Feminists

Jim Lane

(11,175 posts)

6. I think "bitch" is closer to becoming generic.

Mon Feb 6, 2012, 03:12 PM

Feb 2012

The linked article states:

Bitch is a word we use culturally to describe any woman who is strong, angry, uncompromising and, often, uninterested in pleasing men. We use the term for a woman on the street who doesn’t respond to men’s catcalls or smile when they say, “Cheer up, baby, it can’t be that bad.” We use it for the woman who has a better job than a man and doesn’t apologize for it. We use it for the woman who doesn’t back down from a confrontation.

That's true, but it's not the whole truth. "Bitch" is also used as a verb to mean "complain" (with a negative connotation).

For example, I've said things like "If we get into that subject at the meeting, Dave will waste ten minutes bitching about what we did last year." Here I'm using a word with a negative connotation because I'm upset at the prospect of wasting time on pointless recriminations.

I wouldn't use "cunt" but I think "bitch" is on a different footing.

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Highlight:

Feminism Friday: On “Bitch” and Other Misogynist Language [View all] seabeyond Feb 2012 OP

This was an excellent read. JTFrog Feb 2012 #1

"Comparing cunt to the n-word isn’t accurate and trivializes the n-word." BlueIris Feb 2012 #2

Rinse, lather, repeat. laconicsax Feb 2012 #3

that made me giggle and roll eyes, too. nt seabeyond Feb 2012 #4

Unfuckingbelievable. CrispyQ Feb 2012 #10

All derogatory terms, are intended to cement the INGROUP, by alienating the OUTGROUP. WingDinger Feb 2012 #5

I think "bitch" is closer to becoming generic. Jim Lane Feb 2012 #6

i think bitch still holds it meaning... seabeyond Feb 2012 #8

I don't think people know what bitch means anymore. Neoma Feb 2012 #7

I had that same basic discussion noamnety Feb 2012 #9

such a nightmare of a picture- Tumbulu Feb 2012 #11

On an allegedly progressive board, no less. laconicsax Feb 2012 #12