To take control of a term that has a pejorative context. queer, dyke, and queen are examples of words that have been reclaimed by the LGBT community. Taking control of a slur removes the ability of bigots to use that term in a hurtful manner. Reclaiming empowers marginalized communities.
NOTE: Do not use reclaimed words that are not part of your sexual, racial, or ethnic self-identification. For example: do not use the n word or variant words to describe yourself if you're not part of the African American community. Or, don't use words like fag or faggot if you are not a gay man. Reclamation is only for those people who have historically suffered because of the word in question. Outsiders, even sympathetic outsiders, should not use reclaimed words casually.
Even if you are part of a community that uses reclaimed terms, be selective in how you use them. Don't use reclaimed terms to start a fight where you and or others might be physically or verbally attacked. Use discretion.
NOTE: Do not use reclaimed words that are not part of your sexual, racial, or ethnic self-identification. For example: do not use the n word or variant words to describe yourself if you're not part of the African American community. Or, don't use words like fag or faggot if you are not a gay man. Reclamation is only for those people who have historically suffered because of the word in question. Outsiders, even sympathetic outsiders, should not use reclaimed words casually.
Even if you are part of a community that uses reclaimed terms, be selective in how you use them. Don't use reclaimed terms to start a fight where you and or others might be physically or verbally attacked. Use discretion.
When I encounter Christian fundamentalists who try to put me down for being gay, I say that 'I am a faggot'. I want to reclaim the word from haters to they can't use it to hurt others.
by poorbrokegradstudent July 25, 2010
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reclaim now a days normally has something to do with "taking back words" like for instance the vagina monologues and the word pussy, sadly this is a horrible misuse of the word (reclaim) for one simple reason you have to have once been in possession of something to reclaim it so yeah PUSSY PUSSY PUSSY PUSSY PUSSY PUSSY!!!
Ps. it works better if the thing you’re reclaiming is tangible
reclaim now a days normally has something to do with "taking back words" like for instance the vagina monologues and the word pussy, sadly this is a horrible misuse of the word (reclaim) for one simple reason you have to have once been in possession of something to reclaim it so yeah PUSSY PUSSY PUSSY PUSSY PUSSY PUSSY!!!
Ps. it works better if the thing you’re reclaiming is tangible
by Luke Neville October 30, 2006
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by GerbilEnema April 7, 2022
Get the reclaim mug.by Killaneden April 7, 2024
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Examples
Black peoples can say nigga or nigger
Gay people can say faggot queer and dyke
Disabled people can say retard spy crop cripple
Women can say cunt bitch and slut
Examples
Black peoples can say nigga or nigger
Gay people can say faggot queer and dyke
Disabled people can say retard spy crop cripple
Women can say cunt bitch and slut
by Goodgiy4321 June 18, 2024
Get the Reclaim mug.Being the short for "reclaim my time", "reclaim" is the slang term meaning "reclaiming the amounts of time where you've been consumed by school and homework which have interrupted your day".
After weeks of drowning in assignments, I finally decided to reclaim my weekends and binge-watch my favorite shows guilt-free.
by Emotional Cruiser August 30, 2025
Get the reclaim mug.A phrase used to make people feel happy when the Zoom meeting ends early. It was created by a student from Western Mass and has since spread rapidly.
by thesoznerd March 3, 2021
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