Of course. Any denegrating language used to place another person in an inferior position is offensive.

Its an offensive term, there is no need. A person is a person, Full stop. ( or period for our US viewers ) :-p

YES

Extremely offensive.

Very much so. I take it as one of the highest offenses you can call me. Mostly because it is meant to be belittling and degrading as if one was looked upon as nothing more than a common cretan.

I think The Fa word is one of the worst....and If I were gay then I would be extremely hurt if The called me a F**.

If it's used to be offensive, then it's a wreched term. However, I know some people who - they are themselves gay - they refer to themselves as fags. So really, I supose it depends on the person more then anything.

It isn't an expression I hear, except occasionally in US movies. I don't find it any more offensive than lots of other words that are used to label people, but I don't know the background to how the word came to be used in this sense. Perhaps if I did I would be offended. On the subject of the use of words, I think it's a great pity that a perfectly appropriate word has been so hijacked that a majority of young people are completely unaware that gay means happy.

Yes. It's one of the worst slurs. I'm not gay myself, but I have dear friends who are. I am still offended by its use, and don't understand why some people who aren't gay say this doesn't bother them because they aren't gay themselves. Intolerance and cruelty are still intolerance and cruelty, regardless of your sexual orientation. Too bad people are so ignorant. This is a faggot:

No because I am not gay

No because I am not gay, but if I were gay then yes it would be!

If it is said and meant to be offensive --yes.

In the UK, a cigarette is called a "fag". This might seem odd that the two words are the same until you know the origin of the words. A "fag" is a small stick, or twig. A "faggot" is a bundle of sticks, usually used to start a fire- the equivalent American word is "kindling". Homosexuals used to be burned alive at the stake, like witches. Calling a gay person a "fag" is the same as saying that they should be burned to death- that their lives are not worth anything more than kindling. The word "hag" has a similar derivation, as old women were also burned at the stake as witches.

yes...

yes

Yes, it offends my gay friends.

In my opinion, any derogatory term is offensive - no matter who uses it; even if it is one gay person referring to another. If the intent is to hurt or slur then the word "fag" is especially offensive. Here is some information on the origin of the word "fag" and "faggot." Faggot or fag, in modern North American and Australian English usage, is a generally pejorative term for a homosexual or effeminate man. Its use has spread to varying extents elsewhere in the English-speaking world. The terms are little used in this meaning in British English, where "faggot" traditionally means a bundle of sticks and faggots are a kind of meatball, while "fag" is common slang for a cigarette and can also refer to the now outdated English "public school" practice of "fagging" where a younger boy acted as an unpaid servant for an older boy. The origins of the word in this sense are rather obscure. One historical meaning of the word faggot, "a bundle of sticks for burning", is not likely to have been a reference to homosexuals, since burning at the stake was never a punishment for homosexuality in England, making the connection of the two an urban legend.[1] The Yiddish word faygele, lit. "little bird", is claimed by some as the origin of the word. The similarity in form and pronumciation in English between the two words makes this quite likely to be true, although if not, it may have served as a reinforcing effect.[2] The word has also been used since the late sixteenth century to mean "old or unpleasant woman", and this would appear to be a likely derivation.[3] Female terms, it should be noted, are often used with reference to homosexual or effeminate men (cf. nancy, sissy, queen). The application of the term to old women may possibly be a shortening of the term "faggot-gatherer", applied in the nineteenth century to people, especially older widows, who made a meager living by gathering and selling firewood.[4] It may also derive from the sense of "something awkward to be carried", an etymology that is more plausible if one considers the use of "baggage" as a pejorative term for old women.[5] An obsolete reference from the British 17th-century refers to a "man hired into military service simply to fill out the ranks at muster". http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faggot_(epithet)

No, I couldn't understand it actually, growing up cigarettes where always referred to as fags and couldn't see the connection to calling someone gay a cigarette.

Nope as i'm not gay but its derogitory, gay people are still people just differant from the norm.

within the context it's usually used, yes..absolutley! amongst me and my LGBT friends, we may say it jokingly, but 99.9% I hear it, it's coming from some homophobes mouth. I find it curious the few people who said "no, but I'm not gay" (so, the word is OK to you since you're not gay?). I find all derogatory terms like that offensive. I'm a white woman, but if I hear the "N" word, I find it offensive.

Interesting responses! I know of people who routinely clown around with each other and might call each other "names" in the process. They (we) all know they are joking, and there is no harm intended. Some of them are Gay and some of them are Straight friends of the Gay persons in the group. Fag/Faggot/Pussy/Mary/Nellie/Wuss/Wussy...could all come spewing out depending on the situation. These are guys who are VERY, VERY close buddies and would and HAVE done anything they could do to help, support, show care, comfort in times of loss, loaned money to, cooked for..and are thick as thrives to put it on the level. Am I offended when these word come spewing forth from them..nope, I can't say that I am...but then I know them and I know how they "play" together and what the intent is when they say them. They are just as likely to poke fun at me..."OH you are so BUTCH! (I'm not) "Watch OUT...she's going in to "High Femmne mode!" (I'm so NOT High Femme!) "You little Lezzie!" (Ok that one is accurate...I am) They do NOT pull out the "C" word...they know better than to do that! lol I suppose I am offended at any word that is said with HATE or Disgust with the intent to cause pain...but I can't summon up being pissed off at these guys for their behavior towards each other...they never say these words (that I know of) with any ill intended feelings behind them.

Absolutely, Im not gay, but enough people have called me it thru the years. And its offensive because than sexual preferences there is not difference between them and us

Yes.

kinda, they're people. Not cancer sticks.

Yes, please don't use it. I know some very nice gay people & if someone were to call them a "fag" around me, I'd slap them

Yeah, it is. I'm not gay myself, but as far as I'm concerned, by using terms like fag or any racial slur, one is generally expressing a certain amount of distaste for the group their derogatory term targets (not necessarily when black people call each other the "n" word or whatever, but I think that's pretty stupid anyway). Also referring to something you don't like or think is stupid as "gay" pisses me off...gay means happy or homosexual...not stupid. If you mean stupid, SAY stupid, Stupid. Even if the terms aren't used with any malice, I still think they're offensive. If you're "just messing around" with your friends by insulting one another....derogatory terms are still derogatory. If some people are in the heat of an argument and terms like fag are thrown around, I think it shows a great lack of creativity and that someone realizes they've lost the argument if they're having to resort to name calling. If you can't think of anything better to do than insult other people, insult that person personally...don't insult entire GROUPS of people. Call him an asshole or a douche, if you must, but don't use terms that are designed to encourage hate of certain people because of the color of their skin or their sexual preference (or for anything else they can't help). It's stupid, it's immature, and it's offensive.

It is offensive to me and Im not gay. I think we all need to stop these little attacks and just get along.

I will, once again, quote Star Trek episode 3.22 "The Savage Curtain" Lt. Uhura (an African woman) meets the image of Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln: "What a charming Negress....Oh! Forgive me my dear. I know that in my time some use that term as a description of property." Uhura: "But why should I object to that term, sir? See, in my century, we've learned not to fear words"

It is a negative term..meant to be derogatory..so yes I find it offensive.

Yes, it is. It's just like using the "n" word for someone of African desenct or the "c" to describe a woman. Not good, folks.

I think it is offensive. I have male and female friends who are gay and they are the ones with the biggest hearts.

No but I think referring to fags as gay people is very offensive.

I find calling someone a "fag" to be offensive, whether or not that person is gay. I do often hear my gay friends joke with each other using the word, but I don't use it myself and never would.

If it is meant to be offensive it is.

The person referring that is.

Yes.

It offends me im bisexual but I have my gay and lesbian friends and I wood never say that word to them because many people use that word in a hurtful way

Yes. Any derogatory term or epithet/slur is just that--offensive. I do not care if it is refering to gays or not, using slurs is WRONG.

The word is just a word the intent is what can be offensive. The word fag doesn't bother me in fact I understand the British call cigarettes fags. I know quite a few gay men who call themselves and each other fag.

Sure its an offensive word but in my view, it comes from the person saying it. If a friend of mine says it just joking around, I could care less, just as long as I don't hear him take it into the bad sense. Ex: "Lone, your such a fag." Response "Oh you know it hun ;3" Hence, joking. If its used in a bad way or if people use it to insult one another I take offense to it and usually try and suppress my rage. But if someone calls me fag as an offensive term, they better watch my foot cause its about to be elevated into their groin.

yes i do. it would bother me to be around someone who used that term.

the word "fag" is a hateful term and hurts the feelings of a lot of people.

It depends. If I don't know you or you are saying it in a hateful way then it would offend me. It is much like the "N" word. Only people who are very close (and usually gay themselves) can get away with it.

no cause im not gay and I chose not to be gay.

no its not offensive to me but then again im not gay. im sure people that are gay find grate offense to it but, at the same time i have herd gay men refer to them selfs as fags. i think that at one time the word was highly offensive but now that it has been used so many times to refer to so many different things that it is becoming an acceptable everyday word.

No. It's just a word. People need to get over it.

No. It isn't something I would say personally, but I'm not offended when I overhear someone else using that term. The truth is, there are lots of idiots in this world; I try not to get worked up over them.

Yes, since it is usually meant in a derogatory way.

this one is kinda shaky with me. I am gay, and if someone is using it in a derogatory manner then it is of course offensive. My friends and I joke with each other we call each other fags and such, but only in joking manner

It's uncalled for.

It must be whether conciously or not. I was in the salon of the Drury Lane Theater as a teenager and a nice looking gentleman sidled up to me and asked if I had a light for his fag (he was with another man). I was horrified and told him that wasn't a very nice thing to say. He looked perplexed and walked off. I felt kind of stupid when my dad explained that a fag was a cigarette. Yes it's ofensive. Namecalling is offensive--period.

Sometimes I will refer to myself as a fag, I find it sometimes liberating to use a word that was once a brickbat directed at me. I rarely do, though, much preferring the term 'queer'. I'd rather be called queer than gay or homosexual, just a personal preference.

No. But if my sister-in-law says it offends her, I will immediately change my tune!

I, personally, don't get offended by just about, literally, anything. I look at the word "fag" the same way Chris Rock looks at the word "nigger". There's "gay people", and then there's "faggots". They are different, in my opinion. Gay people are the kind of gays that are just themselves, ya know? You'd never be able to tell they were gay unless they told you. Faggots are the one's who resign themselves to the hot pink towel sets, leather boy-toy gear, and prance around just to show off how gay they can be, even if it's not who they really are. Again, that's just me. Just like how Chris Rock had a rather offensive opinion of his own people, so do I. It's just an opinion, people.

It would be offensive because it is rude and cruel..I let someone on here get me out of my square and i feel i owe them an "SORRY". I will not be rude to another person as long as i can help it..I felt like i was discriminating against them for being them.

no, like it says above, it is just a word. Everybody is so bloody sensitive these days and are so easily offended by everything they come across - and then they wonder why they are always miserable. As the saying goes: Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names can never hurt me (take note all you easily offended Pansy's out there).

Honestly, if I was gay, I really don't think I would take offense in being called a fag. Just like if I was black, I don't think I'd take offense in being called the "N-word." They're just words... does it really matter?

Only if its meant to be offensive. Even though I'm straight, I don't like hearing that word... Whether its directed at me or anyone else...

I think in a way it can be to gay guys. Fag to me is like calling someone a name.

100% yes.

YES!!!!

Is referring to a straight person a redneck offensive to you?

It doesn't offend me personally, as I do not tend to have it used against me, but to a gay person it is very derogatory.

Yes.

its not offensive to me but I would think to a more sensitive gay person it would be..or even a less sensitive gay person come to think about it..I guess its quite a derogitory (sp?) term

I'm bi. I find it offensive when people call gay guys fags.

Not really, i think that words are words. being called "worthless" would be worse to me, because that is something i am not. if i am white, somebody may call me a "cracker", but big deal. if i am christian, some may call me a "bible thumper", i don't care. i take pride in who i am and titles/labels don't affect me too much.

It really depends on who is saying the word. To most of the LGBT community prefers to keep the word internally. This means that one gay man may refer to another as a Fag/Faggot. However, it is not ok for a straight man to call a gay man a fag. This behavior is similar to the Black community and the "N-word."

calling a man a fag is ONLY ok if you are either gay or lesbian AND if you are friends with that person and know that they know you're joking around...it's the same as black people calling each other "nigga"...other races can't get away with it...but black people can...

umm... to me it's kind of comparable to using the N word with black people. it's okay for them, if they're all cool with it. for me, it's okay with me and my friends when we're teasing each other, but for a straight person to call one of us a fag would be unwelcome. unless you're a good friend and we say it's okay as a joke.

yes...

Yes I do find it offensive.

Personally i hate the word,it's a awful thing to call someone.The word it'self just makes me cringe.I know i'm from uk and we call cigarettes fags.also depending where in uk you are from they call gays fags,i think it's horrible.

I don't do it, and no one I like does it. I wouldn't say that I would get outright upset about it, but a little piece of me inside gets a bit enflamed when I hear it.

nope.

It is very offensive to me. Like someone punching me in the gut.

I have always believed it is how a word is used that makes it offensive rather than the word itself being offensive. My friends affectionately calling me a fag, I don't mind. People I dont know yelling it at me in an abusive way, I do mind.

YES! im not openly gay but a friend of mine constantly says things are faggots. it really makes me feel uncomfortable and i flinch each time he says it. if only he knew.... **sigh** lol

If the intent is to degrade and demean someone, then I find the use of "fag" offensive, whether applied to a homosexual or a heterosexual. The intent or biased opinion is what I find offensive. If that is not the intent or it is a joke between friends, I do not find it offensive. I also do not find it offensive when my partner refers to himself as a spic or our friend calls himself a wop. We have a friend/employee who calls himself a blaxican and I call him (in jest) a mexicoon. No one gets offended. Many people feel that words are black and white. They are always wrong, or they are wrong when used to describe this group but not that object, etc. I do not see words that way.

Extremely. It is very disturbing to me that it is alright in todays society to call someone a fag but if you dare say the N word, well... To me it's all the same, equality.

Yes.

Very much so. Even in "so called" Jest.

I don't like it. Also, it's a useless english word.

sure does