it’s not faux outrage. I would never use the word. Nor would anyone I know. It used to be part of the common language here too. But now, in Australia, it’s a recognised homophobic slur. I thought it was a slur in the UK, because after reading it, I checked with the Cambridge University Dictionary. Fair assumption on my part, I think, to consider it a slur in your country too, because the first meaning it gave:
“an extremely offensive word for a gay man”
So the meaning in the english dictionary is wrong with regards to the UK? Yes? My apologies then.
Anyway, the other phrase you have given is never used here either now, in my experience. It’s an awful phrase, too. It has homophobic connotations too. I shouldn’t say never. I’d say there are racists still using it somewhere in Australia.
I’ve never denied that there is racism, sexism and homophobia in Australia. It’s glaringly obvious there is. I just try not to contribute to it, and to educate myself about it. And I don’t have knee jerks reactions when people point out what is racist , sexist or homophobic about Australia. I’m very most likely to agree with them.
Am I supposed to be offended by the accusation that Australians have used that phrase? No it’s a shameful part of our history.