Beware The “auld Faggot” In Spite Of Judge’s... (Press, 10 December 1985)

An Auckland court case recently drew attention to the word "faggot," as a judge ruled that it was not to be considered an insult. The case involved a student who shouted the term at an undercover policeman, but the judge dismissed the charge, suggesting that the police might be overreacting. While the judge hinted that the matter was trivial, he cautioned against underestimating the historical implications of the term. The term “faggot” has a complex and often derogatory history. Initially, it referred to a bundle of sticks used for fuel or as a construction material. In earlier times, it also had associations with heresy; those who recanted were symbolically marked with an embroidered faggot. Additionally, linguistic connections are identified wherein “to burn one’s faggot” signified recanting a heresy. By the sixteenth century, it became a term of contempt for women, especially those viewed as unworthy or slovenly. Over time, dialect variations flourished, and the term retained its derogatory essence. In Northern England, it was used to describe a "worthless woman," while children could be called "little faggots" in a derogatory sense. The term also associated with poor character, implying laziness and gossiping tendencies. In underworld slang, “faggot” evolved to mean a woman of questionable morality or a whore, derived from a supposed slovenly appearance. It also linked to homosexuality, particularly in American slang where “faggoty” referred to a boy with homosexual inclinations in the 1940s. The usage of "faggot" varies in terms of offensiveness; context, tone, and the relationship between those involved play crucial roles in its interpretation. The judge’s interpretation may have underestimated the term’s potential for harm, reflecting on the broader societal implications of such language. Moreover, the term also carried historical uses in voting and criminal activities, ranging from “faggot votes” for shady electoral practices to descriptions of housebreaking. Culinary references existed too, where the term denoted a type of dish made from meat and innards, popular in certain regions of Britain. In summary, while the judge's ruling might suggest the word "faggot" is benign, its historical connotations and modern implications demonstrate that it can still cause significant offence. As society continues to reassess the language we use, understanding the origins and societal perceptions of such terms becomes essential in fostering respectful communication.

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