Words or phrases that annoy you

[MysticCat]

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.

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."

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

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."

Ah, makes sense and I might even have known that. But I think for most people it's not offense but just a bit jarring, since you don't otherwise hear that word on TV, and you just don't think about it in that context until it is said.