Is it bigoted to use the word f****t?

[Friz]

Is it bigoted to use the word f****t condescendingly towards homosexuals?
Discuss.

[Gabu]

I can't think of a single context where it wouldn't be.

[NDN]

It's not necessarily bigoted to say "fag" or "f****t." Just in the context you put it. I use it jokingly/ironically sometimes, including with gay friends. Sort of like how some blacks say "nigga" or "n."

[Gabu]

It's not necessarily bigoted to say "fag" or "f****t." Just in the context you put it. I use it jokingly all the time, including with gay friends.

He specified that this is only when it's "[used] ... condescendingly towards homosexuals".

[NDN]

It's not necessarily bigoted to say "fag" or "f****t." Just in the context you put it. I use it jokingly all the time, including with gay friends.

He specified that this is only when it's "[used] ... condescendingly towards homosexuals".

Right, hence the context bit. The poll isn't as specific.

[© tweed]

yes, but 95% of the time it is used the speaker isn't using it in any type of reference to homosexuals.  hell, I used it as an insult for a year before I figured out what it actually meant.

[afleitch]

Yes. In the circumstances outlined.

[minionofmidas]

It's not bigoted when used the way it's used two or three times in the lord of the rings, as in "Let's throw some f****ts on the fire". (And yes, I did notice the opening post clarifies the question further. And yes, I did vote "yes".)

[Undisguised Sockpuppet]

It's not necessarily bigoted to say "fag" or "f****t." Just in the context you put it. I use it jokingly/ironically sometimes, including with gay friends. Sort of like how some blacks say "nigga" or "n."

Agree 100% But if it's used in a non-ironic manner it's as bad as using n in that manner.

[Wakie]

Words only have the power which you assign to them both as the listener and the speaker.  As has been pointed out, you are discussing the word contextually and not using it descriptively.  Clearly your intent is not to attack or belittle, therefore it is not bigoted.

That being said, words like "fag" or "nigga" or "honkie" or "spick" or "kike" are all pretty much words which can be used in a bigoted manner to attack someone of a specific group.  They can be used to try to make a person of the attacked group feel small and insignificant.  But they are only as powerful as the listener allows them to be.

[True Federalist (진정한 연방 주의자)]

It's not bigoted when used the way it's used two or three times in the lord of the rings, as in "Let's throw some f****ts on the fire". (And yes, I did notice the opening post clarifies the question further. And yes, I did vote "yes".)

And let us not forget that Tolkien also used "nd".

[opebo]

It's not bigoted when used the way it's used two or three times in the lord of the rings, as in "Let's throw some f****ts on the fire". (And yes, I did notice the opening post clarifies the question further. And yes, I did vote "yes".)

And let us not forget that Tolkien also used "nd".

He also tended to glorify paleness, and most of his villians were 'swart' or swarthy. 

[Queen Mum Inks.LWC]

Yes

[HardRCafé]

What about West Country ones?

[Willy Woz]

No. Not necessarily. It has been used as a term of pride, and I wouldn't call that bigoted.

[Undisguised Sockpuppet]

No. Not necessarily. It has been used as a term of pride, and I wouldn't call that bigoted.

Dude. No. 'Queer' is being reclaimed as a term of pride by and for for members of the community(think how nigga/n have been reclaimed by blacks(if you're white/hispanic/asian and use it...)) but "f****t" is still hateful.

[Ban my account ffs!]

I don't use words like that.. and I generally develop a negative opinion of those who do.

There are a bajillion other words in the English language... why waste your f**king time with one of the few that happens to insult gays.

I mean.. I can call you a disgusting twat-nosed piglet... at least I'm original.  If you have to stoop to the level of using the word "f****t", you can go frig off.

[dead0man]

It's not bigoted when used the way it's used two or three times in the lord of the rings, as in "Let's throw some f****ts on the fire". (And yes, I did notice the opening post clarifies the question further. And yes, I did vote "yes".)

And let us not forget that Tolkien also used "nd".

He also tended to glorify paleness, and most of his villians were 'swart' or swarthy. 

"nd" doesnt mean what you guys think it means.

[Friz]

I mean.. I can call you a disgusting twat-nosed piglet... at least I'm original.  If you have to stoop to the level of using the word "f****t", you can go frig off.

I agree wholeheartedly.  My insults are usually hilariously offbeat and original without resorting to hate-language.

[Alcon]

It's not bigoted when used the way it's used two or three times in the lord of the rings, as in "Let's throw some f****ts on the fire". (And yes, I did notice the opening post clarifies the question further. And yes, I did vote "yes".)

And let us not forget that Tolkien also used "nd".

The roots of which are not offensive whatsoever.  It's entirely coincidence.

[Ban my account ffs!]

It's not bigoted when used the way it's used two or three times in the lord of the rings, as in "Let's throw some f****ts on the fire". (And yes, I did notice the opening post clarifies the question further. And yes, I did vote "yes".)

And let us not forget that Tolkien also used "nd".

The roots of which are not offensive whatsoever.  It's entirely coincidence.

That's funny that it comes from the Middle English nyggard... because I know several people with the last name Nygaard... though I can't say that any of them are particularly miserly.

[minionofmidas]

It's not bigoted when used the way it's used two or three times in the lord of the rings, as in "Let's throw some f****ts on the fire". (And yes, I did notice the opening post clarifies the question further. And yes, I did vote "yes".)

And let us not forget that Tolkien also used "nd".

The roots of which are not offensive whatsoever.  It's entirely coincidence.

That's funny that it comes from the Middle English nyggard... because I know several people with the last name Nygaard... though I can't say that any of them are particularly miserly.

Nor is that, presumably, related. Ny meaning New in Swedish and all that.

[Lief 🗽]

If call a gay person a "f****t", then yes, that's clearly derogatory.

However, like all derogatory/swear words, there's no harm in using it ironically or jokingly, as long as no one is offended.

[memphis]

Obviously. The word's entire purpose is to demonstrate contempt.

[12th Doctor]

It's not bigoted when used the way it's used two or three times in the lord of the rings, as in "Let's throw some f****ts on the fire". (And yes, I did notice the opening post clarifies the question further. And yes, I did vote "yes".)

And let us not forget that Tolkien also used "nd".

The roots of which are not offensive whatsoever.  It's entirely coincidence.

And still, people have been fired for using it, although its meaning, usage and origin has nothing to do with the "other" n-word.