Writers use “queer” as a versatile descriptor that can signal oddity, peculiarity, or a subtle departure from the norm. In some works, the term underscores physical or behavioral eccentricities, such as when a character is seen making odd faces or adopting a languid attitude [1],[2], while in others it conveys an emotional or situational unease—evoking a sense of discomfort or suspense [3],[4]. At times the word functions almost whimsically, hinting at bizarre or unaccountable qualities in people, objects, or even entire settings [5],[6], and in other moments it conveys an almost introspective strangeness, where internal feelings cannot be easily defined [7],[8]. This flexible use enriches narratives by inviting readers to question what is conventional and what lies beyond the ordinary.