The Bitch Research Paper

“Which one of you’s the bitch?” (Stephen Baxter, Proxima) “Bitch” is a word that has existed in derogatory language since the fourteenth century. During its earliest use it was a shameful word for women. For some, being referred to as a “bitch” is a demeaning term, for others its empowering. Where did this word come from and how is it that people can decide what it means to them? Originating from the word “Bicce” in Old English, its meaning had been “female dog.” Until the 1300’s when bitch first began being used in its insulting form. It’s was then in reference to a woman’s frequent, sexual behavior. Much like a dog in heat. The term’s existence remained prominent throughout the following centuries although its meaning altered with time. During the 1920’s bitch began to transform as its popularity boomed. It made a stronger appearance in media texts and much of that had to do with the American novelist Ernest Hemingway. Hemmingway’s use of the word had …show more content…
Best friends may throw the word around to each other in endearment. Some women empower one another with the term while others use it to shame. Feeble-minded men continue to spew their hate at women with the word and some men even lash at each other with the intent of lowering egos. With the rise of the feminist movement, and the re-appropriated appearance its made in pop-culture and television, bitch has become something young women strive to be. Especially a “bad bitch.” Bitch has played a significant role in my vocabulary since I learned its negative meaning. I, myself have used it in various ways, for the most part when I’m livid. It has also been a word that I’ve been curious about. Questions like “what did bitch originally mean,” have crossed my mind. Perplexed by its differing meanings I felt urged to educate myself on the word and what I’m really saying so often. The history and evolution of the word is quite remarkable, and I’ll ensure that I don’t stop saying