Gendered Slang / Language

                I would have to agree with the fact that our colloquialisms and language are gendered.  Some of the words used in today’s society have different meanings then what they were originally used to describe. Now several words are used to describe an individual, reference, degrade, insult, and even appraise them. Furthermore, it has become a routine part of our speech with peers, teachers, and family members.  Several words have started as slang but with constant use in conversation, have become a part of the Oxford Dictionary.  Slang is always changing and evolving based on media, television, movies, trends, and eras. 

               
              Several examples that are used include when speaking with friends include: “bro,” “dude,” “man,” and “bud.” All the words listed are used to reference a friend.  However, several words that are used now to degrade someone include: “dick,” “douche,” “pussy,” and “bitch.”  These words are all intended to stand for something else but have adapted into our society to offend someone.  Males get irritated when they are called them because it is used to compare them to having female qualities and that they are not a real man.

                For girls, common used slang include: “bitch,” “ho,” “chick,” and “babe.”  These are common used terms in today’s society that have become a part of everyday speech.  Many people reference others using these words, not realizing how degrading or offensive the words truly are.  Offensive language can include: “slut,” “skank,” “whore,” and “dime.”  As degrading as these words are, people are using them without hesitation.  If you walk around your neighborhood, campus, or even the market, people are saying the words as common language.

                According to the article in the Huffington Post, "Slang Words: What are Young People Saying These Days?," the article states that social media is another venue for which people can express slang.  By using Twitter or Facebook, people are interacting with each other, all in an attempt to get catchphrases and mix of words trending.    

                Decades ago, many words did not have gendered meanings.  It just goes to show how far language has changed and now has gendered connotation. 

Source:
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/12/19/slang-words-2012_n_2322664.html