As we discussed yesterday in my inaugural post, sometimes common expressions grate on feminists the wrong way. The main objection is to describing things that are undesirable in feminine terms, most especially terms for the female anatomy. Listen, I know it’s a hard habit to break because it is so pervasive (that’s the problem!) so I thought I’d give a guide.
Don’t
Use “pussy” or other yonic terms to describe something as “bad” or “cowardly.”
Use the term “panties in a bunch” to describe an overreaction, especially if you’re talking about a man. Do use other terms for underwear that don’t specifically refer to a gender.
Use the term “like a girl” to mean something negative. I’ve seen for example “throws like a girl” to mean unathletic. I believe, though, that “like a girl” is a terminology just begging to be reclaimed.
Use the term “on the rag” or other implications of menstruation to imply that a woman is illogical or shouldn’t be taken seriously.
Do
Use the term “douche” or variations thereof. Why? Well, douche is something that is undesirable, part of the decades-long campaign to convince women that they are dirty and disgusting. Don’t even get me started on the current brazilian wax craze.
Use terms implying women = good. I’ve seen that the Urban Dictionary lists a definition of yonic as “cool.”
Neutral (Doesn’t provoke a strong reaction in me)
The term “bitch.” It has referred to a female dog, but the term has really just come to symbolize a woman you don’t like. There has to be some term for this!
The term “clutching pearls” for a prudish reaction. It does have a sort of feminine implication, but for some reason I always picture men doing this. Usually because they’re the ones leading the prude parade, I guess.
Follow these guidelines to have a better relationship with the feminists in your life. If you don’t, you’re just a douche.
Tags: feminism
It’s tough being a humorless feminist.
This is cool — I always see men in the clutching of pearls business too. These days, no one can get their prude on like conservative men, really.
I work around alot of guys wearing hardhats. So use of alot of this kind of language is about finding a reaction more than anything else. I usually let it pass by and wait for an opportunity get in my own dis, just to remind them that everybody can play. They get the clue.
well, we see the true feminazi nature of UI in her first OBVIOUSLY PMSy post. I mean really, who lit the fuse on your tampon? (that one is my favorite). here on out i shall respect your requests when commenting on your posts but just know my take on offensive language and stereotypes is equal opportunity offensiveness. 🙂
Is it warm in here?
Happy to hear that the usage of “douche” and/or douchebag is approved – I’d be lost without those.
Here’s one I’ve heard from friends, I wonder what your take on it might be: “Mangina.” The context is typically that the guy is whining or complaining about something so another guy says “Ohh, what, does your mangina hurt?”
Johnny,
That’s a new one for me. It seems to have the female genitalia/bad connection to me. I lean towards thumbs down.
One term I do like is “manscaping.” I think it’s a perfect to describe what it is.
I actually love the term “douche.” Douching is bad, possibly harmful and unnecessary. Perfect term.
Yeah Cassandra. It’s always a struggle to decide when to respond to misogynistic insults. I mean, you can’t go around complaining every time someone says “like a girl.” I find humor goes a long way.
Is it just me that is tickled by learning the new term “yonic?” It’s the female version of “phallic.”
what about “be a man”? or any other pro masculine terms? just wondering how much special treatment you want…
and yes i am being a dick on purpose… oo! i found a negative male genitals term! yay
“Be a man” doesn’t really bother me, if you’re talking to a man. I see be a man/be a woman all the time. It would be negative if you told a man to “stop being a woman,” for example. Context matters.
Hey, you guys have to police your own genital insults. I don’t use that one too much, douche is fairly gender-neutral.
Remember Napoleon’s sexy message he sent from Egypt to his wife Josephine: “Ne te lave pas. J’arrive.” (“Don’t wash. I’m coming home.”)
Nothing wrong with dirty and disgusting women. And “douche” just means shower in French.
You know UI–I never warmed up to Ms.. Any thoughts?
Interesting..panties in a bunch vs. panty waist
Thanks for the guide on how to piss you off.
seriously aMEN geezer. UI, dont me wrong sweetie. i like you. your spunk is cute and you almost come off as one of the guys. but it is fun to figure out how to jab at people and you just gave all us former “commenter comrades” a blue print on how to getcha 🙂 like a nice home cooked meal 😉
You won’t bother me, a. I’m not here to be the language police. I’m just trying to spread awareness. Geezer, with what’s going on in the world today, it has to be something like torture apologists or racist apologists to really get me angry.
Joanne,
As for Ms. I do like it and I do use it. The reason is I don’t like the terms “Miss” and “Mrs.” because it’s two different terms for unmarried and married. That just perpetuates the belief that getting married is a woman’s greatest accomplishment in life. Men don’t have their marital status in their titles, right?
That being said, “miss” and “mrs” is one of those things that’s changing to denote “young” and “adult.” It’s not something I get bent out of shape about. The one thing I really hate is when a woman is addressed as Mrs. Man’s Name.
I so love a good controversy! Thanks, UI.
Words tend not to bother me. That said, just because I draw a line further out doesn’t mean the line doesn’t exist. (Consider yourselves warned! 😉 )
oh boy
Come one Donviti. This post is tailor made for you.
LOL, DD! I was a little disappointed in DV’s response. 😉
would you call his response “yonic”?
DV is definitely being yonic.
maybe it’s his “monthly”
‘Yonic’ sounds suspiciously new-agey to ‘bulo. Being ‘yonic’ doesn’t require one to listen to John Tesh records, does it? Or, even worse, Tori Amos?
John Tesh is definitely not yonic.
I only use the P-word in feline terms!
Meaning a rough-tongued, whimsical shedder…
😀
Nice save, VC!