queer

¹queer

adjective \ˈkwir\

Definition of QUEER

1

a : worthless, counterfeit <queer money>

b : questionable, suspicious

2

a : differing in some odd way from what is usual or normal

b (1) : eccentric, unconventional (2) : mildly insane : touched

c : absorbed or interested to an extreme or unreasonable degree : obsessed

d (1) often disparaging : homosexual (2) sometimes offensive : gay 4b

3

: not quite well

— queer·ish \-ish\ adjective

— queer·ly adverb

— queer·ness noun

Usage Discussion of QUEER

Over the past two decades, an important change has occurred in the use of queer in sense 2d. The older, strongly pejorative use has certainly not vanished, but a use by some gay people and some academics as a neutral or even positive term has established itself. This development is most noticeable in the adjective but is reflected in the corresponding noun as well. The newer use is sometimes taken to be offensive, especially by older gay men who fostered the acceptance of gay in these uses and still have a strong preference for it.

Examples of QUEER

1. The sky was a queer shade of red.
2. I had a queer feeling that something bad was about to happen.

Origin of QUEER

origin unknown

First Known Use: 1508

Related to QUEER

Synonyms

ill, nauseated, qualmish, queasy (also queazy), nauseous, queerish, sick, sickish, squeamish

Antonyms

common, ordinary, plain, usual

Related Words

green, peaked, peaky, sickly; unsettled, upset, woozy

Near Antonyms

settled; healthy, well

²queer

transitive verb

Definition of QUEER

1

: to spoil the effect or success of <queer one's plans>

2

: to put or get into an embarrassing or disadvantageous situation

Examples of QUEER

1. The sudden storm queered our plans.

First Known Use of QUEER

circa 1812

³queer

noun

Definition of QUEER

: one that is queer; especially often disparaging : homosexual

See Usage Discussion at ¹queer

First Known Use of QUEER

circa 1812