While we were entirely impressed by Glee‘s “faggy” moment, we’re willing to acknowledge that the scene didn’t come without a few issues. Some folks have criticized the scenario for being far too staged or unrealistic, while others were disappointed that Kurt didn’t get any flack for his blatant advances towards Finn.
But we’ve already discussed that, so let’s talk a bit about the latest use of the “f-word” on network television. Comedian Louis CK staged a scene on his new FX series Louie, in which a group of poker buddies grill their gay friend on jerk-off parties and discuss the meaning of the word “faggot”.
It’s an entirely realistic discussion, to the point that it’s occasionally a little disturbing. In fact, it’s so realistic that the group’s token gay may have even inaccurately cited the roots of the word “faggot”. This didn’t bode well with a few etymologically-obsessed viewers…
Louis CK has responded to the critics by stating this: “It doesn’t matter whether it’s true or not. It’s true for the character in the scene. It’s not the news, it’s narrative fiction.” It’s an interesting argument on his part, especially considering that I’ve heard similar explanations on the word from fellow gay men. When it all comes down to it, what do you think of the scene?
– Dewitt
To watch the clip, follow the JUMP:
Personally, I really don’t like Louis as a comedian, but I have to admit, this scene was done really well. I thought it would be totally crass, and offensive, but much to my surprise, it was quite realistic compared to conversations I’ve had with my Straight guy friends; and somewhat informative. (if the back story on the word Fagot is actually true, lol) 😀
Tastefully done, even though some guys at that table are bigger assholes than others. Ooops, I said “asshole.” Geez, I wonder if that offended any ugly, overweight male who can’t control his thoughts, and feels the need to say anything on his mind without pause or concern for how others might take it. Next time I use the word “asshole,” I’ll remember that.
Personnally I thought it was hilarious & yes even more realistic of a conversation that u would have with ur str8 friends…offensive, ehh what isn’t nowadays but it puts it out there 4 ppl 2 understand & that’s what I got out of it!!!
FINALLY a realistic point of view. Like honestly we hear this word all the time. And I’ve never seen Louis the show but i did see one of his stand ups and yes he threw the word around more then a few times. Did I find it offensive when he said it on stage? Not really. I’ll admit I laughed. It’s like how whoopie said it once in one of her shows. It’s not the word.. but how you say it. It’s how you use the word. It’s the same with the N word or calling someone a bitch. I think the worst word in all honesty and hurtful is the word STUPID. it’s the intention behind the word. so faggot to me doesn’t bother me until there is ill intention behind it. People need to know this and see this. Stop abusing the word cause your looking STUPID. and that was my intention!
reference: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/faggot
fag·got 2 (fāg’ət)
n. Offensive Slang
Used as a disparaging term for a homosexual man.
[Perhaps from faggot , variant of fagot , bundle, lump, old woman .]
fag·ot also fag·got (fāg’ət)
n.
1.
A bundle of twigs, sticks, or branches bound together.
2.
A bundle of pieces of iron or steel to be welded or hammered into bars.
tr.v. fag·ot·ed also fag·got·ed , fag·ot·ing also fag·got·ing , fag·ots also fag·gots
1.
To bind into a fagot; bundle.
2.
To decorate with fagoting.
[Middle English, from Old French, from Old Provençal, possibly from Vulgar Latin *facus , from Greek phakelos , bundle .]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Word Origin & History
faggot
late 13c., “bundle of twigs bound up,” from O.Fr. fagot “bundle of sticks,” from It. faggotto , dim. of V.L. *facus , from L. fascis “bundle of wood” (see fasces). Especially used for burning heretics (a sense attested from 1550s), so that phrase fire and faggot was used to mean “punishment of a heretic.” Heretics who recanted were required to wear an embroidered figure of a faggot on their sleeve, as an emblem and reminder of what they deserved.
faggot
“male homosexual,” 1914, Amer.Eng. slang (shortened form fag is from 1921), probably from earlier contemptuous term for “woman” (1591), especially an old and unpleasant one, in reference to faggot (1) “bundle of sticks,” as something awkward that has to be carried (cf. baggage ). It was used in this sense in 20c. by D.H. Lawrence and James Joyce, among others. It may also be reinforced by Yiddish faygele “homosexual,” lit. “little bird.” It also may have roots in Brit. public school slang fag “a junior who does certain duties for a senior” (1785), with suggestions of “catamite,” from fag (v.). This was also used as a verb.
“He [the prefect] used to fag me to blow the chapel organ for him.” [“Boy’s Own Paper,” 1889]
Other obsolete senses of faggot were “man hired into military service simply to fill out the ranks at muster” (1700) and “vote manufactured for party purposes” (1817). The oft-heard statement that male homosexuals were called faggots in reference to their being burned at the stake is an etymological urban legend. Burning was sometimes a punishment meted out to homosexuals in Christian Europe (on the suggestion of the Biblical fate of Sodom and Gomorah), but in England, where parliament had made homosexuality a capital offense in 1533, hanging was the method prescribed. Any use of faggot in connection with public executions had long become an English historical obscurity by the time the word began to be used for “male homosexual” in 20th century American slang, whereas the contemptuous slang word for “woman” (and the other possible sources or influences listed here) was in active use.
I’m with djskinny. Maybe even a bit moreso than he. I think we are so thin skinned anymore. That said, I NEVER hear the word “faggot” used. And I live in a very conservative community. I realize that others do. And I understand that. But, really, at the end of the day, if I’m called a faggot, I figure the person is a big douchebag and what they think really doesn’t matter to me. It’s their problem, not mine.
faggot plz. the man is miles ahead of the curve..he’s got total control with this show from FX before he even did the pilot- given a check for 250K…his HBO show was fucking hysterical. he used to come into gourmet garage all the time with his kids, he’s a great dad, funny comedian, and on the mark. i found the scene something i’d have with my straight friends all the time in one form or another- they’re straight,not morons.
I thought Louie was a little more sensitive than the rest of the guys. But the gay comedian did make a good point. It does seem like straight people are more obsessed with gay sex than the other way around.
agree with all and +1 to dickwet for the reference
I love Louis CK and I think he’s hilarious, but there was one thing about that scene that really irritated me.
Granted, it’s very realistic, but it made Nick What’s-His-Face look like the absolute biggest homophobe I’ve ever seen. It’s really irritating when people come off that way… I dunno.
Just my 2 cents.
I pretty much peed myself laughing at this
Personally i think the word Faggot is like the word (Not saying this to offend anyone) Nigger, unless you are one use it wisely and in the right company.
I agree with Razorb. Great point!
sorry but i thought this clip was pretty ignorant. british people are so far beyond this kind of uneducated homophobia, and british gays are so beyond the acceptance of homophobia from their friends in a manner depicted here
americans are about 20 years behind europe in acceptance. you think that the “tolerance” shown by sitting with a gay is acceptance?? its horrific.
It was done actually very well. I thought it was funny and I enjoyed it.
poopnanny, you are 40 years behind in maturity.
Very well done, and funny to boot. Glad to see that the black guy at the table wasn’t just put there so someone could equate “faggot” to the N-word. Very evolved.
Powerful clip. Remember though, words only have the power we give them. Reclaim the word, reclaim it’s power over you, faggots!
There’s a reason someone once said, “Think before you speak.” If you speak & your words hurt others, then you’ve damaged another human soul, whatever beliefs you may hold.
I realized at a very young age that what you say to others & how you say it can be hurtful, beneficial, enlightening, humorous, thought-provoking or joyous. I’ve always tried to be careful about what comes out of my mouth. I’m not always as careful with my written word, however.
People should try using a dictionary & thesaurus more often, if only to learn to express themselves more eloquently & intelligently. “Slang” words are too often defaulted to in conversations & it makes one look stupid, in my humble opinion.
Frankly, I’ve never really understood the use of vulgarities of any sort in conversation. I know that some, including comedians, use it as a “shock factor”, but a person who uses it on a regular basis is not someone I want to be around. I’m not sure why anyone else would, unless you’re of the same sort.
etxmuscle: My grandmother used to say that people who used vulgarities in their conversations showed a sign of a weak mind and small vocabulary. I must confess that I have used words on here that I would never use when speaking. I believe I shall go back to the clean typing as well as speaking. Thanks for making me think.
I’ve always found words to be stupid. I mean people say “that’s a bad word” and I think that’s just stupid.
If I say “fuck you” why is that worse than “screw you?” Or I call someone a “faggot” why is that worse than calling someone a “stupid doodie head?”
It’s the meaning that is bad. Putting the blame on the word is such an idiotic escape route and it really pisses me off. Words like “shit” aren’t bad, it’s the same a “crap” or “poop” but for someone reason we made that a “bad word.”
America really cries about words the most. With the devils at the FCC and all these dumb parental guides and stuff. We aren’t helping but hiding things from our children. We should be teaching them to be good people, not just saying it’s only bad if you say certain words.
And I’m made that this could be on tv but if it were “nigger” (omg yes I typed it, I’m evil) it probably wouldn’t have been able to go as far.
i thought this was cool, in considering its context.
so i’ve learned the origin of the intertwining of homosexuals and faggot.
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