Bitch

The word bitch — originally used for the female members of the canid species, especially dogs — is more often employed in a figurative sense as an insult for a malicious, spiteful, domineering, intrusive, and/or unpleasant woman (or gay male). The former specialised meaning is retained and in widespread use among dog aficionados and breeders, but derogatory usage has become so prevalent in the last century that the term has acquired a profane connotation and is often considered unacceptable by broadcasting regulations and Standards & Practices manuals.

Related Topics:
Female - Canid - Dog - Aficionado - Profane - Connotation - Standards & Practices

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By extension, the adjective "bitchy" — unpleasant, fretful or querulous — and the verb "to bitch" — to complain, especially habitually and without any helpful intentions — are also used, although they are widely considered less offensive than the noun. Both are however inappropriate in formal language.

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