"Bitch" Bad?

3/18/2013

The term “Bitch” is defined as “a malicious, spiteful, or overbearing woman —sometimes used as a generalized term of abuse.” However, recently women have been using this word to proudly identify themselves (take this "self-help" book on how to be the right type of bitch, for instance). Do you think this term is offensive or endearing? Should women be embracing it or should they take offense to it? Explain your reasoning.

Brennan Diaz

3/18/2013 02:01:46 pm

I honestly did not know women were starting to think of this title as a complement or something they want to be named. I guess I am a little behind. I believe that it is society and culture in our high schools and youth. It is cool to be bad-ass and stuck up? I do not really know. I mean the fact that someone wrote a book about that is interesting. I guess the author is trying to say that a man likes a woman who stands up for herself and is not afraid to speak her mind. However, that is not the definition of a Bitch. I believe I am at a loss of words and scratching my head at this knew trend in women. In the end, I think the word Bitch is offensive at least to me. Maybe it is because I am a guy. If I was called a Bitch, I would have some immediate problems with who ever called me that. Maybe only in girl world the term Bitch can be endearing, no offence.

Nick Casablanca

3/19/2013 01:13:59 am

Good points Brennan. It is true that women embrace that title more and more everyday. Just the way things are in the society that we live in today.

Christina M

3/20/2013 02:38:20 am

Good points Brennan! If someone called me a bitch I would definately not embrace it and im not sure how some women can.

Haley Krivensky

3/20/2013 02:56:50 am

I agree, since when did women like being called a bitch? I dont enjoy it, but maybe I'll try calling guys bitches and see if they like it.

Shayne Fitol

3/20/2013 09:20:04 am

I agree with you 100 percent. I guess I was a bit behind too, because I was also unaware that some women enjoyed being called a bitch. Also, I don't find it endearing either.

Katheryn Byrnes

3/20/2013 11:08:02 am

I completely agree. I don't even understand how people started using them as terms of endearment. To me it is an offensive term and as always been one.

Meredith Folsom

3/21/2013 02:25:19 am

Yeah, I agree. What girl likes being called a bitch??

Dan Mott

3/21/2013 08:03:34 am

Brought up really good and valid points. Agree 100%. Well done.

Alex M

3/21/2013 11:04:52 am

I was thinking the same thing brennan. I think bitch is a very offensive word, and it is funny to think that someone basically wrote a book on how to be a bitch.

Victoria Marino

3/21/2013 02:08:15 pm

Good points Brennen. I agree that I am too scratching my head in disappointment in these women who think it is a compliment.

Nick Casablanca

3/19/2013 01:20:14 am

Being called a bitch used to be really offensive, but the story is different today. My sister and her friends sometimes call each other bitches just for a way to be cool and stuff. I don't get how that works at all, but I'll probably never know. Also, when my sisters are being called a bitch, they take no offense to it anymore, they just laugh and make sure that they have the last word in an argument with whoever. I guess they take it in the way of "sticks and stones". Women and girls most likely will not let the word bitch hurt them. But to be honest, I just don't get the whole idea of when this suddenly became a cool thing for people in middle school to use these days and when women do eventually become offended by it. It's just one of those things that I try to avoid knowing. That's just the way things are in today's world.

Brennen Diaz

3/21/2013 11:18:20 am

Interesting points Nick. I feel the same way, like I missed something. Hopefully, your sister grows out of that phase and realizes it. I feel that this effects a girls life and the girl world more than the boy world.

Haley Krivensky

3/20/2013 02:49:07 am

I think that bitch has become a more accepted term in todays world, especially for teenagers/young adults. I feel like older women would take offense to being called a bitch. As well as older men would not even think about calling a woman that. Now a days, with rap becoming one of the most popular genres of music, the word bitch is a little more accepted. There are many songs that quote this word saying things like, "I like bad bitches" or "big booty bitches". Men often refer to their significant other as their bitch. They say this regardless of the woman's personality. She might not be considered a "bitchy" person, someone who is cranky and mean and uncaring, because the term bitch no longer means exactly that.
I'm not sure why women view the word bitch as one that is endearing. Although it is becoming more accepted in our world to call yourself a "bad bitch", I think that the term still has negative connotations to it. Originally the term meant a female dog. I think now the term can mean many different things depending on the context. It could mean that a woman is malicious and spiteful, or it could mean that she's the female counterpart of a male. Usually though, I think it is used negatively and offensively. I do not think that women should embrace it.

Bridget Borowy

3/20/2013 10:44:07 am

I agree that it depends on what context the word is being used. It has definitely become more acceptable nowadays to our society, but I also agree that women shouldn't embrace it.

Meghan Giannettino

3/20/2013 12:48:05 pm

I agree Haley that a lot of teenagers/young adults see more as an accepting term. You would never hear an older woman referring to herself as a bitch.

Jackie

3/21/2013 02:31:25 am

I really like how you brought up song lyrics. You made really good points and I agree with you

Kaitlyn C

3/21/2013 08:51:22 am

I completely agree with what you said about how it has become more accepted. Now, it's a really commonly used term, sometimes even in casual conversation, instead of it only being used in a pretty serious argument. I like your point about how its meaning has changed.

Jess Fedak

3/21/2013 08:52:03 am

I agree Haley! Women should not embrace the word bitch and even though it is more common it still has a negative connotation.

Christina M

3/20/2013 02:50:51 am

The term bitch has many meanings today. I do not believe that women should embrace the term however, I think at points it is necessary to do so. For example, if you are a boss or a mom you need to be a bitch sometimes to successfully get your point across whether it is making sure people are on time for work or making your lazy children clean their rooms. In those types of circumstances it is important to be a little overbearing. What makes the term bitch offensive is when people use it as verbal abuse. For example, if two girls are mad at each other and get into a fight they will 99.9% of the time call each other bitches. Although this may be true, it is offensive to both parties. Lets say a girl and he boyfriend get into an argument about the boyfriend going to a party without the girlfriend the boyfriend might call his girlfriend a bitch. This is offensive because it is coming from someone that she cares about and it it was also said out of anger an meant to make her feel guilty about her actions. Then there is the classic "best friend language" when girls refer ti each other as bitches in a casual and non offensive manner. For example, I get texts from my friends all the time saying "hey bitch". I do not take offense to this because the term bitch is not being used in a way that makes me feel guilty or upset. I honestly don't know why we do this and to be honest it is kind of stupid. Because of the numerous ways the term bitch is used today I cannot pick a side and say that women should take offense to it or embrace it. It all depends on the way it is being used.

Kaitlyn Twombly

3/20/2013 02:13:49 pm

Christina, I agree with the statement that it is all in the way the term "bitch" is being used whether it is offensive or not. I also agree with your point that women should not embrace the word when describing themselves. Great blog with lots of valid examples.

Katie Mitchell

3/21/2013 02:45:57 pm

I agree with you Christina. I think the term is offensive when people use it as verbal abuse. But in times you need to be a bitch to get what you want.

Zach Antonio

3/21/2013 02:49:17 pm

I agree with you points revolving around the idea that the term "bitch" can be either offensive or endearing, depending on the intention behind it.

Shayne Fitol

3/20/2013 09:34:00 am

I do not find the word bitch to be endearing. I also would be pretty offended if someone called me a bitch. Actually, it would probably not end well for the person who called me that. But then again, I am a guy. Maybe that's why I don't get the appeal of being called a bitch. To me, the definition of the word is not "being strong-willed" and "standing up for yourself." That's probably just something a woman who got called a bitch a lot made up to make herself look better.
Brennen mentioned earlier that he found the fact that someone wrote a book about this interesting. I am less interested in that and more interested in how well the book has been received, as the picture states "over 1 million copies sold!" at the top. Does this mean a lot of people agree with the new concept? I'm not sure. But it definitely shows that it is a legitimate trend.
I know I would certainly take offense to it. If someone walked up to me and called me a bitch, well, I would not be responding by saying thank you.

Bridget Borowy

3/20/2013 11:00:21 am

The term "Bitch" has definitely become less of an insult over the years. Girls call each other's friends bitches, girls refer to themselves as "bad bitches", and guys refer to their girlfriends as their bitches. However, in stupid fights people also use the word in a negative context. It started off as an insulting word to women. Back in the day it would have been appalling thing to say to a woman's face. Nowadays, nobody really cares. Even if it is said to a girl as an insult, some may embrace it rather than take offense to it. Boys, however, would probably take offense to being called a bitch because it is implying that they are weak. I guess today it's just a trend that has been more accepted thanks to the lyrics in the music we listen to, or even just statements made over twitter when girls think they're badass because they're a bad bitch. But I don't think the term should be endearing. I don't think I would like being called a bitch under any circumstances because it just doesn't sound professional or mature in my opinion.

Kristina Lacasse

3/20/2013 02:05:53 pm

I like how you mentioned the unprofessional and immature aspects of today's usage. I agree that back in the day, "bitch" would be totally unacceptable.

Danielle O.

3/20/2013 04:22:58 pm

Okay, so I was casually scrolling down and I saw that you brought up the term "bad bitch" and I laughed because I HATE that term. But I do agree with everything you said, good points Bridget!!

Katheryn Byrnes

3/20/2013 11:08:41 am

I believe that the term will always be considered offensive. Even when people use it endearingly there is still that offensive tone. May friends use it to be funny or friendly but in a way you can still be putting that person down. In the past it has been used as offensive. If a person truly cares and/or loves you they would never call you a bitch, not even behind your back. There are some words that people don’t want to be called or classified as because it brings them down and people will always think of them that way. It’s like a nickname. People call someone a bitch and it sticks. They will never be able to shake that off and people will only see them as a bitch. No matter what people say to me it will always be an offensive term.

Meghan Giannettino

3/20/2013 12:44:37 pm

I may be old fashioned, but I still take offense to being called a bitch. Society (mostly teenage girl in this case), have twisted it around like other popular words; sick, dope,word to try make it their own, to give it an edge. I hear it being used by teenage girls to justify how “bad-ass or tough” they are. It’s all about the tone of voice. Some women actually do admit if they are being a bitch in overbearing way. To me that would be the only reason a grown woman would call herself that. A teenage girls use it to be “cool”. Personally I've rarely hear it here at OHS, it’s more used as ghetto talk. Other than that women and girls should not being referring to themselves as a bitch its degrading and insulting. It means exactly what it says in the dictionary. This just accentuates what’s wrong with society today.

Kara DeVito link

3/21/2013 10:11:30 am

Meghan, I totally agree. Girls calling themselves bitches are just accentuating how crazy this society really is.

Kristina Lacasse

3/20/2013 02:01:22 pm

I don’t believe in embracing the title of a bitch. In today’s society, people have made the word lose meaning the more it is used. Friends call their friends bitches. It may seem like a recent trend, but almost 40 years ago, Elton John released “The Bitch is Back” which embraces the title. These days, artists have used the word more and more freely in their songs. Being called a bitch nowadays is supposed to be empowering. It is possible to be empowering and to able to stand up for what you believe, however there can more appropriate terms that one can use. People use the word to describe people as subordinate and that is offensive. Most synonyms and words (whining, dog, rude) associated with the bitch have negative connotations. With the meaning, bitch is an offensive term, however nowadays the word seems to lose this meaning.

Kyle Blake

3/21/2013 06:45:53 am

I like the reference to elton john in your post

Kaitlyn Twombly

3/20/2013 02:33:12 pm

The word "bitch" is a term that has certainly evolved with time. What began as extremely offensive has now turned into some type of compliment for some or slang. In my opinion, the word "bitch" with its connotation today is a generational fad in a way. But just because the majority of our generation is accepting this word being used almost positively and nonchalantly doesn't mean that it still doesn't have offensive roots. To me, being called a bitch will always be offensive. Of course tone and circumstance also have a lot to do with the offensiveness, though. Sure, my friends have used it as a method of greeting each other, which is somewhat more acceptable than outright calling someone a bitch, but I do not think it is correct. Going a step further, I think it is even more incorrect when a woman refers to herself as a bitch in an embracive manner. Im not saying that women can not act like one, but to flaunt it verbally does not make much sense to me as it is a degrading word. Why someone would purposefully want to degrade themselves is beyond me. In conclusion, the term "bitch" has become much more of a positive word than negative with this generation, but there is still offense to be taken in my opinion. Of course, it is up to each woman as an individual how she chooses to perceive the word, though.

Dan K

3/27/2013 02:19:02 am

I totally agree with you. It's a very derogatory term and shouldn't be used by anyone especially when calling yourself one.

Danielle O'Banner

3/20/2013 04:44:15 pm

Some people may find this offensive, but I think that the term bitch could at this point be comparable to the words nigga or slut/whore. It started off with very negative connotations and yet over the years people have dumbed down the meaning behind it and made it a word that is used in casual conversation. And I think that our society has done that with a lot of words, we think that if we keep saying an offensive word in casual contexts it’ll be acceptable, but that just isn’t true. Now I can’t deny that I have used the word bitch before in reference to others but in most cases when I say that I am saying it because I really don’t like the person. I don’t find the word bitch endearing and I’d be annoyed if someone walked by and was like “hey bitch” because that’s obnoxious. Like Bridget stated before people use the different variations of bitch, there are your everyday “basic” bitches, and then you have your super awesome “bad” bitches, NONE of which are flattering and it’s embarrassing that people think it is okay to refer to themselves as any sort of bitch. The role the word bitch has played in society has also changed drastically over the years; you can turn on the TV or radio and probably find a song or television program where the word bitch is being dropped. I actually looked up what bitch meant in Urban Dictionary, and some of the definitions ranged from: A whiny female, a modern day servant, and a guy who is whipped. Those definitions are all false and offensive to anyone who falls under these categories. I can almost guarantee that if I walked up to any girl in school and said “You’re a bitch” they would be furious because bitch is not, and will never be a nice, cute name to call your friends. I think that as young ladies/women we should have a little more self-respect when it comes to the nicknames we allow people to call us. Overall the word bitch is just not endearing, and if someone called me a bitch I’d have a BF (bitch fit, this is awkward unless you’ve seen White Chicks). And as for the woman who wrote that book, I think she’s an idiot. I don’t think I’ve ever heard a man say he likes bitches, except for rappers but they obviously do not count in this situation.

Christina Buswell

3/21/2013 08:17:38 am

I completely agree with you Danielle. It's not flattering or cute to refer to yourself as a basic bitch or a bad bitch.

Lauren Barry

3/21/2013 10:42:57 am

Danielle, your saying that the word has been "dumbed-down" is the perfect description. Really good points!

Camille Glasow

3/21/2013 11:33:19 am

This was exactly everything I was thinking! Well said, Danielle.

Steve Mahoney

3/21/2013 01:35:24 pm

Great post ya bisshhhhh, I mean you outstanding person. Girls shouldn't call themselves bitches because it just gives men a reason to. I agree with you 100%

Meredith Folsom

3/21/2013 02:25:44 am

No one wants to be called a bitch. I know some girls call themselves "bad bitches" but that has a different connotation. If you call yourself a bitch I feel like it's not that bad. However, if a boy called me a bitch I would definitely be offended. The definition itself is mean and would obviously hurt someone's feeling. But I don't think a girl should take pride in calling them self a bad bitch. Like what does that even mean? But to each his own. It really depends on the person. But I guarantee most of the world finds the word bitch offensive. It is a swear after all.

Amanda Donofrio

3/21/2013 06:55:07 am

Meredith, the word can have different connotations depending on who is calling who the name and in what context. I deffinatly think the word can be used in everyday speech without having such volgar meaning, similar to girls calling themselves "bad bitches." Of course they have no intensions of insulting themselves. But it too can be insulting when calling others a bitch because they may feel attacked by the word.

Jackie Ortiz

3/21/2013 02:40:02 am

"I like bad bitches that's my effing problem" lyrics like this are thrown in our faces on a daily basis. Rappers use bitch as endearing but then will make it offensive in the next verse. The term bitch is offensive no matter what. I personally take offense to the word. It is a curse word for a reason. The definition of bitch is a female dog, so in reality you are putting a women on the same level as a dog. And I know if I were to describe a men as a dog they would be offended as well. Girls use it too freely these days. It's funny though because they think they can use the word about themselves and a friend and it will be endearing. But when it's someone of the opposite sex or even someone they don't like it becomes something to fight over. That alone should have girls realize that it's not a nice word. It's rude, uncalled for, and a reason for someone to get slapped in the mouth. As girls begin to respect their worth they will realize that it is a word that you do not think it is funny to be called.

Tim Osborn

3/21/2013 04:35:26 am

I agree with you on the rap part. I think rappers have transformed words into something they aren't just to fit into a song. Then they get carried over into everyday language because people have it going through their head

maria castelot

3/21/2013 10:15:30 am

i agree with you jackie completely. calling someone a bitch is not a compiment at all and is very offensive to most people!

Tim Osborn

3/21/2013 04:28:58 am

In history the word bitch was very offensive. However, now most people just view it as another word. Even just walking through the hallways you can hear girls using the b-word to acknowledge each other. It's funny to think that people use down grading words to get another's attention. However, I guess it's all about perspective. If a boy and girl are in an argument and the boy calls the girl a bitch, that is not okay in anyone's point of view. The fact that youg girls use words like this is leading us to a dark future. What does this say for the future? Will everyone just transform to use words that have a completely different meaning than what they were created for? Lets hope not. Lets hope people's vocabulary expand.

Trevor Haigh

3/21/2013 11:45:15 am

While I agree with you, would there really be a problem if the meanings of the words change? If they don't mean what they used to mean, then how could they be offensive. The only one's that would be offended are the people that still hold on to the old meanings of the words.

The best example I can think of is the word "retarded". Yes, I know it is offensive to call mentally handicapped people "retarded", but the word itself is not, nor should it be offensive. In reality it essentially means slow. Saying, "My computer is being really retarded today" is technically correct and not derogatory in any way, yet people still hold on to the negative meaning it used to have.

Sorry for the rant.

andrew lynch

3/21/2013 05:35:23 pm

Over time the definition of words definitely change. Slang causes us to just say words because they flow good in a sentence, or sound strong, but over time the word just loses its true meaning

Kyle Blake

3/21/2013 06:44:17 am

I believe the word bitch, whenever it is used, is an offensive term. When it was first used, it was a malicious term for women who were seen as nasty. Where in the right mind would anyone think it is the opposite of the definition? I don't know how a word could have an original definition and one day be interpreted as the total opposite. It makes no sense. The term is just rude and no one even deserves to be called that never mind embracing the term. When i think of a bitch I see a rich, inconsiderate, heartless girl who goes around making fun of people and embarrassing people. It is not a term that is used to complement someone.

Amanda Donofrio

3/21/2013 06:48:01 am

It seems being a “bitch” in today’s society is not so much endearing, but accepted. We always see a trend with new slangs, gadgets or attire that in most cases tend to age very quickly. A bitch may be incorporated with the ageing slang. A long time ago it must have meant exactly what it is defined to be. However, it is so often used in today’s society that it is likely for someone to brush off being called that, or not even dazed by it at all. Since a “bitch” does possess cruel and spiteful characteristics, it is still shameful to be identified as one. But, it most likely depends upon what type of person someone is, man or female, who thinks of being a bitch is endearing or not. For example, someone who was around when the word possessed its full meaning might hold true to that. Someone in high school is more apt to brush it off. The word in this case is used in a joking manner, and not intended to hold a significant amount of hatred.

Dan Mott

3/21/2013 06:53:00 am

The word, used in describing a woman is very offensive in my opinion. If your a woman and dont mind being it, well fine, but either way its wrong. Bitch is a female dog, or a wimpy, boy. Many pimps and men call their signifigant other bitches and its wrong. The word is foul when its used against women. They need to stand up for themselves. Thery need to say they are a person and not lower than men. Within the last 10-15 years, the swear word has grown in usage through movies, songs, and other media. It's viewed (wrongly) as being superior to be able to attach the swear word in front of any noun to make a new way to put someone down. Now, the swear word combination does not even have to be used about a female! The derogatory nature of the word makes it offensive to all civilized persons in society, not just against females.

andrew lynch

3/21/2013 05:32:00 pm

I agree, the word has definitely grown in popularity. It’s everywhere, but it doesn’t seem like it’s used with a meaning anymore.

Christina Buswell

3/21/2013 08:15:41 am

Personally, I think it is absurd that a girl would refer to herself as a bitch or would find it an endearing way to greet another girl. The terms "basic bitch" and "bad bitch" are not only offensive but are embarrassing. The word bitch to me means a snobby, obnoxious, rude, mean, person. If I were to call a girl a bitch it most certainly would not mean that I like her. Over the years girls have found it okay to refer to themselves as bitches because they think it's cool. But in actuality, the term bitch is associated with slut and whore. These words are definitely not used to show affection and personally I think that girls need to refrain from calling themselves bitches. I don't it to be flattering. And if someone were to refer to me as a bitch I would take offense. I wouldn't take it as a compliment and neither should any girl who considers the word bitch endearing.

Kaitlyn C

3/21/2013 08:45:48 am

Although I don't know if all women should be embracing being called bitches, the way it is becoming used to be an endearing way to refer to a friend is far better than its original use as a form of abuse. As Meghan said, it is used more often in “ghetto talk” than for example, we would use it. I think that may be because there it is also much more commonly used in an abusive way. And when a joke is made about someone's attempt to be hurtful or demeaning, the insult becomes a lot less effective. I am not at all offended by some womens referral to themselves and their friends as bitches. The truly offensive thing is how in some communities it seems to be thrown around casually as a derogatory term for women. And it is exclusively referring to women – can you even think of something offensive referring to men that means the same thing? I can't, and that seems like a huge double standard how the qualities in a woman which make her a bitch aren't seen as too bad in a guy. In fact, when guys are ever called bitches it's not because they are rude, bossy, or controlling. Those are the traits which make a woman seem like a bitch, yet when a guy's a bitch it's because he's unassertive, whiny or “whipped”. That makes it clear the word bitch doesn't mean mean or spiteful, it is instead a way of demeaning qualities that are seen as womanlike. I think that Bitch becoming an endearing term to some people is actually an improvement from its previous use.

Mrs. Elbakry

3/21/2013 11:32:22 am

Exceptional response, Kaitlyn.

Jess Fedak

3/21/2013 08:49:45 am

The word bitch has become more acceptable and common in our society but that does not mean women should embrace it. Personally, I absolutely take offense to the word. If my boyfriend ever called me a bitch in a fight I would probably slap him. I find it obnoxious when girls refer to themselves as bitches. I do not know why a girl would want to degrade herself and call herself a bitch. Even though the word is more common it still has a negative connotation. Women should not find the word bitch endearing or embrace it. Of course the circumstance in which the word is used matters. If you're joking around with your friends and call each other bitches then there is no harm done and you should not take offense. But if it used in an angry manner it is, without a doubt, an offense word.

Amber Murray

3/22/2013 03:51:07 am

This is great. I agree completely

Kara DeVito link

3/21/2013 10:04:16 am

The term 'bitch' is one that has become all too desensitized nowadays in this society, as well as many other curse words. Like all the others who've responded, I don't understand why people enjoy being called that. The only time someone has called me a 'bitch' to my face, it was a joke, and it was in the context of "all girls are bitches" kind of thing. I didn't take serious offense, because I knew they were joking. Many girls now think that when someone calls them a bitch, it means that they can stick up for themselves and that's a good thing. However, the word 'bitch' is still a derogatory term. Like others have said, a bitch will always be a female dog. I don't know why girls have to call themselves THAT word to make them all of a sudden independent and a person who doesn't take crap from people. Last time I checked, a female dog does not mean independent. I feel that women shouldn't be embracing it and frankly, it is not endearing.

maria castelot

3/21/2013 10:14:08 am

many of us are far too familiar with the word "bitch". whats even more sad is that most, if not all the girls here have been called one. calling someone a bitch is not at all a compliment and i find it absolutely offensive. we hear the word everywhere nowadays. we hear it in the songs played on the radio, it being thrown around when talking about someone, or even hear it coming out of our own mouths to describe someone. Younger people than us think using the word bitch to describe someone is okay and even normal. I, however, do not think calling someone a bitch is a compliment and i dont care if it accepted by society to call a women a bitch as a compliment.

Ally Caple

3/22/2013 02:21:07 pm

I definitely agree, too many people use this word these days. Even if it's not used in it's original offensive context, it shouldn't be used at all.

Lauren Barry

3/21/2013 10:41:35 am

Just like many other words, the term “bitch” has changed drastically in recent years. In today’s society being called a bitch is commonly considered positive by young females. Look at the cell phone contacts of any 13-16 year old girl and half of her best friends’ contact names will be “my main bitch <3.” Just like these young teenage girls, the positive use of the word “bitch” can be seen used by women of all ages, just not as much. As for my opinion if it should be embraced, I do not believe that the actual word should be, but maybe the definition people put to it. When people use the word bitch in the sense I just described, they are often talking about a female who is expressive, outgoing, and stands up for what she believes in. These characteristics should be embraced, but I think that we should call these women something else. The scenario where the term “bitch” should never be embraced is when it’s being used to hurt someone. Once a person is labeled a bitch in a malicious way, it should be considered rude and offensive. Never should a women think being called a bitch is a positive thing when it is used to hurt them, but because of the change in definition of the word, it is sometimes mistaken for her being a “good bitch.”

Mrs. Elbakry

3/21/2013 11:47:43 am

Well said, Lauren.

Danielle O.

3/21/2013 01:41:25 pm

Definitely enjoyed the part about girls saving contacts in their phones, it is very true! Great point, Lauren.

Michaela

3/21/2013 02:23:23 pm

I agree that the way the word is used also has a very big effect on the perception of the word. But in most situations, the language probably isn't going to be considered appropriate.

Alex M

3/21/2013 11:26:06 am

I think the word bitch is a very offensive term and that no one should call anyone or want to be called a bitch. It has always had a negative connotation as far Im concerned and I'm not really sure when that has changed. A bitch is the last thing a girl would want to be called and I think it is funny that girls would actually call eachother that. I certainly wouldnt want to be called a bitch. Thinking back to that commercial in class, that was pretty funny. You always see guys talking about a bitch or something to their guy friends. But you would never hear them say that infront of the girl. Guys should know not to say it and there is no reason for a girl to call another girl or want to be called a bitch. And as far as the book goes, no guy loves a bitch. And if the author has a husband I feel very sorry for him.

Trevor Haigh

3/21/2013 11:39:08 am

Society is changing as it always does. Words that were once offensive and unspeakable are now commonplace. If you don't believe me, look at what the insults were back in Shakespearean times. Sticking your tongue out at someone was today's equivalent of the middle finger.

To say that "bitch" isn't as offensive as it used to be isn't surprising. In fact, I'd say that most swear words are becoming more common and accepted in society, but that's besides the point.

I don't think the term "bitch" will ever truly be an endearing term. Sure, some women might say that it is a compliment, but that's just to get under the skin of whoever called them that. It just throws the insult back at them by saying it's a compliment.

So while the word "bitch" may not be as evil and offensive as it once was, it most certainly will not become a compliment.

Richard Katrenya

3/21/2013 01:41:40 pm

Trevor, I sort of said the exact same thing in my response. Sure the term bitch is now used as a term of endearment, but it doesn't mean that women should be proud of being one. In my response, I mentioned that they ARE calling each-other bitches because it takes power and the hatefulness about that word away from the person using it. Now if someone were to call someone a bitch, they would be like "Hey, who cares, I know". By call eachother bitches, when the time comes when someone actually means it when they say it, it would be less offensive and more endearing instead; which was the main motive in trying to be proud of being a bitch in the first place.

Camille Glasow

3/21/2013 12:10:51 pm

Today, the term bitch it thrown around a lot, especially among the teenage society. As everyone who's commented has said, the word has many different connotations, but only really one true definition, which is far from being anything endearing. Being called a bitch would definitely be offensive to me, especially if it was said by a male. Personally, I think it's very insulting.
However, nowadays, this isn't the case with many women. Lots of people refer to themselves as bitches to seem intimidating, assertive wild and thrill-seeking or even just someone who likes to stand their ground. Just walking down the hall in school today, I heard a girl call herself a "bad bitch" and immediately I thought how trashy she sounded. Even if you use it to mean something endearing, it still sounds tasteless, and the girl just comes across as slightly ignorant. Now everyone has their own opinions and can call themselves what they want, but is a swear word really necessary in describing yourself? Who knows, maybe in another ten years it will be in for males to call themselves d*%#*-bags or a$%holes. But in the end, I think most people will view the word for it's true definition and see how underneath all the false connotations it's a very insulting term.

Richard Katrenya

3/21/2013 01:36:04 pm

A couple of months ago, I was enrolled in Mr. G's Perspectives on Race class and we discussed almost the exact same thing, but with black people and the N world. At one point in time, this word was the epitome of shame and embarrassment for them. It was a derogatory word that people used to show power over the black community. It was made to be offensive, and it was made to be a word of hate.

Look at the Black Community now, especially in the inner cities. Now they have taken the N word and adopted it. A word that once sparked hatred and shame, they turned it into something they call each other, they became proud of it. How many times have you heard two black people greet each other like"Yo, what's up my Nig?" or something along those lines. They took a word that was once a word of hate, and by taking it and using it as their own, it sort of takes the power away from the white people who used to use it. It takes away that hateful value, that hateful trait that was born and instilled in this word.

The same exact thing could be said with women calling themselves bitches. Men would call women bitches, trying to have power over that one woman. He would try to show who is in charge and shame the woman because she was a woman. "You aren't just an over bearing, spiteful, and shrewd person, you're a bitch." Just like how the black community took the most hated word out of its original context and adopted it, women themselves took the word "bitch" it turned it into their own.

By calling themselves bitches nonchalantly, it takes the original meaning away, it takes the power away from the person using it. It makes calling someone a bitch less effective. Thirty years ago, if you were to call somebody a bitch, what would have happened then would be completely different than what would have happened now.

At one point, women would have been completely offended if they were called a bitch, but now they endear it as Mrs. Elbakry stated in the question of the blog. At first when it was used, it WAS supposed to be offensive, but as time passed, because women would use it in the manner it is being used in now, it became less effective. Even though it may be less effective than it used to be, personally, I don't think it is something a woman should be proud to be.

Victoria Marino

3/21/2013 02:18:25 pm

The word "bitch" has accumulated so many different meanings over the years. People have brought different meanings and references to this word and have changed the true definition of the word completely. When I hear the word “bitch” I think of a woman who is rude and not considerate to others around her. She may be bossy and cocky as well. I know people may agree or disagree that the meaning of the word “bitch” is downgrading. To me, this word is extremely downgrading and if a male or anyone else for that matter was to call me a bitch I would be very offended and not be very happy. Some woman on the other hand, find this word to be a compliment. In fact there are many women out there now who refer to themselves as being a “bad bitch” or want others to refer to them as one. They think the term means being a sexy woman who doesn’t take shit from anyone and knows how to stand up for herself. They want people to know not to mess with them or play games. I find this term to be extremely ridiculous and offensive. Woman should have pride in whoever they are, even if they are cocky woman who know how to stand up for themselves, they shouldn’t refer to such a vulgar and disgusting word as “bad bitches”.

Michaela

3/21/2013 02:19:25 pm

I never really understood the point of curse words. Why are certain words set apart as unacceptable, and who decides that they're not allowed to be spoken? Is there some forbidden book of swears that I somehow missed the lesson on in middle school?
The notion that certain words aren't allowed to be said is silly and pointless. Separating these words only increases their meanings. But wait? Isn't that the point?
In today's world, the word bitch has become watered down, so when it's used it almost has no meaning (this has happened to almost every other word in the human language as well...) So, when you want to describe an extremely nasty person, your point can't be made as clearly, because "bitch" has been overused and made into almost a joke of a word.
Back to the whole "forbidden word" thing, is it really necessary that we use bitch anyway? Why can't women embrace the word "classy" instead? A word is just a word. You can give it whatever meaning your heart desires, but if its definition can create confusion and misunderstandings, why even bother keeping the word in your vocabulary?

Chris Faber

3/21/2013 02:40:48 pm

I would think that being called a bitch is very offensive from a girl's perspective. However nowadays I think SOME, not all, girls are embracing the term. I think that it is becoming more common for a girl to embrace herself with the term bitch. As people have said in previous blog posts, the word bitch is not being used as cruel and as insulting as it once was. It's becoming a common term within our society and is actually losing it's true definition. People call other people bitches all the time, it's common. However that doesn't make it acceptable to be said. No matter how much someone embraces being called a bitch, deep down I believe it hurts. No one wants to be known as a bitch. It truly is a very vulgar term and shouldn't be said to girls who are not deserving of it.

Katie Mitchell

3/21/2013 02:42:46 pm

I think the term bitch will always be an offensive term. Nowadays, it is used in many different contexts, and people are almost accepting of it. People seem okay with calling themselves a bitch. They call themselves this to seem powerful and "in-charge". These woman know what they want, and often will do anything to get it. Some woman call other woman bitches, someone they don't like, that's mean or talks behind someones back. While other woman will call their group of friends "my bitches" for example. Since they know they are close friends, nobody takes offense to it. But just like the video in class, guys no better than to call a girl a bitch to her face. That is extremely rude and disrespectful. The term bitch really depends on the context it is being used in.

Zach Antonio

3/21/2013 02:44:57 pm

The word "Bitch" is offensive. If it wasn't, then I wouldn't have to whisper when I call one of my teachers it (Don't worry Ms. El bakes, not you). Sure, people could use the term endearingly. Like when you walk up to your friends and say "What's up my bitches!". Wow, you know a word is offensive when I almost typed the word "biznitches" instead of "bitches" because subconsciously, I didn't want to say a naughty word in a school assignment. "Bitch" is usually a term to put someone down. When you call a woman a bitch, it's to signify that they are rude, unpleasant, annoying, snotty, etc. You know, a real bitch. When you call a man a bitch, it's a way to say that they aren't being "man" enough. They are being a wuss, a scaredy cat, a baby. For both genders, it's insulting. And that is usually the intention.
P.S. I accidentally posted this on the alien blog as well. I must have known I was going to screw up however, because before I submitted it, I copy and pasted the entire comment. What luck!

Bryan Petersen

3/21/2013 03:14:30 pm

When I first saw that there was a book about this, I was very skeptical and now that I have seen it, I’m astounded. I think this word is very demeaning in every sense. Nobody should use the word because it puts a negative connotation on women. I think the fact that women have accepted this word as well as think it is used to proudly describe them shows how much society has changed and for the worse. I remember a time when I was younger and any slight bad word that I said was unacceptable and would have a punishment with it. Now swears are thrown around much more than they should and I am guilty of saying them as well. When girls accept this word it shows me that they just caved in and let people call them it. They use the word to describe themselves so that people who use it negatively against them can’t hurt them emotionally. It is the easy way out in my eyes. I have never seen any lady, women, girl etc. call themselves by this name, and don’t intend on seeing it anytime soon. To me it is just a small group that is accepting this term as being positive. This in my eyes will always be bad and nothing will change that.

Andrew Lynch

3/21/2013 05:29:50 pm

The word bitch is definitely becoming more popular in both an offensive way, and a proud way. When most guys call a woman a bitch it is usually looked at as the worst thing you could have said. But when a girl calls another girl a bitch it doesn’t seem to be as bad, and in some cases it even tends to be a compliment or something to take pride in. this seems to relate to the word used by African Americans nigga. Many African Americans use this word to talk with their friends, or in songs, or just in conversations. But if a person of another race was to say that it would be taken extremely offensive. My theory behind this is that it is almost like an inside joke for a specific group of people. The whites used to call blacks ni**ers during the time of slavery, and it was used in an inferior manner. Now that slavery has been concurred, it is more of a pride thing to say that word and have no meaning. But if a white says something like that it is disrespectful because they are the group of people who used it to make the blacks feel inferior. I think it is the same for women and the word bitch. It’s used by men to classify women, and now that women have equal rights, the word really means nothing. Also it is totally fine if women want to embrace it, they have worked hard to get to the point where the word has no meaning.

Amber Murray

3/22/2013 03:50:11 am

Being called a bitch, whether appropriate or not, it's never truly okay. Whenever I'm called a bitch I take offense to it, not much but it is a little hurtful. If I am referring to myself as one then its fine. Referring to yourself as a bitch kind of shows that you won't be walked all over. I think that today women do use it as a name to call themselves to almost prove they have authority. Almost saying they're not afraid to put their foot down. But women shouldn't take it as an endearing term, it's a word that is meant to hurt someone. It's not a kind word, and women would..no offense to anyone, but be stupid to embrace it. The definition of bitch isn't anything bad, it just kind of means that you're more assertive in a way. The word in general, whether it has meaning or not, isn't a word I like to hear on a regular basis.

Ally Caple

3/22/2013 02:18:35 pm

I think the term "bitch" definitely depends on the context it's being used in. If someone is calling a woman a bitch, it's usually in a negative way. Woman shouldn't be proud because it's not a good thing to be considered one. It's one thing for a woman refer to themselves as a bitch, but a woman shouldn't be happy to have others consider her as one as well. It's usually a bigger deal when men used the term to describe a woman, as we humorously saw in the video we watched in class. But honestly, I don't think it matters who uses the term; when it's used in a serious matter, it's quite offensive.
Woman should aim for being called other more positive words, such as intelligent, independent, and beautiful. Sometimes the term "bitch," gets confused with being honest and out-spoken. And some women use it to describe themselves and believe they are better than others. But it's funny how when someone uses the term to describe a man, it's used in a weaker sense. Overall, "bitch" is a derogatory term and is thrown around a lot more than it should be.

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