing? There are plenty of other words left in the English language to communicate what you mean, or are you just defending your right to bash homosexuals?
Re: British slang; of course not the definitive site, but as an example 37 lines down definitions for "gay" begin:
http://www.peevish.co.uk/slang/g.htm
