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Tolerating their views, yes. Tolerating violence or the threat of violence, no. To call someone "faggot" is indeed to threaten violence. The word originally
by ScottBurson 10y ago
Tolerating their views, yes. Tolerating violence or the threat of violence, no.
To call someone "faggot" is indeed to threaten violence. The word originally meant "burning stick"; that's why a lit cigarette is sometimes called a "fag". By calling someone "faggot", one is saying they should be burned alive.
- flukus 10y agoFaggot hasn't had that connotation since around the same time that gay meant happy.
- aiig 10y agoHow enlightening this discussion is.
- grzm 10y agoEtymology is really interesting. And the meaning of words can change and new meanings can be associated over time. The word computer dates back to the 17th century referring to a person who calculates.[0] I don't think this is the meaning most people intend when using the word computer today. I'm not condoning the use of hateful language or threats. I just find your example problematic. [0]: http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=computer http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=computer