When does a petty insult go too far? Whether meant as an attack on a person’s sexuality or not, the word ‘gay’ is surely not necessary to express distaste for something. Though it could be argued that ‘gay’ has now taken on a new meaning, I struggle to see how using it as an insult is not offensive.
Worryingly, the place that ‘gay’ as a derogatory term takes the most precedent, is in schools. A study in 2008 by the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) concluded that the word ‘gay’ was the most common insult overheard by teachers. Although several initiatives surrounding the acceptance of sexuality have taken place since 2008, the use of this word is still evident today.
Arguably, the word ‘gay’ has taken on different meanings since it was brought in to the English vocabulary. Originally (and still) meaning ‘bright’ or ‘lively’, the word ‘gay’ as meaning homosexual was first recorded around 1940s, but etymologies date back twenty years prior to this. So how has it become a playground insult?
A study in 2008 by the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) concluded that the word ‘gay’ was the most common insult overheard by teachers.
The use of ‘gay’ connoting negative emotions for young people in schools is certain to have an effect in later life. Even if the word is not said in jest of a person’s sexuality, it is still meant to insult. Relating negativity to homosexual orientation is not good for a society that endeavours towards equality. The word ‘gay’ is an important part of many people’s identity; why should this word be coded with disapproval?
This is not a case of ‘political correctness gone mad’. Language is powerful, especially when it serves to ostracise a huge portion of our society. Education, of school children especially, is vital in ensuring they do not thoughtlessly speak to offend. When exclaiming that ‘that lesson was so gay’, I’m sure that a young teenage student is not launching an attack on homosexuality. However, several minor incidents such as this can slowly erode at a person who has insecurities. Persistently wearing down at someone verbally could be considered as bullying, intentional or not. School is often, unfortunately, already a difficult time for people surrounding sexuality- removing an insult which is linked to homophobia is uncertainly a step in the right direction.
Relating negativity to homosexual orientation is not good for a society that endeavours towards equality.
Could you argue that the word gay has completely reversed in meaning? Has it gone from meaning ‘joyful’ and ‘merry’ to simply ‘crap’? How has language changed it? Meanings of words change to fit in to the slang of our generation, now ‘sick’ means good and ‘bare’ means a lot of. Arguably the word gay slots in to the same bracket, but has the former meaning been eliminated? Until the prior meaning of a word has been completely from our consciousness, it has to be considered. Therefore, in whichever manner the word ‘gay’ is used, using it to mean bad still resonates a feeling of homophobia, even if it is completely involuntary.
Struggling to eliminate the word ‘gay’ from your vocabulary? Look no further than a WikiHow specifically designed to assist in this purpose. The remedial article teaches its reader to modify and improve their vocabulary in an effort not to be prejudiced. Most importantly the article demands the reader to think before they speak. Undoubtedly, this is a lesson everyone was taught as a child. However, if we all thought about all the meanings of the word gay, would we ever use it as an negative way?
Ultimately there are enough insults as it is, we can filter something out that could be detrimental to someone’s self worth or damaging to their identity.
Sophie Bell