"That's so ______!"

Some have used the phrase "That's so gay" intending for the word "gay" to mean "dumb", "stupid" or anything derogatory when one dislikes or is critical about something or someone. But just like comedienne Wanda Sykes says in this ad, it's insulting!

Have you used this phrase before? Have you called something "gay" when you really meant it was dumb, stupid, or anything like that? If you have said this phrase, why did you? Peer pressure? Homophobia? Is everything stupid "gay"?

If we apply the current mainstream definition of "gay" to the little chef statue mocked in this ad, then I'm curious: What is so homosexual about the statue?

If we apply the original definition of "gay" to the statue, then I can agree that the statue appears happy...ecstatic even.

Here are other ways this phrase can be used:

"That's so blond."
"That's so jock."
"That's so nerdy."

They sound ridiculous, don't they? And the list of substitution possibilities becomes endless.

So really, why use that word? What does it accomplish? It helps desensitize the majority from a minority's real plight.

When you speak this way, do you realize what you say? Do you realize whom you're hurting?

Knock it off.