Homophobia?

A few years ago, I told some friends, on a social media discussion, that the word homophobia (a coined term created in the late 1960's), misrepresented the root word meaning. Also, I felt it wasn't fear, that I've sensed in people who are being accused of this word; more like aversion or intolerance. I've always felt that there was more fear in those mentally suffering from being exposed or ridiculed.

 

However, I digress.  

 

As I said above, the word homophobia is an incorrect word that I have had issues with for years as it has morphed from two different languages and, if anyone knew them, would know it is incorrectly used.

 

1) Homo is Greek that means same (equal, like, similar common, one in the same). Phobia is Greek that means fear. So, we are same fearing or equal fearing?

 

2) Latin meaning for homo is man (meaning humanity/mankind) but Latin for fear is terror (irrational terror). Would we then be in terror of mankind?

 

Even the word homosexual is considered a barbaric hybrid word using two root word languages of Greek and Latin. 

 

Furthermore, it's ridiculous to misuse or misunderstand any word today, including root words, when an internet search is readily available. Especially, when these words are hatefully and erroneously used to bully. Especially, when they're spoken out of context. It's one reason why I learned to bypass words, occasionally, and read emotions instead. Emotions are often more truthful than words. 

 

Yet, words are still necessary and we've gotten use to saying words without understanding the real meaning or meanings. Words like gay or heaven and hell, for instance. We accept them without understanding were they came from or why. We misconstrue their usage without question. We twist words and create slang, we mix languages which can cause confusion. For example, Spanglish, among others. It is one of the main reasons why people learning a new language have more difficulty in understanding them. As an example, I read that Spanglish uses jamberger for hamburger. Seriously? 

 

Lastly, just because people choose to distort root words, twist word meanings, or create slang words, doesn't make it acceptable to others who are educated about the word's origin. Maybe its why the Associated Press decided to bar the use of Homophobia due to its inaccuracy. We can keep defining the heck out of but it still doesn't make it accurate. Now, I'm not saying we cannot create new words. However, we should be more careful of the words with roots. They could, intentionally, trip us up and invite derision.