Bitch (slang)

In the English language, bitch () as a slang term is a pejorative for a person, usually a woman. The term bitch is one of the most common profanities in the English language. The word is considered taboo on television, and euphemisms such as "the B-word" are sometimes used to minimize its negative impact. When applied to a woman or girl, it means someone who is belligerent, unreasonable, malicious, controlling, aggressive, or dominant. When used as a "term of contempt towards women", it is considered by some to be a slur that fosters sexism against women. It can also be used as a synonym of woman, particularly in Hip-hop music. When applied to a man or boy, bitch reverses its meaning and is a derogatory term for being subordinate, weak, or cowardly. 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. The range of meanings has expanded in modern usage (such as when applied to a man). In a feminist context, the word can indicate a strong or assertive woman and has therefore been reappropriated by some women. Similarly, 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.