Use of the word "gay" - Guild Wars Forums

quickmonty · Apr 19, 2006, 09:25 PM // 21:25

I see it so many times in game and in the forums: "that's so gay"

Does it mean:

1) that is so homosexual?

2) that is so cheerful and happy?

Please explain

Justafyme · Apr 19, 2006, 09:42 PM // 21:42

Ok..not sure if you're asking this question seriously...but here goes.
Typically when someone says "that's so gay" or "you're gay"...it has nothing to do with happy, cheerful or homosexual. It means lame...pathetic substandard...etc It's actually somewhat insulting to homosexual people (who are called gay), as it implies that they are lame, odd or different in a bad way. At least that's the argument I've heard.

You can check out urbandictionary.com for a better explaination if you wish...

lennymon · Apr 19, 2006, 10:02 PM // 22:02

Sadly Quickmonty, hardly ANYONE remembers the use of the word as it was in the 20-30s and therefore 99.99% of the time 'gay' is only used in the perjorative. Even simple references to homosexuality are limited these days, its mostly used, to generalize, as Justafyme has stated... a general derogatory term with no serious direct connection to anything. Although, it can be used (within friendly circles) as with most perjoratives, in a playful/friendly banter kinda way.

quickmonty · Apr 19, 2006, 10:10 PM // 22:10

Okay. During my lifetime this is now the third definition of gay. I don't particularly like it being used this way, but guess I'll just have to get used to it.

Vilaptca · Apr 19, 2006, 10:12 PM // 22:12

I think Justafyme and lennymon have said it quite well what everyone means when they are using it.

Sadly its seemed to replace most "insults." Walk into a high school and you'll see exactly what I mean, instead of things like stupid or butthead, it'll be "gay" this or "gay" that...

Quote:

Originally Posted by quickmonty

Okay. During my lifetime this is now the third definition of gay. I don't particularly like it being used this way, but guess I'll just have to get used to it.

Don't get used to it. Tell them to stop. The only reason its gone this far, is because so few people tell them to stop.

quickmonty · Apr 19, 2006, 10:18 PM // 22:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vilaptca

I think Justafyme and lennymon have said it quite well what everyone means when they are using it.

Sadly its seemed to replace most "insults." Walk into a high school and you'll see exactly what I mean, instead of things like stupid or butthead, it'll be "gay" this or "gay" that...

Don't get used to it. Tell them to stop. The only reason its gone this far, is because so few people tell them to stop.

Ummm ..... is this something that is reportable to the mods, or just considered bad manners?

TehTomato · Apr 19, 2006, 10:32 PM // 22:32

It's horrible that as standards for homosexuals increase, so does the derogation of the word.

Murder In China · Apr 19, 2006, 10:38 PM // 22:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Forum Guidelines

Flaming is the act of posting messages that are deliberately hostile and insulting. A troll is a person who posts inflammatory messages intended to cause a disruption in discourse and to provoke other members into hostility.

We encourage discussion and healthy debate, and personal attacks are not warranted in either. If you cannot be respectful to others, then don't be surprised if those in charge are not respectful of your continued privilege to post.

The posting of Private Messages between users or a user and moderator will result in a ban.

"Gay" right now is considered deliberately hostile and insulting, which is clearly against the rule above.

Clinically Proven · Apr 19, 2006, 10:53 PM // 22:53

I personally find the common usage of the word 'gay' in GW repulsive, shame its not reportable.

Loviatar · Apr 19, 2006, 10:56 PM // 22:56

gay used to be cheerful, happy past the 60`s.

example

FLINTSTONES THEME SONG

*WE`LL HAVE A GAY OLD TIME*

i hate good words being hijacked

anybody else remember when a special or exceptional child was better rather than handicapped?

oh i mean physically/mentally challenged or whatever the h the personhole (manhole is sexist) cover people call it now

lennymon · Apr 19, 2006, 11:03 PM // 23:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loviatar

gay used to be cheerful, happy past the 60`s.

oh i mean physically/mentally challenged or whatever the h the personhole (manhole is sexist) cover people call it now

Oh yeah those, I call those "those @#$@ things that almost make me drop my bike going around a corner when the roads are wet covers"

Lasareth · Apr 19, 2006, 11:34 PM // 23:34

Question sufficiently answered.

Apr 19, 2006, 09:25 PM // 21:25	#1
quickmonty Ancient Windbreaker Join Date: May 2005	Use of the word "gay" I see it so many times in game and in the forums: "that's so gay" Does it mean: 1) that is so homosexual? 2) that is so cheerful and happy? Please explain

Apr 19, 2006, 09:42 PM // 21:42	#2
Justafyme Academy Page Join Date: Aug 2005	Ok..not sure if you're asking this question seriously...but here goes. Typically when someone says "that's so gay" or "you're gay"...it has nothing to do with happy, cheerful or homosexual. It means lame...pathetic substandard...etc It's actually somewhat insulting to homosexual people (who are called gay), as it implies that they are lame, odd or different in a bad way. At least that's the argument I've heard. You can check out urbandictionary.com for a better explaination if you wish... Last edited by Justafyme; Apr 19, 2006 at 09:46 PM // 21:46..

Apr 19, 2006, 10:02 PM // 22:02	#3
lennymon Forge Runner Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Seattle Guild: Odin's Hammer [OH] - Servant's of Fortuna [SoF] Profession: R/	Sadly Quickmonty, hardly ANYONE remembers the use of the word as it was in the 20-30s and therefore 99.99% of the time 'gay' is only used in the perjorative. Even simple references to homosexuality are limited these days, its mostly used, to generalize, as Justafyme has stated... a general derogatory term with no serious direct connection to anything. Although, it can be used (within friendly circles) as with most perjoratives, in a playful/friendly banter kinda way.

Apr 19, 2006, 10:10 PM // 22:10	#4
quickmonty Ancient Windbreaker Join Date: May 2005	Okay. During my lifetime this is now the third definition of gay. I don't particularly like it being used this way, but guess I'll just have to get used to it.

Apr 19, 2006, 10:32 PM // 22:32	#7
TehTomato Frost Gate Guardian Join Date: Jan 2006 Guild: NBK Profession: R/Mo	It's horrible that as standards for homosexuals increase, so does the derogation of the word.

Apr 19, 2006, 10:53 PM // 22:53	#9
Clinically Proven Krytan Explorer Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Australia Guild: [MMAD]	I personally find the common usage of the word 'gay' in GW repulsive, shame its not reportable.

Apr 19, 2006, 10:56 PM // 22:56	#10
Loviatar Underworld Spelunker Join Date: Feb 2005	gay used to be cheerful, happy past the 60`s. example FLINTSTONES THEME SONG WE`LL HAVE A GAY OLD TIME i hate good words being hijacked anybody else remember when a special or exceptional child was better rather than handicapped? oh i mean physically/mentally challenged or whatever the h the personhole (manhole is sexist) cover people call it now

Apr 19, 2006, 11:34 PM // 23:34	#12
Lasareth Aquarius Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Somewhere between Boardwalk and Park Place	Question sufficiently answered.