I was riding the Metro the other day when I heard a kid about twelve years old yell out to his friend, "homo!".
Gee, I haven't heard that term anywhere for years. Usually, when school children ride the local public transport, they snicker to friends, "he's gay".
So, it begs the question.
Where did the pimply-faced teen pick up the out-dated sexually-oriented terminology? From his parents, I surmise.
Of course, a "homo" is what you called a person of "same-sex" persuasion (some would label it "perversion") years ago. But a handful of folks got lazy - I guess - and short-formed homosexual to "homo" (it is a long word, you have to admit).
For those who were prone to slur the "s" (you know what that inferred) it was the perfect substitute.
Today, when one notes someone is "gay", it tends to suggest in a casual way what an individual's sexual leanings are. After all, the term "gay" sounds innocent - casual, less threatening - and washes away negative connotations.
In the old days, rough-necks (there's an old slang-term, too) called guys "queer"; the suggestion being, of course, that the practice of "homo" connecting was "strange", "odd", defying the laws of nature - whatever!
Curiously, it is a known fact the homosexuality (gayness) has been around for centuries; so, it makes one wonder - how did this queer idea come into our language in the modern day?
A few decades ago, guys who were "that way" inclined were said to be "light in their heels" - er - "loafers". And, in Hollywood circles, "musical" was the code word for an actor who might go down on another actor, engage in a little hanky-panky, and so forth and so on.
But, fag, well - that was most certainly a derogative term - for sure!
There is some etiquette afoot that says that only a fag may call a fag a fag. It's sort of like the "n" word; only those who are members of the "club" are permitted to use it, and it is sort-of accepted among the folks within its perimeters.
They've got some nasty words for gay women, too - dyke, for example.
But gay women - I mean, Lesbos - are so clever.
Instead of stewing in the athletic department over the name-calling, they leapt into action, and formed a motorcycle club.
On the heels of crowning their sorority on wheels - "Dykes on Bikes" - they proceeded to proudly roar through town in an annual parade, raise their fists to the madding crowds, and essentially taunt them with ***k you! - their National Anthem!
Yeah, it's no fun screwin' around with 'em.
But, gay folks have a few choice labels for straight folks that are inclined to sort-of rub salt in the wound, too - like, breeder! Disgustin', eh?
Whoa, Nellie!
Generally, these slang expressions are meant to hurt, are used in moments of anger, and intended to insult.
Pity, they're not used for the opposite - to teach, and make peace, and enlighten.
Suddenly, I recall an old childhood tune we'd sing around the school-yard.
"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me."
Maybe more so, today, than in the dark queer days of our youth.
Dykes on Bikes