The only reason that you should really be looking for a set of homosexual slang terms, is so that you know which words are inappropriate to use. In general, these are words that people use to describe individuals who are homosexual in a negative way. While that is not the case for all of them, you still must be careful to not use these words in a derogatory manner. Furthermore, pay attention to whom you are speaking. Some homosexual people even use some of the more playful terms themselves; however, that does not give you the right to act in the same way.
We’re going to go through each of the homosexual slang terms, that way you can see what the consequences are of using each one.
This word is not the worst to use, if you are describing a homosexual individual. In fact, a number of homosexuals do not mind if you refer to them as gay, since that is what they are, and “gay” in and of itself is not really a derogatory term.
The problem with the word “gay” lies in the fact that people often use it in inappropriate ways. For example, many individuals use “gay” to say that something is stupid or lame. They might say “That TV show was gay last night.” In this sense, it is very offensive to use the word gay, because gay does not mean stupid, lame, or anything of that nature.
Gay refers to a homosexual person, or in the past, it was used to mean happy. Do not use this word in a negative fashion.
Neither fag nor faggot is an appropriate word to use. Yes, it is one of the homosexual slang terms, yet it is a rude one to use. These two words are both usually used to mock men who act in a womanly fashion. Indeed, some homosexual individuals will even use this word to characterize men who they feel are “gayer” than them. But that is often done in a playful manner.
It is best for heterosexuals to avoid using the words fag and faggot, because they do generally have a very offensive nature.
A lesbian refers to a homosexual woman. The word “lesbian” is not inappropriate to use, since it is the correct name for a woman who dates other women. However, make sure you are not using it in an accusatory or insulting manner.
It’s not necessarily always just what you say, but also how you say it. While “lesbo” is to some extent just a shortened version of the word “lesbian,” it tends to be used in a derogatory way. Therefore, it is best to not run around calling people Lesbos.
Lesbian women are often referred to as dykes by their critics. This word is one that is extremely cruel. While it does seem to be on par with “fag” or “faggot” for men in some instances, there is just something about this word that makes it seem much worse. Perhaps it is the harsh sound of the word “dyke,” or perhaps it is the fact that so many times when it comes out of the human mouth, it is a word of insult, injury, and attack.
Our next-and last- two words are at least somewhat confusing, but for different reasons. The word “queer” has made its way into popular culture, with much thanks to the success of the television show Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. If we look at a dictionary definition though, we find that “queer” has traditionally meant unusual or strange.
Therefore, by examining the origin of the word, we see that it really is not appropriate to use, though one could argue that it is not as bad as fag, faggot, or dykes.
Homo is perhaps the most interesting term that people have used to dub homosexual individuals. While people continue to use it, the origins do not really make sense. We are all homosapiens, so why would anyone run around calling only homosexuals “homos?” We may not ever know, since people do unusual acts all the time. Yet this is another word that should not be used.
If you keep using these derogatory slang terms, you are going to be seen as a homophobe.