Difference Between Queer and Gay

Is there any difference between queer and gay? In practical usage, no one regards the two — queer and gay ‘“ as different terms. They think queer to be gay and gay to be queer. In its original terminology, queer and gay are different.

The dictionary says that queer is strange and gay is pretty or happy. Gay is adjective and Queer a noun. But these two terms are more used in the homosexual context. When looking at the two terms in the homosexual context, the terms ‘“ queer and gay ‘“ refers to the same.

Most of the gay or lesbian people think queer to be a word of insult.  These homosexual people do not want them to be addressed as queer. They think queer is a word that is quite offensive.

Queer refers to people who do not fit with the stereotypes. These people can be bisexual, transgenders or metrosexual. But gay always refers to men who are attracted to the same sex.

Queer is a word that found its place in the English language during the 16th century. It was related to German word ‘quer’ that meant ‘at right angle, across or transverse’. It was also referred to a word that meant unusual or strange.

Gay found its place in the English language during the 12th century. It has been derived from Old French word gai, which is considered to have derived from German. In the beginning, gay was used commonly as it had the meaning of being bright, carefree and joyful. But during the late 17th century, gay was a word that meant addicted to pleasures.

Summary

1. The dictionary says that queer is strange and gay is pretty or happy.
2. When looking at the two terms in the homosexual context, the terms ‘“ queer and gay ‘“ refers to the same.
3. Most of the gay or lesbian people think queer to be a word of insult.  These homosexual people do not want them to be addressed as queer.
4. Queer is a word that found its place in the English language during the 16th century. It was related to German word ‘quer’ that meant ‘at right angle, across or transverse’.
5. Gay found its place in English language in the 12th century. It has been derived from Old French word gai, which is considered to have derived from German.