flamer If you had to describe the character Jack from the popular TV show Will and Grace, what words would you use? While "gay" and/or "flamboyant" may come to mind, so might the term "flamer." But what exactly is a flamer? And where did the word originate from? "Flamer" is usually used in reference to a gay male who is effeminate and flamboyant in his dress, actions and speech. This person usually exhibits stereotypical traits of what people assume gay men are like. For example, this person may use elaborate hand gestures, become very emotional, take extra care of his wardrobe or act extremely campy. Simply put, this person is assumed to be gay by others even if the person in question never openly says it. The term "flamer" first evolved within the gay community during the 1970s, but its real origins go way back. According to an etymology source, the word "flamer" developed from the Middle English word "flamen," which meant "burning passion." It was later used in the late 1700s/early 1800s to mean someone who was "glaringly conspicuous" (in other words, someone who stands out or draws attention to himself). Surprisingly enough, some suggest "flamer" was used to refer only to females during this time, though it is mainly used in reference to men today. While some within the gay community have reclaimed the term "flamer" (like the term ""queer"), it is still used in a derogatory manner. For example, the religious right-wing politician Pat Buchanan called Mark Foley, a Republican congressman, "a flamer" on national television after it was found that Foley had sent sexually explicit emails to other young men. It was clear that Buchanan meant this as an insult towards Foley's sexual orientation. Besides calling someone a flamer, the term can also take the variation of "flaming" or "flaming gay." Another definition of "flamer" (that has nothing to do with sexuality) is one who causes problems on the Internet. This person may "troll" message boards and chat rooms, posting inappropriate messages or bothering community members. This disruption is called "flaming" the community.

Comments

[Kassie]

My friend Spencer called me a flaming homo, cause he knows I'm gay. He meant it in a joking way though, because he is gay too. We just be ourselves, ya' know? But what peeves me is people that try to ACT gay. You can't act that because its not a role to play, its a way of life.

[evol]

who is wayne brady?

[evol]

you know who is a flammer ROBERT PATTERSON
he has'nt come out yet but he will and he already did a movie about his gayness, gayass dude i am so glad i was never obssesed with him

[Kiki]

I haven't been in a straight relationship myself for years, but flamers REALLY get on my nerves.

[c a s s ! e]

i know to gay guys...
1. jamie- he is like my best friend ever he is super fun to be around and he is just himself!
then..
2. Eric - he thinks the everyone should be gay...he is such a hater...like if you say something to him he's like "*scoff* its like because I'm gay isn't it *scoff* *tear*"

[hellcat/totheXtreme]

haha i know a flamer his name is alan brozovich he sux not cuz he is gay its just he's a hater lol who likes to sway his hips..lol

[Effy]

Flaming is used more as an inoffensive adverb e.g. 'you look flaming ridiculous'. Flaming could be replaced with completely or any other adverb.
I've heard flamer used in the internet sense more than anything else.
I'm sure flamer is archaic. Other words are used much more often to cause offense to gay people.

[Chris]

So many different words, I don't see nympho.

[Christina]

hmm i have never heard this word

[brittany]

Ok...you all need to know what the HELL your talking about when you call or get called a flamer!!!A flamer is a gay guy where there is no if and or buts about him being gay. That its a fact. Flamer is a term more known as a hate word to discriminate the gays in our community...i know this cause my family is full of gays and lesbians and some of my best friends are too. Just know dont call some one this even if your joking your just making the gay community seem like a bad place to be in and its not!

[fred]

my friends keep calling me a flamer and they think its a male stripper

[Thoullydayday]

I was part of that strange race of people aptly described as spending
their lives doing things they detest to make money they don't want to
buy things they don't need to impress people they dislike.
-- Emile Henry Gauvreay

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http://jeffreymillspr.easyjournal.com

[Sharon]

I'm glad this cite doesn't pick on animal whiners, cause I am one!

[Yuki-chan]

OMG!Ishida

[kelly]

WHAT IS UP WITH YOU AND WAYNE BRADY?!!!!?????!

[waynebradyhater]

wayne brady is such a falming fag he raped barack obama when he was 4 years old

[kelly]

omg.theres a restaurant at the mall i go 2 called flamers!im serious!

[Ginny (Frankie)]

my mom called flavor flav a "flaming idiot" does that count as a meaning for flamer? someone that is something to the max, sort of?

[martina]

This is an awesome blog!