"Bitch"

The article by Beverly Gross called "Bitch" shows the various uses of this word, defines it from many different sources, and shows how the definition has changed over time. She takes the definition of bitch from several dictionaries, including the Oxford English Dictionary and The Underground Dictionary, to compare the different ways the word can be described. From "the female of the dog" to "ball-buster", the meaning of bitch can vary in many ways. Gross points out multiple times that this word is also used when a man feels threatened by a woman's power or success. Although there is a widespread opinion on the definition of this word, many of the sources that give a definition are repetitive. Malicious, selfish, and competitive are used more than once to define a bitch. Gross also goes over how this word is used in different cultures. An African American can use this word to show admiration or desire, whereas a white female would be offended if she was referred to as a bitch.

I found this article very interesting and enjoyed reading it. I have never thought so in depth about one word as common as the word bitch. It is used all the time and in many different situations. It seems that everyone has their own definition and idea about what this word means when used. I don't think it is dated because the word is still commonly used today in different context and meaning. I liked the point that males use this word when they are threatened by a powerful woman. In my opinion, success and power is a good thing for a woman to have and I usually associate the word bitch with a negative meaning, so this idea got my attention in the fact that I would never associate this negative word with success.