Betty – Thanks. I’m glad it was helpful.

There is so much around this issue of “gay-ness” that I was unaware of. I have no idea when the word had transformed from ” light-hearted and whimsical” to its homosexual meaning. The other steps in between were unknown to me. There were lots of other words — mostly degrading — that I knew from having raised a son who invited them all without intention. We, as a family, had a front row seat on the gradual transformation process. He’s no longer with us, sadly.

For me it was really helpful to read these comments and to not be weighted down with all that baggage. I’m finally open to hearing some of the less hurtful definitions and it serves us all well (lame, geeky, etc.).

Thanks for taking this subject on, Mike.

Now if I can find the time between breaths to read more of your thoughts.

Bless technology!

Betty

Thanks for all of your comments. I had intended to delay responding in order to try to keep from inducing any more influence on the comments than what was expressed in my my original words.

@Cath Lawson – I think words come to mean something in one area and then are popularized through the popular culture of the day. It likely happens a lot faster today with all of the instant media. And, as XUP explained, it was used as a homosexual reference long before I was aware of it.

@teeni – as others have expressed here, the word is not derogatory in the experiences of some, while to others it still is. Unfortunately, there are some people who can take a word, twist it and make it evil just in the way that they say it.

@Urban Panther – thanks for sharing that. I never understood, even as a kid myself, why kids have to insult others. Of course, more often than not, I was on the receiving end.

@Writer Dad – I think that whether it’s lost it’s “edge” depends on where one is located, who is using it, and the context.

@XUP – Very interesting history. Thanks!

@Andy – Thanks much for your comment. From what I understand, the “F” word didn’t have near the shock value in the 19th century that it had in the late 20th century. Things change and evolve. I personally have never thought that profanity is necessary. I don’t swear much — and I was a sailor, and didn’t swear much then! While it doesn’t usually bother me much, I have asked coworkers to leave my office when the profanity got excessive.

@Alex Fayle – Thanks for your contribution. I’ve never heard it used in the way that you described. (so are you blue-eyed? just kidding!)

@Oneida – Thanks! I agree that what people say and the way that they say it can be very revealing. George Carlin was certainly a special person.

Again, thanks all for commenting.

The late George Carlin’s genius was in vividly pointing out the ironies of words.

This was just a plain great post. Thanks.

I then patiently explain to them how the word has changed meaning and that despite their intentions, they were just incredibly offensive and please stop using the word.

When I used to teach rock-climbing to kids and they would call each other gay, I’d say “You say that like it’s a bad thing. It’s like saying ‘ew! you’re so blue-eyed!’ Why would that be bad?” They, of course, would just look at me like I was the most blue-eyed person they’d ever met.

So the question is, will words like “f*g” also lose its touch aswell? When will we as a society draw the line as to where we should stop using these terms.

Im not an innocent individual either… at my age… I use profanity just as much as the next guy.. just part of our vocabulary..

Good post

I wonder what other words have changed in meaning completely and how this happens to begin with?