queer
queer Lexical Profile
queer Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Relating to a sexual orientation or gender identity that does not correspond to established heterosexual or cisgender norms.
"The university recently introduced a new course focusing on queer literature and history."
Strange, odd, or unconventional in appearance, character, or behavior (now somewhat dated in general use).
"A queer silence fell over the room as the unexpected guest walked through the door."
British Slightly ill, faint, or unwell (dated).
"After standing in the hot sun for an hour, he began to feel rather queer and asked for a glass of water."
• noun
A person whose sexual orientation or gender identity falls outside heterosexual or cisgender norms (historically disparaging, now often reclaimed within the LGBTQ+ community).
"Many activists in the 1990s proudly adopted the term to build solidarity across diverse communities."
• verb
To analyze, reinterpret, or challenge a text, concept, or cultural work from a perspective that questions established heterosexual or cisgender norms.
"In her latest monograph, the professor seeks to queer traditional readings of Victorian gothic fiction."
To spoil, ruin, or thwart an arrangement, plan, or opportunity (informal, often in the phrase 'queer someone's pitch').
"Unforeseen supply chain delays threatened to queer the company's entire product launch."
Word Nuance & Usage
Originally meaning 'strange' and later used as a derogatory slur against LGBTQ+ people, 'queer' has been widely reclaimed since the late 20th century as a neutral or positive umbrella adjective in community and academic contexts (e.g., 'queer studies'). However, using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a queer') remains offensive to many speakers outside of in-group self-identification.
• Rhymes for queer
Word Origin & Etymology
Entered English in the early 16th century (originally in Scots) meaning 'strange' or 'peculiar', likely borrowed from Low German 'queer' or German 'quer' ('oblique, off-center, perverse'), ultimately from a Germanic root meaning 'athwart' or 'across'.