F word as in, 'If you see Kay (eff-u-cee-kay), tell her I want to see her'.

Let me tell you, straight up (no pun intended) that The Pogues are one of my all-time fave bands. I play their CD's over and over and over. Love 'em. I never thought that the use of the word "faggot" in the context of the song was intended as a gay slur, but just another name to throw at each other. I guess I should have thought of it being the gay equivalent of the n-word, but the context of the song and the fact that the only time I have ever heard men use the word "faggot" has been some of my gay friends talking about themselves or referring to their close friends, i.e. being funny, means that I tend not to see the word as a hate word.

I know it can be used by homophobic rednecks, but in fact, I don't remember anyone flinging it around as an insult in my social world.

I remember when I was a lot younger being really upset when a gay friend first told me why the word is used - witch burning context, using gay people as fuel for the fire.

But back to the article I linked to, I think it was the swear word firstly, and then the word "faggot" which the journalist was writing an opinion about.