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.

Women reclaiming "bitch"

Under the impulse of second-wave feminism, a trend towards "reclaiming" the word arised during the 1990s, using it to celebrate the strong qualities traditionally denigrated by the use of the term.

Related Topics:
Second-wave feminism - 1990s

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A good example of this is the 1997 song "Bitch" by Meredith Brooks, in which Brooks celebrates being a "bitch" as one of many aspects of herself:

Related Topics:
1997 - Bitch - Meredith Brooks

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:I'm a bitch, I'm a lover

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:I'm a child, I'm a mother

Related Topics:
Child - Mother

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:I'm a sinner, I'm a saint

Related Topics:
Sinner - Saint

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:I do not feel ashamed

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Integral recognition of the female character, with its inherent ambiguities, is expressed not only on by the caring side — lover and mother, the roles traditionally assigned to women in the patriarchal division of labour, and their idealized extreme in sainthood — but also in their counterparts, whose satisfaction has been often denied.

Related Topics:
Patriarchal - Division of labour

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Feminist theory has pointed out that women are often identified by their relationships with others, whereas men are allowed a more independent identity. Social mores reflect this in the abnormal or inordinate character of a woman refusing to marry, as their primordial role was to provide comfort and satisfaction to the "master of the house". By beginning the chorus with "I'm a bitch" and ending it with "I do not feel ashamed", Brooks refuses to feel ashamed of her selfishness, vulnerability and independence, insisting that they can and do coexist with more stereotypically feminine qualities.

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