Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| queer | /ˈkwiɾ/ |
| cuir | /ˈkwiɾ/ |
| non heterosexual | /non eteɾoseɡswal/ (from spelling rules) |
In Spanish, the English loanword queer is commonly used in activist and academic circles to refer to non-normative sexualities.
Which one should you use?
The term queer is an English loanword, whereas cuir is a phonetic Spanish spelling of the same word. Cuir is used in certain activist circles to reclaim the term within Spanish phonology and to avoid using the English pronunciation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Regional terms for specific identities or behaviors include Pluma in Spain to describe someone who is flamboyant or effeminate, and Loca in Argentina to describe someone who is flamboyant or effeminate. In Oaxaca, Mexico, the term Muxe describes individuals who are assigned male at birth but take on female roles within their communities.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkwiɾ/
Did you know?
- In Spain, the word Pluma literally means 'feather' but is used as a slang term for a flamboyant gay man.
- In Argentina, the word Loca is used to describe flamboyant queer people, turning a word that usually means 'crazy' into a specific identity marker.
- In Mexico, the Zapotec culture of Oaxaca recognizes Muxe as a distinct gender identity that differs from the Western concept of queer.
Examples in context
- Tom se identifica como queer.Tom identifies as queer.This example shows how to use queer to express personal identity.Tatoeba #6924247 by ecorralest101, translation #4435132 by shekitten
- Soy queer.I'm queer.This example uses queer to state one's identity.Tatoeba #10031480 by manufrutos, translation #10031070 by shekitten
- Es inaceptable lo que sienten los niños "queer" por culpa de los reaccionarios.The way reactionaries are making queer kids feel right now is unconscionable.This example uses queer to describe a group of children in a social context.Tatoeba #12055950 by Masatami, translation #11451409 by shekitten
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a new book at a café.
- JavierEste libro trata sobre la experiencia queer.This book is about the queer experience.
- SofíaMe encanta la literatura queer actual.I love current queer literature.
- Javier¿Te gustaría ir a la librería conmigo?Would you like to go to the bookstore with me?
- SofíaSí, me encantaría acompañarte, Javier.Yes, I would love to join you, Javier.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “queer” translations and entries queer, cuir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
