I personally find the use of the word gay (and net-specific derivatives like ghey) as an insult or as a pejorative term quite offensive.

I've been noticing it being used more and more on these messageboards recently.

I think I'm right in finding it offensive, as i think it shows and promotes an institutional homophobia.

However, I am also aware that this is just my viewpoint, and other people may feel differently. Also, I am aware that language only has power if you let it, and it's the intention behind the word/the way the receiver perceives the word which may well be more important.

Am I just being over-sensitive? It 'gay' really an acceptable insult/denigrating term? What do youse think?

xkx

ps: i'm not necessarily calling anyone who uses the word 'gay' homophobic. I'm more saying it shows an institutional, latent homophobia that we absorb unconsciously and may not even realise it. Ah, what the hell. Flame on...