I assume you are aware that when someone claims that someone else is homosexual, when that isn't actually true, 90%+ of the time it is meant as a derogatory statement, and should be interpreted as such regardless of the listener's gender politics. Unless you actually believe that all the children in online video games using this same terminology aren't actually malicious, just factually inaccurate. In which case I have a bridge to sell you.
Of course the GP knows that, and he is rejecting the use as an insult and substituting the idea that someone attempting that is saying something nonsensical; "wow this water sure is dry". I think it's awesome.
To me it just sounds like someone being needlessly difficult and nit-picky, which we have plenty of on this site without pretending that connotation doesn't exist.
Yes, it can be seen as nit-picky, but I don't think the person is pretending the connotation doesn't exist. Maybe they're just trying to start the long process of de-teething that connotation so that in maybe 50 years saying someone is gay might actually mean, once again, that they are extremely happy.
It's a next to impossible task, like the people who would like to reclaim the swastika back to its original peaceful meaning, but it's great to try.
I wasn't trying to be nit-picky, as nekopa discerned. I am aware of the derogatory connotation and choosing to dismiss the homophobic person by treating them like an ignorant child. I've rarely seen argument ever convince someone they're wrong; Instead, I do not legitimize their bigotry and save myself valuable time.
Like a person using a racial slur -- they immediately demonstrate the quality of their character.
