is 'gay' an insult?

[manker]

Gay can also be used as a compliment.

It is epitomised in the dire TV programme 'Queer Eye for the Straight Guy' where homosexual guys make fat straight blokes look presentable, but the notion that gay folk are better groomed and better with colours was initially hinted at on programs such as Changing Rooms and since has progressed to the stage where to be a male on an interior decor program you literally have to be a homosexual.

Recently I overheard the missus say to her friend on the telephone that I'd bought her a great outfit and that in general my taste in clothes for her is only bettered by her friend Alun - who is gay.

So my choosing an outfit being likened to a gay person's choice in clothing was a compliment, no?

[j2k4]

Gay can also be used as a compliment.

It is epitomised in the dire TV programme 'Queer Eye for the Straight Guy' where homosexual guys make fat straight blokes look presentable, but the notion that gay folk are better groomed and better with colours was initially hinted at on programs such as Changing Rooms and since has progressed to the stage where to be a male on an interior decor program you literally have to be a homosexual.

Recently I overheard the missus say to her friend on the telephone that I'd bought her a great outfit and that in general my taste in clothes for her is only bettered by her friend Alun - who is gay.

So my choosing an outfit being likened to a gay person's choice in clothing was a compliment, no?

If you choose to take it that way, sure.

Seems to me to also be a nod and affirmation to gays' general abilities in the arena of adornment: If it's ugly (no matter what it is), a gay person can make it look better.

Somehow I see objections being raised to this type of generalization, much as blacks were upset when it was noticed that, by and large, they were physically superior athletes.

I think the whole issue is gay-

Lord, what an ugly house!

Call the Homosexual Contractor's Guild immediately!

[manker]

Well, I haven't noted any objections yet, J2. Apart from by straight interior designers, who presumably find the whole concept rather irritating and career inhibiting.

Btw, being a chap of taste and discernment I felt it necessary to change my hairdresser for a gentleman with a slightly more fey stance and a much higher vocal intonation.

[j2k4]

Well, I haven't noted any objections yet, J2. Apart from by straight interior designers, who presumably find the whole concept rather irritating and career inhibiting.

Btw, being a chap of taste and discernment I felt it necessary to change my hairdresser for a gentleman with a slightly more fey stance and a much higher vocal intonation.

The objections will come, trust me; when it becomes obvious that such stereotyping (for that is precisely what it is, yes?) is a pure-D insult.

As to your last, go for the more freely-flowing nasal version, and get one who speaks with palms raised and facing outward.

They're supposed to be much more serviceable (or so I've heard).

[vidcc]

As to your last, go for the more freely-flowing nasal version, and get one who speaks with palms raised and facing outward.

They're supposed to be much more serviceable (or so I've heard).

he was gay?

[Jon L. Obscene]

Gay can also be used as a compliment.

Thats a very unstable statement imo, many offensive phrases and words can be used as compliments, but only to certain people , from certain people, not generally.

It all really boils down to who says it to who and in which context, if a little old lady said "You're very gay today " you would take it as her meaning you're happy, if a drunk twat in a pub said "You're gay" you would take offence, or most people would take some form of offence.

I've always said it's not possible to determine what offends, someone can call me a "twat" and I'll laugh, someone I don't know says it and I would'nt like it.

I honestly don't think it's possible to say "Gay in insulting" or "Gay is not insulting"
Some will be offended, some wont it comes down to either knowing someone or being able to read a person so you know roughly what you can say to them.

Jonno

[h121589]

"Gay" is not an insult, but often used as an insult.

yup

[j2k4]

he was gay?

Jolson?

Not that I'm aware of, but where he is concerned I don't claim any special awareness.

Well-spotted, BTW-apart from any specific knowledge about his sexual peccadilloes, he would seem to fit the described parameters perfectly.

[CoolMac]

That depends on the person, if i were gay i wouldn't be insulted to be called gay.

[brenda]

People who know me know that that I do not mean any offense by using the word, or many other words for that matter. When in the company of people who don't know me I am someone else entirely and try to be alert to my use of language so as not to offend.