the "f" word
 

Since it appears the introduction of a Gay Forum is imminent, perhaps some guidance on using the three-letter "f" word would be useful to those both in and out of the community.

Merriam-Webster's 2001 edition notes that the word is "usually disparaging."

FlyerTalk rules say "Any posts containing communications that are knowingly false and/or defamatory, inaccurate, obscene, profane, threatening, harassing, offensive, vulgar, abusive, hateful or bashing -- especially those aimed at sexual orientation, gender, race, color, religious views, national origin, or disability--will not be tolerated"

• Is this a word that is acceptable only if "f" people use it with or about other "f" people (like the "n" word)? If so, how does this affect the non-"f" people who will be welcome to participate in the forum?

• Is it perhaps acceptable to use it as an adjective but not a noun?

• Is the six-letter "f" word from which it comes equally acceptable?

Randy has consistently, admirably and successfully worked for togetherness in the FlyerTalk community. Swatting this linguistic mosquito will help foster comeraderie in the new forum as well as at FT gatherings.

Any comments from gays, straights, moderators, pc police, petersens, or etymologists?

guess you've never been around gay people.... it's just so natural to use the "f" word as a 3 letter word, and not a 6 letter word. When someone calls me "F" in the 6 letters, I'm normally in trouble for doing something (or someone!). I don't think anyone has ever been offended by the "f" 3 letter word, unless you are Jerry Falwell or among his likes.

Even my non 'f' friends use it in a way that is nonoffensive and I don't mind.. I'm not a sissy and can stand "mean" words if they are ever said, but that's just me. I dealt with it for 4 torturous years in high school and I'm still alive...

If that post offends people, I am sorry you have not seen it used in a less "offensive" manner and maybe some "gay etiquette" should be in the making.... plus what do you expect in a 10 page thread involving gays...

sorry to have caused a fuss!

>> edited to fix spelling <<

[This message has been edited by UAPremierExec (edited 02-01-2002).]

While it is frequently used. I don't like it and I can see where there is a potential issue. As a guideline I think it shouldn't be used regularly, but someone shouldn't be kicked off for using it as long as its appropriate.

FAQs for fags?

Especially if it is used by them referring to themselves.

Would it be offensive if I call myself a canuck?

[This message has been edited by Guy Betsy (edited 02-02-2002).]

blah...



[This message has been edited by UAPremierExec (edited 02-02-2002).]

I have only heard it used in a derogatory way - self or otherwise. Bad slang and not used in polite society!

Isn't fag == cigarette in the United Kingdom? I remember the whole deal about 'lighting up a fag' means very different things to American and English ears http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

and it means nothing to (Swiss-) German ears ... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Why risk offending anyone if there could be a question on usage and interpretation? Especially if it is known that some folks consider the term derrogatory.

If there is another word that can be used to communicate the same thing, just use it instead.

IMHO.

What, pray tell, does this posting have to do with travel or anything related to it?

I really could give a crap if your a man or a women or use the f word or you being gay or not.Lets stick to travel please
-howie

I have a feeling that those who wish no part of the gay community will stay clear of the forum.

Quite why there is a need for a gay forum, when we currently lack one for straight I don't know. Will political correctness mean we need a White/Coloured forum ??

And what of the white supremacist movement. So often misunderstood, how can we deprive them of a personal forum to talk about Frequent Flyer Miles

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

That, or make comments not unlike your next two paragraphs, without the smiley face, of course. Yes, pretty soon we'll want "special rights" too.

I used to have a problem understanding why certain ethnic minorities had to have their own separate groups until it was explained to me that most organizations are really "white." They just don't say it in their name - because they don't have to.

It has been discussed in a 10 page long thread in Randy's forum, if you want to read the back and forth. The basic idea is that gays face different issues than straights when traveling, like getting arrested in certain countries or being treated poorly by hotel staffs. Straight, white, married men, for instance, typically don't get an attitude or a refusal when they check into a hotel and ask for one bed with a female companion, whilst this happens regularly when two men do the same.


As for the "f" word, in public people should refrain from using words that may offend others. That's why I don't use the four letter "f" word in public, as well as a lot of other words. Unless you're in a group of your close friends, or you want to offend and project a poor public image of yourself, you should stick to the part of your lexicon that won't offend people you don't know.

d