gay
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gay
Describing the sexual orientation of a man who feels emotionally and sexually attracted to other men; male homosexual.
Mein bester Freund ist schwul und hat seit zwei Jahren einen festen Partner.
My best friend is gay and has had a steady partner for two years.
gay
Used colloquially and often derogatorily to describe something as strange, unpleasant, or uncool. This usage is outdated and is perceived as discriminatory.
Er fand die Musik auf der Party total schwul und ist früh gegangen.
He thought the music at the party was totally gay and left early.
In its main meaning, 'schwul' (gay) is the neutral and common term for male homosexuality. It is used without judgment in everyday life, in the media, and in public discourse.
Der Film handelt von einem schwulen Paar in den 1980er Jahren.
The film is about a gay couple in the 1980s.
Common and neutral expressions are 'ein schwuler Mann' (a gay man), 'ein schwules Paar' (a gay couple), or 'die schwule Community' (the gay community). The expression 'sich als schwul outen' (to come out as gay) is also very common.
Er hat sich vor seiner Familie als schwul geoutet.
He came out as gay to his family.
The colloquial use of 'schwul' (gay) as a general insult meaning 'stupid' or 'uncool' is strongly derogatory and discriminatory. This usage should definitely be avoided.
Diese Art von Sprache ist in der Schule nicht akzeptabel.
This kind of language is not acceptable at school.
funny / strange
Komisch is a neutral way to describe something as strange or unusual. Schwul was also used colloquially and disparagingly for things considered strange, unpleasant, or uncool; this usage is discriminatory and should be avoided.
Er bezeichnete die Handlung des Films abwertend als schwul und wurde dafür kritisiert.
He disparagingly called the film’s plot gay and was criticized for it.
Er fand die Handlung des Films komisch und schwer verständlich.
He found the film’s plot strange and difficult to understand.
