I’ve been doing some thinking about word usage and it seems to me that there may be a difference between how men and women use the term “bitch”. It seems to be a bit harsher when a man uses it then a woman…is this accurate, or is it just a perception. How do you use the term? Is it offensive to you. Please discuss among yourselves.
It seems that among the straight men I know that it is used as a slightly more polite alternative to C**t, with many of the same inflections and meanings(I can’t really speak for gay men, but it does seem to have a different usage with them) …while women tend to soften the term.
But, back to the OP. I have female acquaintances who use “bitch” and “girlfriend” interchangeably. But usually when I hear a guy use it, he’s saying that a woman is a nasty, surly, unpleasant hag. I don’t know why there’s such a difference in how it comes off, but there always seems to be a bit more venom when guys say it.
Maybe it’s because I hang around with a lot of outspoken women, but I don’t consider “bitch” an insult.
When I get called “bitch” by someone trying to get under my skin, I find it laughable. It usually means that I had the nerve to speak my mind or stand up for myself and/or my beliefs and that is the only retort they can come up with.
Male or female, it doesn’t matter. I do think that men use it more as an insult then women do, but personally it has no effect on me.
For some reason, in my town, “bitch” is a gender-neutral term, applied to males and females alike. It’s not unusual to hear, “God, he’s such a bitch!” Around here, “bitch” is a word which means a “bad thing” rather than its more traditional usage, such as in “Cleaning the house is a bitch!” or “That computer is a bitch to use.”
I have a love/hate relationship with the word “bitch”. I do bridle at its usage as an insult, but my reaction is stronger when a man uses it as a put-down. On the other hand, when a man calls me a bitch, I figure it says something about him and it’s generally when I’m behaving in an assertive manner that I get called that. Also, I’ve noticed men only call other men bitches when they mean to say a man is like a woman or in a lesser position. That’s why men saying it bothers me more. Most women I know say “bitch” in an abstract way–sometimes, it’s more an expression of envy than contempt. (ie, “skinny bitch.”)
“Bitch” used in a joking manner is fine by me.
To my knowledge, I’ve never had a woman call me a bitch and mean it as an insult, but I’ve had plenty of men call me a bitch for many reasons (like turning down a stranger’s random offer for sex, arguing with a boyfriend, or refusing to break the rules for a customer).
At least among my friends, all straight males, “bitch” is used far more as a verb or generic insult than one specific to women, but women are more likely to be refered to as a bitch, though I can’t recall a single occasion of actually calling a woman a bitch to her face. Lemme try and clarify a little here…
VERB- “Quit bitching”
GENERIC INSULT- someone (Party A) does something someone else (Party B) doesn’t like. Party B calls Party A a “BITCH!”
GENERIC INSULT APPLIED TO A WOMAN- Driving through a parking lot, someone (who happens to be female) is in the way. “Get out the way bitch!” This is said with the windows up, at a low enough volume nobody outside the car hears.
Now that I’m thinking about it, if a man does something to piss us off, he’s an “asshole.” A woman does the same thing, she’s a “bitch” But bitch can be applied to men, it’s probably more (supposed to be, anywhay) insulting.
In the OP, the term c**t was mentioned. I for one will NOT call anyone this, even jokingly. Actually, I can’t recall ever having said the word. Don’t know why I find it so mind-bogglingly offensive, as I curse wildly during normal conversation. I have actually offended and shocked sailors…true fact
When used as to a woman, it means she’s a nag, inconsiderate, or has unreasonable expectations. (E.g., "bitch on wheels) It’s a rather mild epithet, and can be used jokingly.
When used as to a man, it means he’s a sissy and/or a whiner, i.e., that he’s being a “woman.” It is rather stronger when used as to a man than as to a woman, but it is also much more likely to be used in jest.
