Entity: QUEER
Queer originally meant 'strange', 'odd', 'peculiar', or 'eccentric'. It has evolved to encompass sexual and gender identities outside the norm.
QUEER
Etymology
Entering the English language in the 16th century, queer originally meant 'strange', 'odd', 'peculiar', or 'eccentric'. It might refer to something suspicious or 'not quite right', or to a person with mild derangement or who exhibits socially inappropriate behaviour.
Definition
Queer is a term that has evolved to encompass sexual and gender identities outside the norm, originally meaning 'strange' or 'odd'. It can be offensive or affirming depending on the context and speaker's identity.
Historical Context
The adjective queer is now most frequently applied with its meanings relating to sexual orientation and/or gender identity. When these meanings were developing in the early 20th century, they were strongly pejorative.
Cultural Significance
Queer, in general, just means 'outside the norm'. It has been adopted by the broader community of people who are outside cis-het norms.
Related Concepts
Queer covers any type of gender or sexual attitudes that are outside of the mainstream of one man one woman monogamy.
See Also
Queer is a term that has evolved to encompass sexual and gender identities outside the norm, originally meaning 'strange' or 'odd'. It can be offensive or affirming depending on the context and speaker's identity.