The term “queer” is used widely in casual conversation in more than one way. Years ago, the word queer was seen as a derogatory insult towards someone part of the LGBT community. Today this word is one of the “acceptable” terms or blanket terms within the LGBT community.
“Queer” Meaning
What Does “Queer” Mean?
Meaning of “Queer”
Adjective
- (a) -to describe something out of the ordinary, odd, unusual, peculiar, suspicious
- (b) – used to describe who is either gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender
- (c) – to describe a person that is sexually different (gay or straight)
Noun
- (a) – a person who is identified as a member of the LGBT community; a person who is not heterosexual
- (b) – field of study, such as queer theory
Origin of “Queer”
The origin of the word “queer”, dates back to the 16th century to describe something or someone peculiar or eccentric; adopted from the German quer (meaning oblique, perverse). By the 19th century, the term was used to describe men believed to engage in same-sex relationships. During the 20th century, the term has gone from being synonymously used to call a feminine male a fairy, or faggot to being reclaimed in the LGBT community. By the 21st century the word queer has been used to describe educational studies.
Conversation Examples
Adjective
Example 1:
- That painting in the museum is very queer.
- My mom always said that my aunt Jane acts very queer at times.
Example 2:
- The two girls in the corner are definitely queer, I haven’t seen them talk to any males here.
- All of my queer friends are at the Pride Parade every October.
Example 3:
- People say that I am queer since I don’t define my sexual orientation as gay or straight.
Noun
Example 1:
- My friend John is so rude, he said, “There’s no way I am going to that event this weekend because I don’t want to be surrounded by a bunch of queers!”
Example 2:
- Person 1: Don’t go to the Alibi this weekend.
- Person 2: Why not?
- Person 1: I heard there will be nothing but queers there, although I have nothing against them.
- Person 2: I love to party with the queers!
Example 3:
- Person 1: What classes do you have on Fridays?
- Person 2: I take Queer Theory and Queer Art history.
- Person 1: What are those classes about?
- Person 2: theorization of queerness and history of queer art and culture.
Related Terms
Fairy, faggot, homo
“Queer” Meaning | Picture
Last Updated on March 31, 2023