The Dissenter

#1098 Karen Stollznow - B*tch: The Journey of a Word

May 16, 2025
Guest
Karen Stollznow
Karen Stollznow, a linguist and author at Griffith University, dives into the fascinating history of the word 'bitch.' She explores its origins as a term for female dogs and its evolution into a pejorative for women. Stollznow discusses the feminist reclamation of the word, challenging toxic masculinity, and highlights its dual role as both an insult and symbol of empowerment. The conversation delves into societal perceptions of ambition in women compared to men, showcasing how language reflects and shapes gender dynamics.
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INSIGHT

Origins of "Bitch"

  • The word "bitch" originates from Old English over 1,000 years ago referring to a female dog.
  • Its literal meaning has persisted while many new meanings have evolved from this origin.
INSIGHT

Animal Insults History

  • Animal insults like "dog" and "bitch" are some of the earliest insults known.
  • "Bitch" specifically evolved as a targeted insult for women while "dog" was used more broadly and differently.
INSIGHT

Historical Meanings of "Bitch" and "Slut"

  • Historically, "bitch" was also used to mean a promiscuous woman or whore.
  • The word "slut" originally meant a servant girl or sloppy person before changing to its modern meaning.
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