queerbait

[ kweer-beyt ]

verb (used with or without object)

, Slang.

1. to display intentional homoeroticism or suggestions of LGBTQ+ themes intended to draw in an LGBTQ+ audience, but without inclusion of openly LGBTQ+ relationships, characters, or people:

   The intention was not to queerbait audiences, but to slip past censors.

   There was a lot of backlash, but what do you expect when you queerbait?

noun

1. a character or relationship displaying intentional homoeroticism but never depicted as openly LGBTQ+, the inclusion of which is perceived as being intended to draw in an LGBTQ+ audience:

   It's obvious queerbait, but I can't help loving their relationship.

2. Offensive. a man, often a cisgender and heterosexual one, considered to be attractive to gay men.

Word History and Origins

Origin of queerbait¹

First recorded in 1960–65; back formation from queerbaiting ( def )