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
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
The sky was a queer shade of red.
I had a queer feeling that something bad was about to happen.
Origin of queer
origin unknown
First Known Use: 1508
queer
Simple Definition of queer
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: to spoil or ruin (something)
Full Definition of queer
transitive verb
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
The sudden storm queered our plans.
Circa 1812
First Known Use of queer
circa 1812
queer
Definition of queer
: one that is queer; especially often disparaging : homosexual
See queer defined for English-language learners
Usage Discussion of queer
Circa 1812
First Known Use of queer
circa 1812
queer
playDefinition of queer
queer·erqueer·est
: oddly unlike the usual or normal <Watching them, Charlie experienced a queer sense of danger. — Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory> <a queer smell>
Learn More about queer
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "queer" Spanish Central: Translation of "queer"
Seen and Heard
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