Poof

[flip_flop]

On Big Brother the other night (yer I know, but my mitigation plea is that my other half watches it) one of the exhibits was chastised for using the word Poof because, and I quote, "It is homophobic language".

Is it?

My hulking great big bear of a black labrador squels like a big pansy when there's lightning, so I refer to him as a big poof!

Am I now to expect a visit from Outragemutt or Stonewolf or something for marginalising my dog?

Genuine question - is the word poof homophobic? If I were a poof and were called a poof, I genuniely think I would find it quite funny.

[THECORBYLOON]

Chambers Dictionary online says it's "offensive slang a male homosexual."

[saxy_jag]

I don't watch BB, but I would guess the producers are still a bit knee-jerky after the Shilpa Shetti incident.

It is a bit stupid that my gay mate can refer to himself as a raging poof, but I can't (even though he doesn't mind if I do).

[jackthehat]

I think a lot depends on the tone of voice and inflection used when saying it........
If it is said with a certain amount of humour or fondness, I think that you'd have to be uber-critical to object............

[whiffey]

Yes of course, it's disgusting and should be BANNED and removed from all dictionaries and massive financial reparations made. The big problem of course with the hippy pc do-gooders is that while they can ban words, they can't ban feelings or thoughts.

[society]

Exactly Whifster. Feelings and thoughts are an extension of personalities.

[DottyH]

my dogs sleep on the pouffe in the front room, it is brown leather. i am always telling them to lie on the pouffe.

[gina32]

the prophet,but surely its how people react to themselves, you say your cousin doesnt like the word but saxy jag said his/her mate doesnt mind it

[lindapinda]

The gay singers on Jonathan Ross,call themselves 4 Poofs and a Piano.

[mibn2cweus]

Isn't that the sound a magic wand makes *poof* when a fairy waves it? not that there's anything wrong with that!

[littleoldme]

As with any word used against someone of a different sexuality/race/nationality/whatever, whether or not it's offensive is up to the recipient to decide, not the speaker. True, the speaker may well mean it in a playful way rather than a vicious one, but ultimately it is up to the person on the receiving end of it as to whether they see it in the same context or not.

Neither saxy_jag's mate nor The Prophet's cousin can claim to speak for all gay people any more than any of us can claim to speak for all heterosexuals. Some will find it offensive, some won't. As for gay people using it about themselves, I feel that's just a case of "reclaiming" the word to lessen its impact, as certain sections of the black community have done with the word "n***er".

[flip_flop]

WTF has the question got to do with being "anti-gay"?

I'm not anti-gay or for that matter pro-gay: they don't affect my life so I don't really have an opinion either way.

I am, however, anti-dick head comments like "if you are anti-gay please just say so"

[Gavroche2000]

There are many terms that have been recently "reclaimed" by various groups, to try to take the sting out of their tail. Black people can call each other "******", disabled people can be "crips" and, the jewel in the crown, now "Gay" is the accepted and politically correct term for "homosexual". In fact, the word "homosexual" itself is now seen as slightly un-PC. However, you must be very careful with these word. Obviously, if you arewhite, you do not want to be going around calling people "*******", or even "******". The same is true for the word "poof". If you are not one, it is expedient to steer clear. Hence Big Brother and the controversy.
Hope that helps.