adj B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

queer

kweer

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Queer (adj) means relating to a sexual orientation or gender identity that isn't exclusively heterosexual or cisgender; used both as a reclaimed identity term and, historically, as a slur. Example: “The festival celebrates queer artists and filmmakers.”

adj

Relating to a sexual orientation or gender identity that isn't exclusively heterosexual or cisgender; used both as a reclaimed identity term and, historically, as a slur.

"The festival celebrates queer artists and filmmakers."

"She identifies as queer."

Strange, odd, or unusual.

"There was something queer about the way he smiled."

"It's a queer little shop tucked down a side street."

"A queer smell drifted from the cellar, like burnt sugar and old books."

How to use queer

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDepending on context: either "strange/unusual," or an identity term for LGBTQ+ people, which many now use with pride but which some older speakers still remember as an insult.

When to use it

As an identity term, queer has been widely reclaimed, especially by younger LGBTQ+ people, but it can still land as offensive to those who experienced it as a slur — context and who's speaking both matter.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: queers
Third person singular: queers
Past tense: queered
Comparative: queerer, more queer
Superlative: queerest, most queer

Test yourself on “queer” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The festival celebrates _____ artists and filmmakers.

Etymology

Recorded in Scots from around 1510, probably from a Low German word meaning "oblique" or "off-center." It began to be used to describe gay people in the late 19th century.

Origin: German · First attested 1510

Class of 1510 queer joined the language around 1510.

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Synonyms

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odd unusual peculiar curious bizarre funny singular homophile gay rummy rum

Antonyms

common normal

Related words

public general community common park green individual normal

Rhymes for queer

beer deer peer leer veer seer heer steer sneer cheer sheer Speer

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Frequently asked questions

Why do some people avoid using the word queer?

Some people avoid "queer" because it has historically been used as a slur against LGBTQ+ people, and not everyone is comfortable with its reclaimed use as an identity term. Others embrace it as a positive, inclusive umbrella term, so acceptability often depends on the speaker and the specific community.

What is the meaning of queer?

"queer" (adj) means relating to a sexual orientation or gender identity that isn't exclusively heterosexual or cisgender; used both as a reclaimed identity term and, historically, as a slur.

What is another word for queer?

Other words for "queer" include odd, unusual, peculiar, curious, bizarre, funny.

What is the opposite of queer?

Opposites of "queer" include common, normal.

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public general community common park green individual normal