queerbait

American  

[kweer-beyt] / ˈkwɪərˌbeɪt /

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?

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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.

Etymology

Origin of queerbait

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