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kiwi
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Likes it here |
Location: New Zealand
Registered: August 2009
Messages: 317
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The word 'Faggot', in all it's glory, is derived from the Latin 'Fascis' - a measured bundle of sticks - which is also the origin of the word 'Fascist', in all it's glory.
The 'Fasces Lictoriae' - shown in the cartoon - were bundles of sticks that were symbols of office carried by Roman Lictors (ceremonial body guards). The bound rods represented the combined power of the people which was used by the Magistrate (office holder) to impose discipline on their behalf. The axe was a later addition symbolising the right to impose (capital) punishment on the people's behalf.
If They are going to continue to use the word for Gays, I think it should be embraced and worn with pride - strength through unity - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TB3RBxnn98g
Feck 'em!
Commas matter - 'Party on Dudes' is not the same as 'Party on, Dudes'
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timmy
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Has no life at all |
Location: UK, in Devon
Registered: February 2003
Messages: 13785
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So how did it come to mean a homosexual gentleman?
It is also a savoury comestible that is probably unique to England and Wales. Scotland has Haggis.
Author of Queer Me! Halfway Between Flying and Crying - the true story of life for a gay boy in the Swinging Sixties in a British all male Public School
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Even explained (it wasn't really), it doesn't make the word any easier to swallow. (Ok, I'm not even gonna touch how that came out because it amuses me) But that still is the one word in the English language that I hate passionately.
-Peter
I prefer guys that don't come in a box.
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ray2x
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Really getting into it |
Location: USA
Registered: April 2009
Messages: 430
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The etymology of faggot does have more dubious usage concerning its use of male homosexual. The bundled sticks meaning does have some promise but further usage seems to have an additional meaning of "...needing to be carried..." which could imply uselessness. Its association to burning could have positive connotations (being bright, well lit), however, that's not well documented. Current sociolinguistic usage is more negative than positive. Future usage could change though, so there's hope.
Raymundo
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Goto Forum:
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