Hom-o-sexual v Ho-mo-sexual
The trouble with these two words is that they are written the same HOMO-SEXUAL, thus without any pronunciation marks the difference in written meaning has to be taken from the context in which the words are used. In speech, it should be possible to ascertain the speakers meaning by his/her correct use of pronunciation.
Lord Arran in 1967, when promulgating the new Act of Parliament concerning the legalising of Homo-sexuality, did comment that, in his opinion, the general public were astute enough to understand the nature of the difference between the Greek and the Latin use of the word HOMO.
I am not so sure: I find that in general pub conversation, hardly anyone understands the subtle difference in the pronunciations of the word HOMO. So, for the benefit of clarification among the elite Hamster site members I shall extrapolate:-
HOM-O: From the Latin for 'Man' as in the genus of mankind or as in the male gender of the species. Pronounced as in the common phrase HOMO-SAPIENS. Ergo a HOM-O-SEXUAL loves MAN, loves having sex with men/man. So, a woman or a man who likes men/man is a HOM-O-SEXUAL. Please note a 'LESBIAN' is NOT a HOM-O-SEXUAL
HO-Mo: From the Greek for the 'Same' used in words like Homogenised Milk. Ergo HO-MO-SEXUAL loves the same gender as him/herself. A Lesbian is a HO-MO-SEXUAL But a man who loves a man can be correct with either pronunciation.
I trust that clarifies the issue so that no one need mispronounce and confuse these two words again.
Lord Arran in 1967, when promulgating the new Act of Parliament concerning the legalising of Homo-sexuality, did comment that, in his opinion, the general public were astute enough to understand the nature of the difference between the Greek and the Latin use of the word HOMO.
I am not so sure: I find that in general pub conversation, hardly anyone understands the subtle difference in the pronunciations of the word HOMO. So, for the benefit of clarification among the elite Hamster site members I shall extrapolate:-
HOM-O: From the Latin for 'Man' as in the genus of mankind or as in the male gender of the species. Pronounced as in the common phrase HOMO-SAPIENS. Ergo a HOM-O-SEXUAL loves MAN, loves having sex with men/man. So, a woman or a man who likes men/man is a HOM-O-SEXUAL. Please note a 'LESBIAN' is NOT a HOM-O-SEXUAL
HO-Mo: From the Greek for the 'Same' used in words like Homogenised Milk. Ergo HO-MO-SEXUAL loves the same gender as him/herself. A Lesbian is a HO-MO-SEXUAL But a man who loves a man can be correct with either pronunciation.
I trust that clarifies the issue so that no one need mispronounce and confuse these two words again.
9 years ago
Glad that this pedant has taught you to be a little wiser, so, next time in the pub, when the word 'HOMOSEXUAL' comes up, you will be able to stand on your high horse and pontificate as to which meaning was being expressed or implied. Cheers. (PS I do put the Times right when they get History things wrong!!