The world is changing and common slang changes as well. There are some terms that have gained group through the years as well. I am referring to terms that are used to degrade or expressing a disrespect to a person, gender or race. The terms used disrespectingly toward humans also show a lack of respect of the animals from which the term was coined. “These linguistic habits are rooted in speciesism, the assumption that other animals are inferior to humans and do not warrant equal consideration and respect. (785)
A cartoon expressing the loosely used term bitch. (1)
The Webster dictionary dates the definition of bitch back to the 12 century and defines bitch as “the female of the dog or some other carnivorous mammals.” The second definition provided defines bitch as “a lewd or immoral woman” or “a malicious, spiteful, or overbearing woman” that is “sometimes used as a generalized term of abuse.” (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bitch) John Dunayer writes in his article Sexist Words, Speciesist Roots that “bitch denotes a female dog able to produce a litter. As pejorative, the term has remained female specific.” (786)
Dunayer continues in his article to explain the derogatory nature of the word when used to describe a woman. “Why should calling a woman a ‘bitch’ impute malice and selfishness? Given that most dogs are loving and eager to please, the metaphor’s sharp contempt seems puzzling. Breeders, however, have always treated the female dog with contempt—as a means to a useful, profitable, or prestigious litter.” (787) I turn my attention back to the definition provided by the Webster’s dictionary, where it states the definition of bitch dates to the 12th century. Men during that time, and still today use that term to provide themselves with the notion that they are superior to animals, and superior to Women. “The animal is a word, it is an appellation that men have instituted, a name they have given themselves the right and the authority to give to another living creature.” (720) The term bitch can be understood as used to describe a Women and a female dog/mammal to be only a vessel to provide off spring.
In the article Sexist Words, Speciesist Roots, Dunayer continues to describe many of the derogatory phrases we use today. It is an interesting read if you are courious to the meaning behind slang phrases and the falsehoods behind them. The term “make pigs of themselves” for example is false in relation to the animal. “Unlike many other animals (including humans), they show no tendency to overeat.” (789)
Images:
1.http://www.cartoonstock.com/newscartoons/cartoonists/rro/lowres/rron832l.jpg
2.http://media.photobucket.com/image/bitch/sawwa12/Quotes/bitch.jpg
