I really hate the word bitch

[suzikettles]

...and it's derivatives - bitchy, bitches.

Why do we need this word? Why do women throw it around to describe the behaviour of other women? It's so belittling.

Sorry, no great thesis here, but I just really, really dislike it.

I'm trying to think if there's a male equivalent - wanker? No, just not the same.

[WinkyWinkola]

I call men bitches all the time. To me it's not a female thing - it means unnecessary nastiness. But I know to a lot of folk, it's essentially essentially an insult to the female.

But then there are lots of 'male' equivalents. Knob etc. I use both without prejudice!

[Hassled]

I'd have said "bastard" is the male equivalent. You don't often hear women being referred to as bastards.

It's not a nice word, but I don't think I see it as belittling. Offensive, upsetting, etc., but not belittling.

[suzikettles]

Well maybe it's just me then.

Not sure that bastard is quite the same. Bastard (by definition) could be male or female. Bitch (again, by definition) is female.

I've not often heard a man called a bitch - unless he's gay or/and exhibiting so-called effeminate characteristics.

I could think of situations where a man could be called a bastard and it would be admiringly "he's a hard bastard". Can't think of an equivalent situation where bitch would be used.

Anyway, it just makes me cringe every time I hear/read it. Personal bug bear.

(My teeth are permanently on edge every time the "itchy" mob rolls into town )

[nameymcnamechange]

I can't stand it either. But I'll happily eff and jeff and am not offended by the c word.

[BecauseImWorthIt]

I hate this word too. I think it's because of the venom with which it is often used.

[BitOfFun]

I don't think women tend to be called bastards really. Or only ironically. And the word, when used as an insult, does not refer to illegitimacy nowadays, from what I can tell. And sometimes bitch is used with the same kind of grudging admiration.

But I don't know why I'm nitpicking at your post there, suzi, because I basically agree with you- it's horrible!

[nikkershaw]

it's a good descriptive word