Quote:
Originally Posted by Drolefille
But the insult came from the name. I mean women are called bitches as a degrading insult because female dogs are called bitches.
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FWIW, bitch (as used for a woman) originally meant a very sexual woman -- the comparison was to a female dog in heat. The usage dates back 5 or more centuries, and the connotation has, of course, changed.
I completely understand the offense taken at the word when used regarding a woman. What I have trouble with is avoiding the word with regard to dogs, which seems like an overreaction. In a way, it reminds me a little of the kids who laugh when someone says "Uranus."