Using bitch for a dog

[Dunarunner]

Probably going to be told to get a grip but AIBU to think this is a little bit odd. Have been having work done on house and also have a relatively new Labrador puppy.

On Monday a man came in to do some plastering and we had a brief chat in the kitchen about dogs. I mentioned ours is a girl and he sort of looked me in the eye and said ‘yeah, bitches are best. Less trouble.’ I was a bit but told myself he was just using the correct terminology.

But on Friday, electrician was patting the dog and said ‘I’ve got a couple of bitches too’ or something to that effect.

I’m no prude (and rather too fond of the c word in the right situation)
But couldn’t help but feel the men were enjoying being able to use the word ‘bitch’ legitimately, to a woman at home alone and was, if not creeped out, then just a touch unsettled

I wouldn’t have liked this either OP. It would have made me feel uncomfortable too

I'd love to see this sexism in reverse and how long it would last on MN. Fortunately others are calling you out on it.

and given the filthy habits of canines in general, you may want to become a little less sensitive. You are up for 15 years of picking up excreta and watching the thing lick its genitalia.

bitch - female canine.

Mmm I think I’m with you op.
I’m not a dog person and don’t know any dog people. But I think I would think it’s unusual.

I’m struggling to understand HOW using the correct terminology was in anyway way to offend or intimidate you though? You keep saying it felt off, but how?

@WorraLiberty wouldn’t say my bro is immature but who knows, he might be. My point is, he, knowing the word has two meanings and that one can be potentially upsetting (dare I say it, ‘triggering’) to women (I’m usually called bitch/fat/stupid bitch etc almost exclusively by angry men in road rage situations or on the phone, in my line of work, or most recently a cyclist who tried to overtake me on the wrong side) would just try to avoid using the word altogether if possible

If the only other time someone hears the term ‘bitch’ is in a negative context, offending women then it makes sense that they would feel uncomfortable even if it was being used in its proper context.

@mencken oddly the lab has yet to be seen licking her genitalia. Whether that makes her less filthy, or more, I know not

Also @mencken off topic and possibly staying the obvious, but sexism is has a lot to do with the power balance between male and female and therefore the ‘in reverse’ thing doesn’t really stand up to scrutiny

When my ds was 6 he said to me - aren't some dogs bastards? I was like what do you mean and he repeated it. I realised eventually he meant bitches.

showing my own prejudices

Indeed.

I'm surprised there are peoplee so sheltered that they feel uncomfortable hearing the word in its correct context.

@MysweetAudrina some dogs are indeed bastards

@Dunarunner, Porcine testicles are quite easy to notice.

Oh ffs.

Perhaps workmen should come armed with their own smelling salts and chaperones.

sooty I’m definitely not sheltered but maybe have had a different exposure to the word than you, which perhaps makes me react more fearfully/suspiciously.

Again, not trying to justify or explain...just unpick and muse I suppose

@MitziK good to know

Dear god! I've heard it all now! Those poor workmen! Next time get a dog and not a bitch.

Exactly. The fact that a female dog is a bitch is just standard general knowledge.

OP can you explain what your meant by "showing my own prejudices"?

Did you mean against men or teenagers or something else?

I'm genuinely unsure.

And "different exposure to the word"? Good grief.

Bitch is the correct word.

'Girl dog' is like saying 'lady boy'.

Isnt that the correct term. Nor nice when applied to people however. 'Girl' is a humam term.

It’s not April Fool’s day is it?

Are they calling female cattle cows as well?