Queerbaiting – meaning, origin and usage

Sometimes you might hear someone describe something as queer-baiting. This term can have two meanings, but you may not be familiar with the newer one. However, this article is here to help!

We will be covering the meaning, origin and usage, as well answers to your most frequently asked questions on the subject. Let’s get to it!

What’s the meaning of the term “queerbaiting”?

The term “queerbaiting” is used in fiction and entertainment to describe creators hinting at same-sex romance (or other LGBTQ+ representation) without actually depicting it.

This can often be subtle, but at the same time it is also a way of confirming acceptance of LGBTQ+ representation. This may involve lots of innuendo, lots of lingering or flirty looks, flirtatious conversations, and/or unnecessary (but not sexual) physical contact.

Previously, “queer-baiting” had an alternative meaning, which it has since moved on from. We will be covering this shortly.

What’s the origin of the term “queerbaiting”?

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, in the year 1956 and onward, the term “queerbaiting” was used to refer to the harassment, abuse, or targeted provocation of LGBTQ people. For example by calling homosexuals perverts, which is effectively a catchall word could equally paint them as rapists and/or child molesters.

However, the new meaning of the term “queerbaiting” arose around 2012, when it was used to refer to films and shows that try to appeal to LGBTQ audiences in a deceptive or superficial manner. For example, through being ambiguous about the sexuality of the characters and implying or hinting at romantic attraction or connection.

How and when you can use the term “queerbaiting” with examples

How and when to use the term “queerbaiting” depends on which meaning it is taken to mean or refer to. In the context of whistleblowing, it may be difficult but necessary to inform someone if there is any harassment of anyone from the LGBQT+ community.

Here’s an example of the term being used in this context: “I feel like they are queerbaiting me. Just because I’m homosexual doesn’t mean I’d do anything like that - I wouldn’t dream of it!”

However, as for using the term “queerbaiting” in its newer context, this is solely for referring to fictional characters in stories, shows or movies. People often comment on their opinions of this form of queerbaiting online and on social media, forums, etc.

An example of the term being used in this context might be: “Dean and Castiel. I mean get a room’… That’s awesome. Now, can we please stop queer-baiting?”

FAQs

What’s the difference between queer coding and queerbaiting?

Whereas queerbaiting hints at a homosexual relationship, queer coding occurs when a character has traits that suggest queerness without either confirmation or denial.

Is queerbaiting a bad thing?

Some members of the LGBQT+ community don’t like queerbaiting in tv shows and film, and feel that it is exploitative, especially if or when the hint of homosexual romance is never confirmed or denied. Those angered by this dislike it even more when one of these characters is later portrayed as a heterosexual.

Final word

So, to sum up, the term “queerbaiting” has been around since the 1950’s. However, it had a different meaning then than it does now. It once used to refer to the harassment of LGBTQ+ people, whereas now, it refers to entertainment, such as TV shows and films, that appeal to the LGBTQ+ community through hinting of a homosexual relationship or attraction between the characters.