What does faggotry mean?
Faggotry is a noun with multiple, somewhat related meanings. Primarily, it refers to items or things considered worthless, of poor quality, or rubbish. In a more specific and potentially contentious usage, particularly in British English, it can also describe behavior or mannerisms perceived as effeminate or homosexual. The term is derived from 'faggot,' which originally referred to a bundle of sticks or a type of sausage but has also been used as a derogatory term for a homosexual person. Due to its potential for offense, especially in the context of describing people or behaviors related to sexual orientation, faggotry and its variants should be used with caution. The term is mainly used in British English and is considered informal.
Items or things considered worthless or of poor quality.
"The old, broken TV was a piece of faggotry that needed to be thrown away."
This sense is generally less contentious.
Behavior or mannerisms perceived as effeminate or homosexual.
"Some people criticized his mannerisms as faggotry."
This sense can be considered derogatory and should be used with caution.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of faggotry
The term 'faggotry' is derived from 'faggot,' which has its roots in the 14th-century Middle English term for a bundle of sticks. Over time, the term took on additional meanings, including a type of sausage and, in a derogatory context, a homosexual person. The extension to 'faggotry' likely arose to describe behavior or things considered rubbish or, in a more specific sense, effeminate or homosexual.
Usage notes
This term is considered informal and can be offensive in certain contexts, particularly when used to describe people or behavior related to homosexuality.