queer
queer
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "queer" depends on the dialect:
Modern IPA (most common): /kwiːər/ (one syllable)
Sounds breakdown:
/k/ - voiceless velar plosive (similar to the "k" sound in "key")
/w/ - voiced labiovelar approximant (rounded consonant sound like the "w" in "wet")
/iː/ - long close front unrounded vowel (like the "ee" sound in "seen")
/ə/ - schwa (short, central vowel sound, like the "er" in "better")
/r/ - alveolar trill (vibrating sound like the "r" in "rarity")
Traditional IPA (less common): /kwɪə/ (one syllable)
Sounds breakdown:
/kw/ - voiceless labiovelar stop (combination of "k" and "w" sounds)
/ɪ/ - short close front unrounded vowel (like the "i" sound in "sit")
/ə/ - schwa (same as above)
Word Form Variations
The term "queer" itself functions as all the standard word forms for singular and plural. Here's the breakdown:
Singular: queer
Plural: queer
However, there are some related terms derived from "queer":
Adverb: queerly
Adjective (somewhat uncommon): queerer (comparative), queerest (superlative) - These are used less frequently than "queer" itself.
Noun: queerness
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Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Definition:
An umbrella term for people who are not heterosexual or cisgender. This includes identities like lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, genderqueer, and others who challenge traditional notions of gender and sexuality. (Synonyms: LGBTQ+, LGBT, gender-variant, gender-diverse) (Antonyms: heterosexual, cisgender)
A person who identifies with the term "queer" to express a non-normative sexual orientation or gender identity. (Synonyms: None - specific to self-identification)
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition:
Of, relating to, or characterised by a sexual or romantic orientation that is not heterosexual. (Synonyms: non-heterosexual, gay, lesbian, bisexual) (Antonym: heterosexual)
Of, relating to, or characterised by a gender identity that is not cisgender. (Synonyms: gender-variant, gender-queer, non-binary, transgender) (Antonym: cisgender)
Challenging traditional norms or expectations of gender or sexuality. (Synonyms: unconventional, non-conforming)
Part of Speech: Adverb (less common)
Definition:
In a manner that is non-heterosexual or non-cisgender. (Synonyms: unheterosexually, in a non-binary way) (Antonym: heterosexually)
Examples of Use
Noun:
Book: "Shuggie Bain" by Douglas Stuart (2020) features a young boy navigating his sexuality and attraction to another male student, eventually identifying as queer (NPR interview with author [NPR interview with Douglas Stuart]).
Newspaper: The New York Times published an opinion piece titled "Why 'Queer' Is Still a Powerful Term" discussing the importance of the term for the LGBTQ+ community (The New York Times, July 12, 2020).
Adjective:
Online Publication: A Buzzfeed article titled "21 TV Characters We All Secretly (or Not-So-Secretly) Had a Queer Crush On" explores the portrayal of queer characters in popular media (Buzzfeed, June 14, 2022).
Entertainment Medium (TV): In the series "Heartstopper" on Netflix, the main characters navigate their emerging feelings and identify as gay and bisexual, using the term "queer" to describe their broader LGBTQ+ experience (Netflix, "Heartstopper," 2022).
General Public Discourse:
Social Media: Many LGBTQ+ activists and community members use "queer" on platforms like Twitter and Instagram to describe themselves and their identities.
Pride Events: Slogans like "Queer Liberation" or "We're Here, We're Queer" are commonly seen at Pride parades and rallies, signifying the term's importance within the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
Note: It's important to be mindful of context when using "queer." While reclaimed by the LGBTQ+ community, it can still carry a negative connotation in some situations.
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10 Famous Quotes Using the term Queer
While "queer" is becoming increasingly common and reclaimed by the LGBTQ+ community, it hasn't been widely used in famous quotes throughout history. Here are some quotes that explore similar themes or use "queer" in a specific context:
"The only queer people are those who don't love anybody." - Vincent Van Gogh (attributed) [This quote highlights the idea that love transcends societal norms]
"If all the world was queer, except me, perhaps I should be a queer." - e.e. cummings (poem, "i carry your heart with me(i carry it in") [This poetic line explores feeling different from the norm]
"We are all a little weird and life's a little weird. And when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love." - Dr. Seuss (attributed, not in a published work) [This captures the idea of embracing differences]
"It is absolutely imperative that every human being’s freedom and human rights be respected, regardless of sexual orientation." - Eleanor Roosevelt [While not using "queer," this quote emphasises LGBTQ+ rights]
"Hope will never be silent." - Harvey Milk (civil rights activist) [A powerful quote about LGBTQ+ visibility and hope, not using "queer"]
"To see yourself, and for others to see you, is a form of validation." - Audre Lorde (writer, activist) [This quote emphasises self-acceptance and visibility, not using "queer"]
"Love is love is love. You can’t legislate love. You can’t regulate love." - Jason Collins (basketball player, coming out as gay) [Speaks to the universality of love, not using "queer"]
"Embrace what makes you unique, even if it makes others uncomfortable." - Janelle Monae (singer, songwriter) [This quote encourages embracing individuality, not using "queer"]
"I’m not what other people say I am. We are not what other people say we are." - Audre Lorde [While not using "queer," it highlights the importance of self-definition]
"Why are people so afraid of being different?" - Lady Gaga (singer, activist) [This quote challenges societal norms, not using "queer"]
Etymology
The word "queer" is like a chameleon - it's changed its meaning over time! Here's the story:
First Appearance (around 1500): "Queer" first popped up in Scotland around the 16th century. Back then, it meant "strange," "odd," or "peculiar." Think of it like saying someone is a "queer character" because they're a bit unusual.
Shifting Meanings: Over time, "queer" started being used to describe things that were suspicious or not quite right. It could also refer to someone who was unwell or didn't behave according to the social norms of the time.
Negative Term: In the late 19th century, "queer" became a slur used against people who weren't heterosexual (straight). It was a way to bully and exclude them.
Reclamation: In the late 20th century, something amazing happened. LGBTQ+ activists, people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and more, decided to take back the word "queer." They started using it as a positive term to describe themselves and their identities. It became a way to celebrate diversity and challenge traditional expectations.
Today:
Evolving Use: "Queer" is still evolving. Some people use it as a broad term for anyone who isn't straight or cisgender (someone who identifies with the gender they were assigned at birth). Others use it more specifically to describe their own unique identity.
The key takeaway?
The meaning of "queer" depends on the context and who's using it.
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Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Queer
Here are some phrases and idioms using "queer" that are common within the LGBTQ+ community:
Come Out of the Closet (as Queer): Publicly acknowledging your non-heterosexual or non-cisgender identity.
Feeling Queer: Experiencing feelings of attraction or identification that fall outside of the heterosexual norm.
Queer Theory: An academic field that critiques traditional ideas about gender and sexuality.
Queer Space: A safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ people.
A Bit Queer: Suggests something is non-normative or unusual, but not necessarily in a negative way. (Be cautious: This usage can sometimes be unintentionally offensive depending on the context.)
No Drama, Just Queer Mama: A humorous phrase celebrating LGBTQ+ mothers.
Queer as a Three-Dollar Bill: A reclaimed phrase used to emphasize the non-conformity of LGBTQ+ identities. (Warning: This usage can be seen as vulgar by some.)
Posts Related to Queer
Source Information
Definition of queer from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
