queer

[kwɪə]

[kwɪɹ]

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An important note about this explanation: The word "queer" has a complex history and multiple meanings. What's presented here is one perspective on how it's used today.

Queer is an adjective that can refer to something or someone that doesn't fit traditional categories, especially in regards to gender identity, sexual orientation, or lifestyle. It's often used as a badge of pride by people who identify with the LGBTQ+ community.

When we say something is queer, we might mean it's unconventional or outside what society normally considers "normal." A film about an androgynous person could be called queer cinema because they challenge traditional ideas about gender. Some art is described as queer because it blurs the lines between categories like male or female.

How common is "queer"?

Word queer is considered rare in modern English.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.

Definitions

noun

(sometimes derogatory) A person who is or appears homosexual, or who has homosexual qualities.
(sometimes derogatory) A person of any non-heterosexual sexuality or sexual identity.
(sometimes derogatory) A person of any genderqueer identity.
(definite, with "the") Counterfeit money.

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funny moneysnide

verb

To render an endeavor or agreement ineffective or null.
To puzzle.
To ridicule; to banter; to rally.
To spoil the effect or success of, as by ridicule; to throw a wet blanket on; to spoil.
To reevaluate or reinterpret (a work) with an eye to sexual orientation and/or to gender, as by applying queer theory.

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invalidate

adjective

Weird, odd or different; whimsical.
Slightly unwell (mainly in "to feel queer").
Drunk.
(sometimes derogatory) Homosexual.
(sometimes derogatory) Not heterosexual, or not cisgender: homosexual, bisexual, asexual, transgender, etc.
(broadly) Pertaining to sexual or gender behaviour or identity which does not conform to conventional heterosexual or cisgender norms, assumptions etc.
Example: the queer community

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adverb

Queerly.

Real examples of "queer" in context

Real-world video examples for this word are still being added.