The word queer has traditionally meant "strange" or "unusual," but its use in reference to (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex) communities, as well as those perceived to be members of those communities, has replaced the traditional definition and application.
Since its emergence in the English language in the 16th century (related to the German quer, meaning 'across, at right angle, diagonally or transverse'), queer has generally meant 'strange', 'unusual', or 'out of alignment'. It might refer to something suspicious or 'not quite right', or to a person with mild insanity or who exhibits socially inappropriate behavior.
Subsequently, for most of the 20th century (the 1900s), 'queer' was frequently used as a derogatory term for effeminate and/or gay males, and others exhibiting untraditional gender behavior.
The term is still considered by some to be offensive and derisive, and by others as a re-appropriated term used to describe a and/or or expression that does not conform to society.
