Bitch (slang)

The slang usage of the word bitch is apparent on the sign in this protest

Bitch (/bɪtʃ/)[1] is a pejorative slang word for a person, usually a woman. When applied to a woman or girl, it means someone who is belligerent, unreasonable, malicious, controlling, aggressive, or dominant.[2] When applied to a man or boy, bitch reverses its meaning and is a derogatory term for being subordinate, weak, or cowardly.[citation needed] In gay speech the word bitch can refer approvingly to a man who is unusually assertive or has the characteristics used pejoratively of a woman.[citation needed]

The term bitch is one of the most common profanities in the English language. It has been used as a "term of contempt towards women" for "over six centuries",[3] and is a slur that fosters sexism against women.[4] It has been characterized as "an archaic word demeaning women since as early as the 15th century" that seeks to control women.[5] The word is considered taboo in mainstream media, and euphemisms such as "the B-word" are used to minimize its negative impact.[6]

The term bitch literally means a female dog. Its original use as a vulgarism carried a meaning suggesting high sexual desire in a woman, comparable to a dog in heat.[2] The range of meanings has expanded in modern usage (such as when applied to a man). In a feminist context, it can indicate a strong or assertive woman and has therefore been reappropriated by some women.[7]

  1. ^ "Definition of bitch | Dictionary.com". dictionary.com. Archived from the original on 2021-07-31. Retrieved 2021-08-12.
  2. ^ a b Kleynman, Sherryl (Spring 2009). "Reclaiming Critical Analysis:The Social Harms of "Bitch"" (PDF). Sociological Analysis. 3. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2021-03-07. Retrieved 2021-03-25.
  3. ^ Tamayo, Yvonne A. (2009-02-14). "'Rhymes with Rich': Power, Law, and the Bitch". Willamette University College of Law. Rochester, NY. doi:10.2139/ssrn.1468989. SSRN 1468989. Archived from the original on 2024-05-17. Retrieved 2021-04-12.
  4. ^ "Women reflect on sexist slur that often goes unpunished". PBS NewsHour. 2020-07-25. Archived from the original on 2021-04-12. Retrieved 2021-04-12.
  5. ^ Drexler, Peggy (10 August 2015). "How the 'B-word' is used to keep women down". CNN. Archived from the original on 2021-04-12. Retrieved 2021-04-12.
  6. ^ HALL JAMIESON, KATHLEEN (Summer 2008). "The 'B' Word in Traditional News and on the Web". Nieman Reports (377): 31–33. Archived from the original on 2024-05-17. Retrieved 2021-04-12.
  7. ^ Pop Goes the Feminist Archived 2018-10-20 at the Wayback Machine, Deborah Solomon interviews Andi Zeisler, The New York Times, August 6, 2006.