Definition of freak

The word "freak" has its origins in the late 16th century, where it was primarily used to describe something that was strange or unusual, such as a natural phenomenon or a rare occurrence. This meaning of the word can still be found in some modern usages, such as referring to a freak storm or a freak accident. However, over time, the connotation of the word changed to take on a more negative meaning. By the 19th century, "freak" was being used to describe individuals who were seen as deviations from the norm, whether that was due to physical or mental differences. This included individuals with disabilities, unusual appearances, or who exhibited strange behaviors. The use of "freak" in this context continued into the 20th century, and it became a term of derision and opprobrium, with unpleasant associations of fear, prejudice, and cruelty. In the 1960s, the word began to be reclaimed by people who identified with the term and sought to redefine its meaning, instead using it to celebrate their differences and to confront the normative expectations of society. Today, the usage of "freak" is complex and multivalent, encompassing both positive and negative connotations depending on the context and the speaker's intentions. Some people use the word in a self-ironic or proud way, while others still use it in a negative and stigmatizing way. The ongoing debate over the use of the word "freak" highlights the ongoing struggle to define what is considered normal, and who is included or excluded from that category.