A millennium of b*tches

Although the insult ‘dog’ dates all the way back to Ancient Greece, in the 15th century ‘b*tch’ began to emerge as a derogatory insult aimed at women; specifically, those deemed to be sexually promiscuous.

One notable example was the Chester Mystery Plays, where one character asked, “Whom calleste thou queine, skabde biche?” Intertwined with the implied lewdness, it was an insinuation of sexual dominance and power.

Post-feminism, some women have tried to ‘reclaim’ the word as a celebration, rather than denigration, of female empowerment; subverting the power of patriarchal language.

Although no longer considered a swear word, and used against people of all genders, it still implies inherent misogyny.