What does "fair game" mean?

[Mrs. Luther073082]

Yes, I did go there and make yet another poll ETA - just vote for what you think it generally means. So, for example, I'll be voting for the middle option because when I hear people say "that person is still fair game" I think that means they have no problem with trying to take that person away from whoever they are with. I would not do that, but that's what I think of when I hear the phrase.

 

[E.C.]

It just means you can pursue them.

If they are in a relationship, than what's the point of pursuing them? It is futile. The only exception to that would be if they were with someone that caused you to have strong reservations about how long it would last. In that case, keep them in the back of your mind, but still be honorable.

 

[mina]

it means you can shoot them if they are out in the open, with love arrows of course. (metaphorically speaking).
Basically it means there's no commitment yet in their relationship, so there's nothing stopping someone from taking advantage of that.

 

[Niels]

Other.

When I hear "fair game" I think "they're not married, so it's their choice". If a woman is dating a guy that she doesn't like (or is indifferent towards), and then falls in love with a guy that she does like, then it's only right that they should be together. The right thing for her to do is bring closure to her previous relationship, so that she can pursue the right one. She is "fair game" because she wants to be. It is a matter of her will, and her right to decide for herself. People are not property. They can make up their own minds. When I say "fair game" it does not mean I will start pursuing women who are in relationships. It just means that there are cases where it is just and right for the single person to find somebody who is a good match.

That said, if I am attracted to a woman, and I learn that she is in a happy relationship, the attraction disappears. In fact, it usually disappears if I hear that she is in a dating relationship of any kind. I don't even think about waiting for her to break up. Who wants to be the rebound guy? Not me. The term "fair game" makes me think about what's fair and what's not. From an ethical standpoint, it is fair for singles to be together if they want to be. That doesn't mean I hit on women who are in relationships!

 

[Mrs. Luther073082]

I'm glad people are clarifying what they think it means because yesterday when I made all those polls I had my own definition in mind (that fair game means you think it is perfectly fine to chase after somebody when they're involved).

The reason I had that definition in mind is because a guy who [used to be] my friend thought girls who had boyfriends were "fair game" (his exact words). And he ALWAYS seemed to be crushing on girls who were taken! With one of the girls he was hanging out with her one on one and with groups. Actually, now that I think about it, there were two girls who had boyfriends that I can think of where he did that. There was a pic of him and one of the girls on facebook, drunk, together in a bar WITHOUT her bf being there. Anyway then one day one of the girls got engaged and he wrote me this long depressed (pathetic, I might add) e-mail. Also, not surprisingly, this guy didn't respect my relationship when I was in one.

As a sidenote I think the girls who hung out with him alone in the examples above were pretty crappy girlfriends.

Then there also have been 2-3 guys who, when I've had boyfriends, have without a doubt tried to steal me away. One guy (this was in highschool) was like calling me and writing me poems and crap -- and he had met my boyfriend and hung out with us and my other friends! And another guy (this was in college a few years ago) was always calling me and blatantly asking me out (more than once) even though he knew I had a boyfriend. And I'm not even going to go into what the third guy did.

So yeah in recent years when it has come choosing my friends, I've been sticking with girls. I don't hang out with any guys anymore (with the obvious exception of Kirk).

 

[Markus6]

I'm glad people are clarifying what they think it means because yesterday when I made all those polls I had my own definition in mind (that fair game means you think it is perfectly fine to chase after somebody when they're involved).

The reason I had that definition in mind is because a guy who [used to be] my friend thought girls who had boyfriends were "fair game" (his exact words). And he ALWAYS seemed to be crushing on girls who were taken! With one of the girls he was hanging out with her one on one and with groups. Actually, now that I think about it, there were two girls who had boyfriends that I can think of where he did that. There was a pic of him and one of the girls on facebook, drunk, together in a bar WITHOUT her bf being there. Anyway then one day one of the girls got engaged and he wrote me this long depressed (pathetic, I might add) e-mail. Also, not surprisingly, this guy didn't respect my relationship when I was in one.

As a sidenote I think the girls who hung out with him alone in the examples above were pretty crappy girlfriends.

Then there also have been 2-3 guys who, when I've had boyfriends, have without a doubt tried to steal me away. One guy (this was in highschool) was like calling me and writing me poems and crap -- and he had met my boyfriend and hung out with us and my other friends! And another guy (this was in college a few years ago) was always calling me and blatantly asking me out (more than once) even though he knew I had a boyfriend. And I'm not even going to go into what the third guy did.

So yeah in recent years when it has come choosing my friends, I've been sticking with girls. I don't hang out with any guys anymore (with the obvious exception of Kirk).

Me and my girlfriend have been talking about this and I've been pretty clear that I want to have platonic friendships with females. Being part of a Christian community means having close relationships with both boys and girls. I also need close female friends to ask advice about things to do with my girlfriend, if all I ever got was the male perspective then: Eek!...

 

[latteda]

To me it means thinking it's acceptable to pursue a relationship with them with the intentions of it becoming romantic.

 

[Balugon]

fair game is any lady that is decidely not given herself to anyone. Typically this would include normal single ladies; ladies who are liked by some guy but arent interested in him; and ladies who may have gone on a few dates with a guy (to get to know him), but dont appear to be very interested in the guy, often bluntly admitting so.

Now, thats my definition of fair game. But it will be different to different guys. Some of the lowest of guys would call fair game "she's drunk at this bar and has no idea where she is."

So i guess u could say the general definition of fair game is- able to be pursued or taken- often attached with "as long as reprocussions dont outweigh the benefits."

 

[Thunder Peel]

To be honest, I have no idea what it means. I'm hoping this thread can finally provide me with an answer (considering that about five threads are already using this term).