To use the word “queer”?

[BowermansNose]

A few times recently I’ve found myself wanting to use the word “queer” to describe something odd or unusual (in the original sense of the word). I don’t know if I’m being influenced by some novels I’ve read of whatever. My parents also have an expression “up Queer Street”.

However, I’m obviously aware of the other meaning that relates to sexuality, and it has had pejorative connotations.

AIBU to use “queer” in the original sense?

I would use the word queer in its original sense.

Wouldn’t dream of using the word queer in relation to sexuality, that is hugely offensive and I’m fairly sure that the type of people who are ‘taking it back’ never had it hurled at them as an insult.

Check your privilege

House.

I think its ok in its traditional form.

Was the shortened version of Pakistani ever none offensive?

would it be ok to use the shortened version of Pakistani in its original non-offensive context?

Does it have another, original, meaning?

Words can have more than one meaning.Check your dictionary.
Queer can mean 'strange', or can be a reference to sexuality
Gay can be a reference to sexuality or it can mean 'happy and bright' (though this definition would probably have an asterisk next to it in a dictionary to mean archaic)
Golly dolls have nothing to do with the meaning of words. I had one as a child and loved it. Would never buy one for my granddaughter as they are clearly a bloody offensive representation of black people as seen by racist white people. Doesn't matter that I loved mine as a kid.
Use the word queer with impunity
Use the word gay to mean happy and bright only if there are no other words that adequate describe that feeling (happy and bright for example)
Don't use gollys
Ever

Those saying it’s fine to use it in its original non-offensive context, would it be ok to use the shortened version of Pakistani in its original non-offensive context?
did it have an original non-offensive context? Honestly don't know.
I think "Queer" in the original sense is outdated, so wouldn't use it, just as I wouldn't use "Jolly good" or "I say!" etc. It's not necessarily offensive, but it is old fashioned and probably more associated with gay men than strange happenings.

I think YABU. Usage changes. Do you also still use 'gay' to mean happy?

House

LOL

I also can't think of "P*" being used inoffensively. However, queer is a fairly common word, and if one reads books, especially books written a few decades ago and older, it's just a normal word.

I am unaware of any meaning of the shortened form of Pakistani other than a shortened form of Pakistani.

I have heard it is not considered derogatory in some places*, but never any other meaning.

(don't know if that's true, it is here)

Really don't see any comparison with the non-derogatory meaning of queer.

This:

Words can have more than one meaning.Check your dictionary.

It might be regional, here everyone uses it in the original sense. It's not generational either, I'm 30 and for me and my friends it's still normal

Me too.

I am a queer person. Don't use it to mean odd. You might not mean it to be offensive, but if an LGBT is around and hears you they might be offended. And you could easily prevent that by just not saying it.

Ultimately, your meaning of queer is a negative thing - so it's not pleasant for an LGBT person to hear it in that context, regardless of intent.

* except I'm older

I hear Queer most used by LGBT+ community and academics/writers using the word Queering e.g. Queering Shakespeare.

It was a word before it was adopted by the gay/trans community

It was a word (meaning odd/strange) - and then it was a slur thrown at the gay community - and only then was it adopted by some of the community. By no means all.

To some, it is still most definitely a slur.

So use it to mean odd, but unless you're gay yourself, and with people who you categorically know it won't cause offence to, it's probably best to avoid using it in any other sense.

I use it in its original sense. We’re slowly losing the richness and diversity of the English language as more words are being outlawed. I’m old, though.

@Alsohuman no, we aren't. There are thousands of words in the dictionary you can still use. Losing the offensive ones is not ruining the English language.

I think that word is rather dated now if describing unusual or strange things, it's used by an older generation above mine I think (I'm 50).I never hear anyone my age or younger use it & I've contracted all over for 20yrs in numerous industries & lived North, Midlands & South, in both villages & cities. Modern vernacular is: odd, weird, strange, bizarre etc.

It was a word (meaning odd/strange) - and then it was a slur thrown at the gay community

When was the cut off? I didn't get the memo.

Th shortened version of Pakistani was exactly that, a shortened version much like Brit. It was used by Pakistani people themselves. It became offensive when it was used in a derogatory, hateful and violent way.

I’m going to bow out. I’ve literally never thought about this before as I’ve not heard anybody use the word queer in that sense for a very long time. It was an interesting discussion point.

But being told I shouldn’t be offended by a word that has been used against me in a violent context, that crises a line. Would you tell a black person not to be offended by the N word? Or coloured - because it wasn’t meant offensively? No.

I’m not saying don’t use it. I don’t police people’s language. I explained why I didn’t like it and pointed out that people ought to see it from other’s perspective. Use whatever words you like.

I would not use it.

Straight people don't get to decide what words gay people should or should not find offensive. Just as white people don't get to decide whether golliwogs are offensive or not @Gallivespian .

Plenty of things that were acceptable years ago are not acceptable now, so that argument doesn't wash.

Besides, offensiveness aside, it's an old fashioned word and sounds ridiculous used nowadays.

You might not mean it to be offensive, but if an LGBT is around and hears you they might be offended. And you could easily prevent that by just not saying it

Offence could easily be prevented if the offended party took the time to think about the context in which the word was used.

@UtuNorantiPralatongsThirdEye why should they when you could just not use offensive words?

Straight people don't get to decide what words gay people should or should not find offensive. Just as white people don't get to decide whether golliwogs are offensive or not

Exactly.