External links
Look up no homo in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
- That's Gay: No Homo, October 7, 2009, Current TV.
"No homo" is a slang phrase used at the end of a sentence to assert the statement or action by the speaker had no intentional homosexual implications. [1] The phrase is also "added to a statement in order to rid [oneself] of a possible homosexual double-entendre". [1] [2]
The phrase was originated by Harlem, New York City, natives as a way to quash any sexual and gender error or overstep within lyrics. [3] Joshua Brown in the Journal of Homosexuality , states "the phrase 'no homo' arose in Hip-Hop lyrics of the 1990s as a discourse interjection to negate supposed sexual and gender transgressions". [3] The phrase "no homo" used in a lyrical context comes as a pre-emptive maneuver to deflect any attacks on the artist's masculinity or heterosexual status. [3] Within this context, "'No homo' is not necessarily addressing homosexuality, but creating a verbal defensive in the musical battlefield that is wrought with signifyn' and bustin'. [Musicians] realize that a lyric, which is 'inadvertently gay,' is fodder for another's verbal attack on their masculinity within hip-hop culture. In an attempt to divert their own de-masculinization, musicians presuppose those attacks at their masculinity". [3]
As with many attributes of hip hop culture, the use of "no homo" has become integrated into the mainstream North American vernacular. One reason for this as proposed by Brown is that the integration and reception of the specific phrase no homo into the conversational dialect of North American English was simple and due in part to its phonetic resonance.[ clarification needed ] [3] Due to its association to the display of hypermasculinity, scholar Deborah Cameron argues the use of this phrase by young males demonstrates how "gender has constantly to be reaffirmed and publicly displayed by repeatedly performing particular acts in accordance to cultural norms". [4]
A 2018 analysis of 396 tweets containing "no homo" found that while the phrase was sometimes used as an insult against those expressing non-heteronormative behavior, it was more commonly used in tweets about liking something or same-sex friendships, where "no homo" defends against accusations of effeminacy or homosexuality. [5] : 10
The use of "no homo" among women is far less commonplace. [3] [5] : 1 Brown states that "women can and do use 'no homo,' although the instances are markedly less in frequency" because it is not unacceptable for a female to commit a gender transgression or display femininity through their modes of speaking. [3] Hip hop artist Nicki Minaj used the phrase in her song "Baddest Bitch", stating in the lyrics: "And if he want some pussy that's a no-no / I only fuck with bad bitches, no homo". [3]
There are instances of LGBT people using "no homo," though it is most often done so in a more ambiguous or critical light and does not reduce the homophobic qualities. [3] For instance, it could be used by a gay man "when complimenting a straight man on his appearance...distancing the compliment from a sexual advance, when a gay man feels threatened or seeks to protect himself from misunderstanding". [3] In these instances, the phrase was used either as a protective measure for one's legitimate misunderstanding or as an ironic commentary on the phrase itself.
Several social commentators have criticized the use of "no homo" in hip hop and in the mainstream. It has been said that the phrase "uphold[s] an unhealthy relationship with homosexuality, a relationship based in fear." [6] Fox News commentator Marc Lamont Hill encouraged the hip hop community to stop using "no homo" in its music. [7]
Slate columnist Jonah Weiner notes several hip hop artists –such as Cam'ron and Lil Wayne –cultivate an extravagant and camp public persona while embracing homophobia, but saying "no homo" can help expand established concepts of masculinity and challenge the status quo. [1]
"Yeah, we loaded up — no homo," Ball said. "But that's what we wanted. Put the hand up, and then live with the results."