# Why was this useage of "queer" offensive?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-this-useage-of-queer-offensive/962320>\
**Category:** About This Message Board\
**Created:** [April 5, 2022, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-this-useage-of-queer-offensive/962320 "2022-04-05T15:04:45Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
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**Author:** ![Max\_S](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/46a35a/32.png) [@Max\_S](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_S)\
**Post date:** [April 12, 2022, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-this-useage-of-queer-offensive/962320/223 "2022-04-12T23:38:54Z")

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> [@BigT](#):
>
> I and others have argued against this position, that words have meanings based on all speakers of that language, and you have not really given a reason that is wrong. Nor have you given a citation to back it up. Yet you still seem absolutely sure of it.

Because debating it at length would be furthering a hijack. I stated my opinion, you stated yours; we can agree to disagree on what determines the meaning of words. If you want to continue I will refer you elsewhere,

> [@What determines the meaning of words?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-determines-the-meaning-of-words/855333):
>
> I think each person imparts meaning upon words. Words mean what people want them to mean; meaning follows usage. I reject the notion that words have some sort of intrinsic, Platonic meaning. Without people, words cease to exist - all that would remain would be meaningless patterns of ink. No mere dictionary can prescribe the meaning of words. Dictionaries are created to catalogue ever-evolving language, and I think descriptive dictionaries and people who push too hard on the “proper” usage of w…

> [@BigT](#):
>
> That connection can be a huge problem. It makes it hard to tell someone that something they said is bigoted without them seeing it as an attack on their character.

You seem to understand my position well enough, because in my opinion calling someone a bigot, or calling their position bigoted, _is_ an attack on their character. (Assuming, of course, bigotry is morally wrong.)

~Max

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