queer

/kwiə/

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Thân thiện

A person uses the word "queer" in a historical academic context to describe a feeling of being different.

Definition

Adjective:
- Strange, odd, or unusual: Deviating from what is expected or normal.
- Suspicious or questionable: Causing doubt or appearing dubious.
- Unwell or faint: Feeling physically ill or dizzy.
- (Historical/Slang) Homosexual: Used to refer to a homosexual person. (Note: This usage is now often considered offensive when used by non-LGBTQ+ people, but has been reclaimed as a positive identity term within the LGBTQ+ community).
Noun:
- (Offensive) An openly homosexual man: A derogatory term for a gay man. (Note: This is a strongly offensive term when used by outsiders. Its reclamation within the LGBTQ+ community is context-specific and not for general use by others).
Verb:
- To spoil, ruin, or jeopardize: To put something at risk of failure or to hinder plans.
- To put in a difficult or disadvantageous position: To cause someone to be in an awkward or compromised situation.

Usage Examples

Adjective:
- There was a queer noise coming from the old house. (Strange)
- The whole situation felt queer and unsettling. (Suspicious)
- After the long journey, I started to feel a bit queer. (Unwell)
- The community reclaimed the word "queer" as an umbrella term. (Reclaimed LGBTQ+ identity term)
Noun:
- (Historical/Offensive) He was vilified for being a queer. (Derogatory term for a gay man).
Verb:
- His sudden resignation queered the deal. (Ruined)
- She didn't want to queer her chances of promotion. (Jeopardize)

Advanced Usage & Important Notes

Reclamation and Sensitivity: The word "queer" has a complex history. While its primary historical meanings were "strange" or "to spoil," its use as a slur against LGBTQ+ people in the 20th century is significant. Since the late 1980s, the term has been actively reclaimed by many within the LGBTQ+ community as a positive, inclusive identity label (e.g., "queer theory," "queer community"). Crucially, when used as an identity label, it is generally acceptable only when used by LGBTQ+ people about themselves or their community. Its use by others can be considered highly offensive.
"To queer the pitch": An idiom meaning to spoil or ruin someone's plans or chances, especially in a business or competitive context.
- The bad weather really queered the pitch for the outdoor festival.

Variants and Related Words

Queerly (adverb): In a strange or odd manner.
- He was acting queerly.
Queerness (noun): The state or quality of being strange; also used in academic contexts (Queer Studies) to discuss non-normative sexual and gender identities.
Queer theory: An academic field that challenges fixed categories of identity, particularly regarding gender and sexuality.

Synonyms

Related Phrasal Verbs/Idioms

To feel queer: To feel unwell or nauseated.
- The rocking of the boat made me feel queer.
To be in Queer Street (British, archaic slang): To be in financial difficulty or trouble.
- After the failed investment, he found himself in Queer Street.

A person uses the word "queer" in a historical academic context to describe a feeling of being different.

Adjective

Noun

Verb

put in a dangerous, disadvantageous, or difficult position
hinder or prevent (the efforts, plans, or desires) of
- What ultimately frustrated every challenger was Ruth's amazing September surge
- foil your opponent

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