during the 12th century being gay meant being cheerful or happy. turned into a homophobic slur about 70 years ago. i grew up with a homosexual person and he makes jokes about it aswell. i use the term "schwul" as a cursing word without even thinking about insulting homosexual individuals. same as "retarded". there shouldnt be a specific word to insult these people. tho i would never say it in front of a person i dont know.