I realize some people get offended by the word "gay". But its just a word. When some people use the word gay they arn't even talking about gay people! I guess my question is: How else am I supposed to describe a fanny pack?

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• omg, lmao!
  LOVE that :D

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  by ChandaDiane - est. 1975 on December 15th, 2008

• First laugh of the day. Thank you.

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  by Logo on December 16th, 2008

• Hey, you forgot us ("Gyspies")... I feel totally GYPPED.

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  by hi_there on March 25th, 2009

• Eh... that was me under a friend's account (he is visiting us... next time he logs out). Please attribute funny to me.

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  by Arisztid on March 25th, 2009

• ....

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  by Arisztid on March 25th, 2009

• O.O Wow. I didn't know Aris KNEW those words. Methinks our friend will not ever leave himself logged in on a computer around Aris, again.

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  by Keysha on March 25th, 2009

• Oh, man. Thank you for reminding me of this question, answer and comments. It really is one of the funniest exchanges on AB EVER. imho

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  by ChandaDiane - est. 1975 on March 26th, 2009

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• good response!

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  by Worth Repeating on February 11th, 2009

• +6, soooo true! Good answer ☺

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  by mistys-member of LOCLAB on March 26th, 2009

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• So I went whale watching the otherday... it was so American. LOL. I like where your going with this!

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  by Worth Repeating on December 16th, 2008

• You know, it's not that far-fetched. I bet there are people all over the world who already do something like this. I think I'll post something like that as a question and see if anyone has heard "American" used that way.

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  by genesyz on December 16th, 2008

• And its not for no reason. As long as people understand that you can't lump all people into a single "type". Everyone is an individual. Tendencys do exists though, and Americans have a tendency to overeat and cover their eyes in blind patriotism. Just like fannypacks have a tendency to make the user look pretty gay. I don't want people to use gay to mean "stupid" or "bad", but when my guy friend brought me flowers as a joke... that was pretty gay. You see where I'm coming from? I also don't want homosexuals to take offense to something that wasn't meant to offend them.

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  by Worth Repeating on December 16th, 2008

• I do understand what you're saying. I just don't want to encourage young people to be thoughtless and uncaring, and I don't want popularization of verbage that equates gay people with stupidity and worthlessness (even if that is not the intent). As an aside, if anyone wants an interesting reaction, tell someone in the UK that your mom constantly complains about the size of her fannypack.

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  by genesyz on December 16th, 2008

• lol. Ya. some of the UK'rs who answered this got a kick out of it.

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  by Worth Repeating on December 16th, 2008

• lol "tell someone in the UK". I remember an exchange student that I went to high school with saying something along the lines of, "You put the pack where? How does that work?" when he heard the term fanny pack. :)

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  by Jenniferocious on December 18th, 2008

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• i noticied the same thing but couldn't remember the name of the comic +4

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  by XOXMSperfect on December 18th, 2008

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• umm...What SABOTEUR said!! :)

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  by DreAnna on December 15th, 2008

• mr. sabo... it was just a jokie. Im not down with the whole "PC" mentality. This might explain a little something.
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HAGc521SAo&feature=related

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  by Worth Repeating on December 15th, 2008

• I know it was a joke. I figured you'd get enough joke answers to appreciate 1 serious answer. Your reply underlines exactly what I was saying. See how casually you toss off "the whole pc mentality". Why is it we have so little insight into the effects of inconsideration behavior? Do you think the collapse of the American economy is JUST about money? Money, too, is a symbol. Ironically, we spend money just as irresponsibly as we use words. But when people begin shooting up college campuses, wars rage around the world and people start losing their homes we search desperately for someone to blame. It's all related, don't you get it? We're not being responsible. Not with WORDS or MONEY or PEOPLE or anything else. LOL...you call it "the pc mentality". Get people to accept a snotty hip phrase and you can excuse TONS of inappropriate behavior. That's how really sick we are. Back in the day they called it "doing the right thing". Problem is, that always begins with yourself. Fat chance in a country where disrespect is the natural pastime.

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  by SABOTEUR on December 16th, 2008

• As for the video, I LOVE GEORGE CARLIN. You'd be surprised to know that I listen to Howard Stern DAILY. The problem with Americans, though, is we have no sense of BALANCE. There's always a right way and a wrong way to do everything. We never learned to properly discriminate. We hear someone like George Carlin or Howard Stern, look past the humor and the common sense and start believing it's ok to disrespect people. It's ok to listen to people tell you WHAT to think as long as you spend just as much time learning HOW to think. Thanks for the video!

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  by SABOTEUR on December 16th, 2008

• SABO, I usually agree with you. But maybe I'm just grounded in reality a bit more? I dunno what to say, maybe its the way we grew up or the people we grew up around. If someone in my area was trying hurt a homosexuals feelings they wouldnt say a fannypack is gay. They would words like "f@gget, queer, guy who likes c*** in his ass" you see where I'm going with this? It also sounds like your telling me that my "logic" is wrong and that I dont know how to think. We'll... I appreciate that, but my thinking is pretty clear minded. I never slander people or hurt people, but like Carlin said himself, its CONTEXT. its MENTALLITY. its MEANING. and I call people out when they are being insensitive douche bags. So this is one of those things (that I think) in an acception to the rule. Theres a difference between being overly "PC" and standing up for what you think is right.

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  by Worth Repeating on December 16th, 2008

• It's possible I just don't understand. That happens. What does it mean when someone says a fannypack is gay?

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  by SABOTEUR on December 16th, 2008

• If a man is wearing it, it could mean "you look like you could be or are trying to look like homosexual". Just like some homosexuals have a unique "gay voice" some also have a "gay look". For example:
  http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p76/scubaprojoe/GayLook.jpg

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  by Worth Repeating on December 16th, 2008

• Old question, but:
  "If a man is wearing it, it could mean "you look like you could be or are trying to look like homosexual". Just like some homosexuals have a unique "gay voice" some also have a "gay look"."
  
  And you still don't understand why using that word this way is insulting to homosexuals??

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  by Wombat99 on June 25th, 2010

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• Very possibly. +6
  btw, i never said, "as an insult" but more of a description. so before you get a stick up your *** (no pun inteded) why dont you calm the F*** down.

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  by Worth Repeating on December 15th, 2008

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• yep. but i dont think it should apply to things that appear to be gay. like a man wearing a fanny pack.

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  by Worth Repeating on December 18th, 2008

• just because a man wears a fannypack doesn't make him gay, i don't even know where that stereotype came from, im gay and i know fannypacks are tacky as hell and i would never wear one.

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  by XOXMSperfect on December 18th, 2008

• It doesn't make him gay. It makes him appear "feminine". (please keep in mind I'm in no way homophobic so dont think im closed minded)

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  by Worth Repeating on December 18th, 2008

• and the word gay describes something of a homosexual nature, not a feminine nature

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  by XOXMSperfect on December 18th, 2008

• you cant see the connection? A man who likes what women tend to like.

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  by Worth Repeating on December 18th, 2008

• there's a difference between metrosexual and homosexual, metrosexual is guy who is effeminate but isn't gay, and a homosexual doesn't have to be effeminate at all, its just an attraction to those of the same sex. there really is no connection

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  by XOXMSperfect on December 19th, 2008

• okay, I dont know if you think I dont understand your point, cuz I do. But my point, and the point of the question, was that homosexuals shouldnt take offense to things that are trying to offend them. You said the "n" word is just a word, like your making a point. But I can say, for example, "nigger is a bad word". Do you think I'm racist because I simply USED the word? Do you think its appropriate for a black man to be offended by the fact I pronounced the word, regardless of its context? If its not meant to offend people, the shouldnt take offense. Period.

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  by Worth Repeating on December 19th, 2008

• But the fact is it IS offensive. If i said "darn we have a test today, thats so black" or "i got a ticket today, it was so straight" im using the words black and straight as if they are negative things, as if being black, or being straight, is bad like the situation. But straight and black don't mean bad or stupid do they? no, neither does gay. It's about the connotation people add to words. If someone says "i have a test today, that's so gay" not only are the misusing the word, but they are adding a negative connotation to it, thereby adding a negative connotation onto the ACTUAL definitions of that word.

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  by XOXMSperfect on December 19th, 2008

• The word cool never used to mean "a good thing" it was just to define tempurature, but then people started using it to describe good things then it became a word for something good. What's happeneing with the word gay, is that people are using it to describe things that are bad, making it a word associated with bad things. But the word gay also represents an entire group of people, the word cool doesn't. I saw another good example put up.

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  by XOXMSperfect on December 19th, 2008

• How would it feel if people started saying "that's so american" when they wanted to describe greed or selfishness? We wouldn't like it. We know american DOESN'T mean greed or selfishness, but if people use it that way, its going to be offensive. Just like using gay to describe something bad is offensive.

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  by XOXMSperfect on December 19th, 2008

• I only half agree with you. I never use gay in the sense you used it. "That test was gay"... no.. never. because it makes absolutely no sense. And I never use it in a way for gay to be taken as "bad or stupid". But when I say "That fanny pack is gay" it makes sense to me. Maybe I'm IMPLYING homosexuality in a way. Its a description, an adjective for something that reminds me of far out homosexuality. And you might say "how does that make sense, a fanny pack can't be attracted to its own gender" well, obviously. But how about if a man had the "gay voice" and you know what I'm talking about. Not all homosexuals have that voice, but ONLY homosexuals have that voice. So I could say "his voice is so gay". obviously a voice cant be attracted to its own gender. Its an adjective. And regarding the "American" thing. I dont blame people for using that as a euphemism for greed and selfishness. I agree with them. It doesn't apply to all Americans, but it applies to our tendency's.

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  by Worth Repeating on December 19th, 2008

• I'm also making a big deal out of this for a reason. Because the real homophobes need to change their ways, I would love the bash their heads in personally. But also, a lot of homosexuals are dreaming of a reality of acceptance that will never come true. I'm being REALISTIC. Theres a middle ground and I'm trying to get people to realize it and accept it. Thats why I think if something isn't supposed to offend you, dont take offense! Live with the reality of the situation, but fight for basic human rights in the process. Theres not a single group that doesn't get picked on in some way, or some kind of stereotype forced upon them. I just hope you see my point.

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  by Worth Repeating on December 19th, 2008

• i do see your point, but im talking about the using of the word "gay" in a negative connotation. You say "that fannypack looks gay" but is your thinking the guy is gay or feminine for wearing it, then u should really say "that guy looks gay" or "that fannypackmakes him look gay" yes gay is an adjective, but it's one that describes something of a homosexual nature. And i don't quite agree with the gay voice thing. There are straight men who have that voice you're talking about. That would be like saying that only lesbians can have manly voices.

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  by XOXMSperfect on December 19th, 2008

• Ive never met a straight man with that voice.
  
  imagine that voice right now.
  
  "guys... lets go get some pussy!" lol... i just never heard it.

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  by Worth Repeating on December 19th, 2008

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• I definitely don't think gays are stupid or anything else condescending. The point of my question was why take offense to something that wasn't meant to offend you. That's it. It's not the fact a word is used, its HOW its used and the mind-state of the person who used said word. If a gay man made a comment like "fanny packs are so gay!" you wouldn't take offense, cuz the man saying it is gay! So if someone who isn't homophobic says it... it's not meant to offend you. Even if you don't agree with me I hope you see where I'm coming from. Anyhow, take care of yourself. Thanks for answering. +6

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  by Worth Repeating on March 28th, 2009

• How do I know the mindset of the person who's saying this? With friends, it's easy. With strangers, it may be that the only thing I know about their mind-state on their issue is that gay = stupid.

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  by ChrisDC on March 29th, 2009

• I guess what I'm saying is that the words people use may be the only evidence we have one way or the other about how they feel about gay people. Also, bear in mind that most people are surprised when they find out I'm gay. So when I hear the word "gay" used this way, it's usually when I'm in the process of figuring out what I can say to whom. If that's all I know about their opinion on the issue -- well, what else do I have to go on?

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  by ChrisDC on March 29th, 2009

• you could ask them how they feel about gay marriage, or homosexuality in general. If they give you a bigoted response then you know how they really feel.

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  by Worth Repeating on March 30th, 2009

• I've tried that. Most of the time it works. Of course, I did get fired from my job once because the question let my boss figure out I'm gay. And there is the time I got the skull fracture from that guy hitting me with a crowbar for the same reason.
  It's really nice that you can deal with this as an academic question with no real world consequences.

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  by ChrisDC on March 30th, 2009

• And, like I said, it's a free country. If you want to send a signal to any gay people that might be within earshot of you that they need to be cautious around you, keep on keeping on.
  
  But realize that you're saying something about yourself with your use of the word gay that actually does scare people who don't know you -- and which leaves an impression that, from what you've said here, is completely incorrect. That's sad.

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  by ChrisDC on March 30th, 2009

• But if you find it fun to screw with people that way...like I said, it's a free country.

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  by ChrisDC on March 30th, 2009

• Sorry I had to split that into three separate comments. The system wouldn't post it when I tried to do it in one shot.

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  by ChrisDC on March 30th, 2009

• And also, you've made it clear throughout this exchange that you're not in the least homophobic. I do appreciate that. But I'm just trying to get you to realize that this issue has ramifications for gay people that until you've lived it you don't understand.

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  by ChrisDC on March 30th, 2009

• I can see that. And thank you for clearing it up. Sometimes I find myself (for example, in the middle of road rage) calling other drivers "f@ggots" then I immediately apologize outloud to myself, for using that word to mean something bad, even though I'm not actually thinking of gay people. I think the world is slowly moving in the correct direction. One thing I tell people is "I dont believe in gay rights because that still separates them and makes them a group or a target, I believe in individual rights and the rights of individuals to pursue their own happiness and the right to do what they please as long as it doesn't hurt or abuse another persons individuals rights"

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  by Worth Repeating on March 30th, 2009

• That's the impression I got from everything you've said, which I really appreciate.
  This particular issue is just one that always causes us gay people to think -- OK, what do I make of that?
  I'm just saying that if you want to be a friend to any gay people who might be standing around, using "gay" as a synonym for stupid sends a signal you don't want to send (or raises a question about where you stand that isn't necessary) and since they don't know you they don't know whether it's dangerous to inquire further or not.

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  by ChrisDC on March 30th, 2009

• But, also, I have to say thanks for this exchange. It raised an issue that I've thought about for a while but never had an opportunity to actually articulate.
  
  I really appreciate that -- one of the things I like about this site.

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  by ChrisDC on March 30th, 2009

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• I half agree, but+6 thx for answering.

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  by Worth Repeating on December 16th, 2008

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• thx nix.

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  by Worth Repeating on December 16th, 2008

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• I just have to add that there is this lady at work that wears one all the time. She always gets mad and tells people off for wearing flip flops or shorts to work. Pullleeeezze. She wears a fanny pack!

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  by tinagoof on December 15th, 2008

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• I always giggle when I hear Americans say how fat their fannies are! lol

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  by MetalRain on December 15th, 2008

• haha! fat fanny!

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  by mt g banger on December 16th, 2008

• My (American) great-aunt used to warn her husband when they were about to go into a restaurant how angry she would be if he continued patting and smacking the waitresses fannies!

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  by genesyz on December 16th, 2008

• lol thats funny :)

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  by mt g banger on December 16th, 2008

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• BUT I have a problem with people telling me which words I can or cannot use. And if youll notice my comments to cluedout, I am an avid gay rights supporter. I never say "frank... you are so gay" unless he brings me flowers. BUT I do describe certain things as gay in an appropriate context. I guess my point is we need to look at how people use the word and their mentality, rather than the word itself.

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  by Worth Repeating on December 15th, 2008

• That's exactly what I AM doing. You are using the word "gay" to mean bad, stupid, lame...etc. I already made my point.

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  by redcatt63 is around here somewhere...... on December 15th, 2008

• noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo. WHEN did I say that? Unless you are trying to take offense to my words you wouldn't otherwise, because I don't see gay people in any kind of negative light.

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  by Worth Repeating on December 15th, 2008

• LOL...no, dear. It's YOU that doesn't get it. You say you don't see gay people in a negative light, but you don't get that using the word "gay" to mean something is bad, stupid, etc. is offensive. I made my point. And you don't get it. THAT is the point.

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  by redcatt63 is around here somewhere...... on December 15th, 2008

• I dont know when I said gay to mean something is bad, stupid etc. Take fanny packs for example, they arn't stupid, bad, whatever. I'm using gay as a description (wether its fashion, lifestyle, or man doing something feminine), not a negative connotation or an insult.

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  by Worth Repeating on December 15th, 2008

• screw it. get offended everytime someone says something that wasn't meant to offend you. THATS my point. You tell me I dont get it, when I was out protesting prop 8 in california. Debating with people right and left about why gay marriage should be legal, and then I get smeared with your banter. Its revolting and makes me feel like my work was done in vain.

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  by Worth Repeating on December 15th, 2008

• I wasn't smearing, merely trying to make a point, I was trying to have a civil conversation. Perhaps you weren't clear or I misunderstood. If I did, I'm sorry. No need to get angry. I wasn't angry, just trying to get my point across. I'm glad to hear you protested prop 8.

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  by redcatt63 is around here somewhere...... on December 15th, 2008

• Using "lame" to describe something that is silly, unfashionable, etc. is an insult to those people who are truly lame.
  Mirriam-Webster dictionary:
  Lame:
  1 a: having a body part and especially a limb so disabled as to impair freedom of movement b: marked by stiffness and soreness <a lame shoulder.
  -
  Sorry, I just had to. I think the devil made me do it. :)

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  by raindancer on December 15th, 2008

• LOL...yes, I guess anyone could argue any of those terms. But, I don't wish to argue. Still trying to get in the mood for the holidays. Not too easy this year!

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  by redcatt63 is around here somewhere...... on December 16th, 2008

• I understand that. And my comment was 98% joke. I laughed, submitted, and about ten minutes later thought, "I'm an asshole." I was in one those moods yesterday. :)

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  by raindancer on December 16th, 2008

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• but using your logic, then you are insulting people who wear fanny packs. my point of the question is: dont get insulted when nobody was trying to insult you.

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  by Worth Repeating on April 10th, 2009

• my point in my answer was based on my assumption you felt phanny packs look wierd.
  
  i was just naming words you could use, instead of gay, to say something is stupid.

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  by Ender on April 11th, 2009

• but I dont think phanny packs are wierd looking. I think they make a man look homosexual. and to take offense to that, because I have absolutely nothing against gay people except the few that have proven to ME to be bad individuals. but to me.. a phanny pack (in some situations) makes me think "that dude likes dudes". Kind of like the "gay voice" some men have. I do not mean a "stupid voice" i mean a gay voice.

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  by Worth Repeating on April 12th, 2009

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• http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MtRXdq2iIgc/R8H6--KpzZI/AAAAAAAAACU/zCqKQgEk1ZY/s400/Fanny%2BPack%2BClosed.jpg
  
  these are

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  by Worth Repeating on March 30th, 2009

• ahhhhhhh yes i think they are gay too
  and i love to wear purple i have purple contacts right now

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  by Travis on March 31st, 2009

• woah, cool. I bet they look good.

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  by Worth Repeating on March 31st, 2009

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• I didn't DR you, I gave you +6. Thank you for answering.

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  by Worth Repeating on March 26th, 2009

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• I fell you.

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  by Worth Repeating on March 18th, 2009

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• aww, ive given you too many points this week -_-

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  by Worth Repeating on December 18th, 2008

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• I think a word is just a word untill its given context, and its the context thats needs to be analyzed. I fight for gay rights, my dad is a homosexual. I went to a prop 8 protest/rally. So if I say "dude.. that fanny pack is gay" it really should be taken lightly.

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  by Worth Repeating on December 15th, 2008

• Start Wearing Purple: If your only audience is someone who knows your intentions, then I guess there wouldn't really be anything wrong with it, except that even if you think your audience would not be offended, they nevertheless may well be. Also, doing that often can make it a habit that will eventually offend or annoy someone. You've already made it clear that you don't want to offend, and I believe you; however, using "gay" that way in public will definitely give people the wrong idea about your position. Thanks for the question and the discussion. I think it is valuable.

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  by genesyz on December 16th, 2008

• Hey purple. Do you regularly wear a t-shirt that says all of those things? If not, somebody who doesn't really know you would be justified in judging you to be unintelligent or bigoted. Just so you know.

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  by CluedOut on December 16th, 2008

• No, but I would hope they don't get angry If I don't use the word in a negative way. Further more, I would hope they chuckle when they read a question like the one above. Just so you know. I understand what you are saying. But some people, even homo-sexuals, are extremely closed minded. And if they want to judge me incorrectly, so be it.

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  by Worth Repeating on December 16th, 2008