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Read Tolkien. He uses the word "queer" all the time, and not once is it a reference to sexual preference. That vernacular of the word is a recent adaptation.
However, I agree with Criplockin. In todays society, that's the first meaning of the word people will think is intended. So don't use it. I know I thought the OP was using it with the derogatory intent that Criplockin read. Whether that is the intent or not, it is what most people will infer.
You forgot to mention that those meaning have been ruled out in recent times.Quote:
Originally Posted by Skirata
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rbn
Read above, If it was meant as that he already has a say something awkward thread....going.
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Originally Posted by criplockin
Definitions can not be "ruled out" just because one uses it in a different way. Whether or not it has a derogatory slang definition does not mean the original and correct definitions are thrown out of the dictionary.
Queer means strange, weird, odd, etc. But that is the official definition only.
In common slang Queer is synonymous with being Homosexual, which as I used the weird queer a lot for its actual meaning caused me to get a lot of strange looks from people seeing how I am not the kind of person to make fun of people who are Homosexual. It is a psychological condition which the person is born with, they have no control over it so why make fun of them? Its a phenomenon I never understood, though the major religions of the world certainly didn't help things!
So, but the first definition the thread is asking for you to say something strange about the person above you, by the generally accepted definition it is asking for something homosexual about the person above you.
Sorry let me think of a better way to describe it, Those definitions are usually not heard of/used in a modern day society, often become ruled out and forgotten, they do not lose their context, but lose their meaning in the way people speak of them.Quote:
Originally Posted by Skirata
Agreed. Sometimes, we stretch the original definition into something completely different.Quote:
Originally Posted by criplockin
Indeed, the modern language is far more fluid than languages in the past. Definitions come and go like the seasons of the year, the winds of change blowing away old ones for new. While intellectuals such as myself preserve the original meanings of the words in our memories and writing, the original meaning is lost to most among the sands of time.
It is quite bittersweet. On one hand the meanings of words are lost to the minds of the immature creating abhorrent definitions often sexual in nature. On the other hand, there is nothing quite as satisfying as watching a language evolve, for better or for worse.
Such is my stance on the issue.
^implying that you are better than usQuote:
Originally Posted by Heraclius
he's not better.. just 'different' lol :D ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Skirata
That was not the point of the statement at all. I am not better than anyone, nor do I claim to be. Some people are better at certain things that others, that is a true, undeniable fact. I simply have a love of learning, be it history, words, science. Being an intellectual doesn't make one perfect, or better than anybody. We all have our flaws, mine being lack of strength, propensity for exaggeration, and overstating my abilities.
By stating I am an intellectual, I am by no means attempting to place myself on a higher level than you, it is the mere statement of a fact. I gather and collect information in my head, and often have a deeper understanding of things than a lot of my peers and contacts. Does this make me better than them? Of course not!