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 should add, it’s not used to describe friendly oddballs.

Penelope, what region are you from, if I might ask? Maybe it is colouring my perception. I live in the South West.

Where I live in the NE, it's a reasonably common word and said with the original meaning. No offence is meant or taken as it's all about context. I've heard my gay BIL describe something as a bit queer when he meant strange. It's normal language here.

Everyone I know(including gays) uses queer in its original use as well as the reclaimed version. Also gay as in happy.

Not sure why some people are getting so enervated about it.

In the 60s I had a friend at school whose family came from Pakistan they ran a corner shop. It was called "The P* Shop" It had a sign to that effect above the display window. When it was sold the name was changed. Sometimes that word was used affectionately. Not any more, I agree. Language evolves.

Seriously drifting you know people who say "hope you have a gay time", or "I'm feeling gay today"? I can't imagine that use of the word anymore, without an ironic nod to the other meaning at least. Possibly bunting at a village fete might float gaily in the breeze.

Well, BowermansNose, I now have to admit that I’m in rural Australia....but it’s still English as am I. But there are lots of others also saying that it’s still in every day use.
I was a bit surprised by it at first but I’m used to it now and can’t really think of another word that has the exact same meaning.

So Penelope, you can acknowledge that the term is pejorative and its exact meaning to you, is an arsehole, and yet you can't correlate that in any way to it being derogatory for that exact reason, when applied to a section of society as a whole?

I couldn't believe the homophobic language used on Gogglebox Australia when I watched it, it does seem quite different to what is acceptable in the U.K.

I find it really interesting to get a diversity of views on this. However, what I find fascinating, is that there is an undercurrent of intolerant "tolerance". On this thread, I've been called a "twat", an "arse" and it's been implied that I'm a racist, because I have considered using the word queer, once or twice recently, in contexts where the meaning would be very clear.

Sagrada - I think I understand what you mean but the people who are using it in this way aren’t using it in the other. It means one thing in one place and a different thing in the other. People who use it naturally with one meaning in one place aren’t doing it with the other place in mind.

I can’t watch Gogglebox in my area. The channel that has it doesn’t transmit here.

Phone of course it is archaic in the context the OP uses it in.

Surely it's the opposite? The use of queer to describe a homosexual is archaic. It's use as an alternative to odd or peculiar is still common.

@Sagradafamiliar

I'm not qualified to give the origins of those particular words, having never had the need to look them up, but feel free to do so.

What a weird response. You introduced those specific words into this discussion but now admit you actually know nothing about them. Then you add, even more nonsensically, it’s my job to research them.

And yet the use of it to mean a homophobic slur came after its original meaning, so I don't see how the later meaning can be the archaic one.

Passing, I will again, ask you to reread my post and note the 'or'. I'm not being weird because you misunderstood.

Also, passing, you expressed an interest in those words, so why not feel free to give them a google? It's no one's 'job' but if you want to know more, look them up.

'Slut', 'slag' and the 'n' word have supposedly been reclaimed but that doesn't mean everyone can go around using them without causing offence or because they historically had more innocent meanings.

But at what point does the context become so clear? For example, would it be offensive to refer to the waste material from mining as 'slag'?

And yet the use of it to mean a homophobic slur came after its original meaning, so I don't see how the later meaning can be the archaic one.
Because the original one has continued on while the more modern one has now largely fallen by the wayside?

You're making my point. Slag/slagheap= related to mining and metal, yet we all know full well, unless being deliberately obtuse, that the modern meaning is the one people will immediately think of upon hearing the word.

According to you, Penelope. The term has been somewhat reclaimed so that its meaning as an insult is probably a bit more redundant.
But your argument that 'queer' isn't an archaic term is one I can't agree with, because it is. It's old. It just is.

@Sagradafamiliar

I’ve read your post several times. Yes, I can see the word ‘or’. By using this word you suggest the possibility that slag, slut and n-r might, like queer, have had historically innocent meanings. When challenged, you say actually you nothing about the words you’ve introduced into the argument. That’s just weird.

It’s a fairly common part of parlance in some parts of Yorkshire.

“Nowt as queer as folk”.

But your argument that 'queer' isn't an archaic term is one I can't agree with, because it is. It's old. It just is.
Maybe where you live but not everywhere is the same. Do you think everyone on here who says differently is lying?

You're making my point. Slag/slagheap= related to mining and metal, yet we all know full well, unless being deliberately obtuse, that the modern meaning is the one people will immediately think of upon hearing the word.

No, you're making my point. If I were to say the word "slag" or "queer" in isolation, I suspect you're right that people might immediately think of the offensive meaning. But if I were driving past a coal mine, and I said "look at the slag there", or talking about my supermarket receipt, said "oh, that's queer, they've charged us twice for the milk", you'd probably have to be a bit obtuse to think I was being sexist or homophobic.

Passing I didn't say I know nothing about those words, I simply refused to get into the nitty gritty where one of those words is concerned as I am in no position to, that's how I feel personally. But feel free to educate yourself :)

'Nowt so queer as folk' is an old saying, which I can appreciate in an entirely different way to someone just wanting to throw around the word queer....but not in the workplace, only with mates. Which tells me everything I need to know.