They're serving what?! How the c-word went from camp to internet mainstream
Retrieved on:
Saturday, December 30, 2023
Despite the inclusion of the c-word, this phrase isn’t meant as an insult or a misogynistic slur.
Key Points:
- Despite the inclusion of the c-word, this phrase isn’t meant as an insult or a misogynistic slur.
- In fact, it is quite the opposite – at least, among those in queer communities who have long used it.
- Frequently used as a misogynistic slur, it is often labelled as one of the most offensive words in the English language.
- Arguably, the mainstreaming of this queer phrase represents could be seen as a turning point in the status of the c-word.
Ball culture
- The diffusion – or appropriation – of these phrases is symptomatic of a more widespread trend, whereby the language typically associated with drag culture has become mainstream and is now considered part of what people often label the internet vernacular.
- To understand this development, it’s important to recognise where much of the language associated with drag culture originates.
- For the unacquainted, the 2018 drama Pose documented the ball culture in New York City in the 1980s.
- As ball culture became more mainstream, so too did the language associated with this community – until it was associated with the LGBTQ+ community more generally.
Language and appropriation
- The diffusion of this language has led to intense debates about appropriation and authenticity.
- By stylistically using features of AAVE, the men evoked these tropes to perform a gay identity which I called the “sassy queen”.
- Many users of the phrase “serving cunt” and other AAVE features also appear unaware of their history.
- For instance, in 2020, Brittany Broski (aka the internet-famous Kombucha Girl) incorrectly described AAVE terms as “stan culture” – referring to the behaviour of an extreme group of fans.
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Christian Ilbury does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.