noun
fruit
An offensive term for a gay man.
The essay condemns fruit as an insult aimed at gay men.
Etymology
The ordinary food word developed a derogatory slang use for a gay man. That social insult is a later extension; its precise motivation is uncertain and should not be treated as a literal root meaning.
More examples
- He apologized for using fruit as a slur.
- The review criticized the character's use of fruit for a gay neighbor.
- She explained why calling someone a fruit can be offensive.
Forms
fruit · fruits
Similar words
- slur
- The broader term for a derogatory group-directed label.