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

Are you bothered because in general, we're used to using "dog" as a sort of neutral term whereas "bitch" is identifying the animal in terms of their gender instead of their species? Because I could see how that might set your teeth on edge. I find it odd that people are so obsessed with gendering everything in the world that they insist on using awkward (if accurate) words to describe things when a simple word will do. I guess it would bother me if there was no real reason for it to matter whether the dog was male or female. I'd use "female" though rather than "bitch" which sounds coarse unless you're from a farming background. I have rabbits and I don't walk around calling them "bucks" and "does", I call them rabbits.

It’s terms like “girl dog” and “dogs having babies” that annoy me!

I think we’re so used to hearing it as an insult when someone uses it in its proper context it’s sounds odd. I know what you mean op.

This is your first female dog isn’t it? It’s normal to use the correct term!

I have rabbits and I don't walk around calling them "bucks" and "does", I call them rabbits.

I don't think anyone particularly 'walks around' saying these things but what term would you use in a conversation, if you wanted to differentiate?

Fucking hell 🤣🤣

Op, no I don't know anything about you, nor you me! What I do know is that you appear to be overly sensitive to a word being used in its correct application and implying that 2 perfectly innocent workmen have been trying to insult you by doing so. I therefore venture to suggest that the issue is with you not them as various other pp have said.

Jeez, this place gets worse. Are there not enough things to get worked up about that we have to find more?

I kind of see where you are coming from OP. Yes, bitch is the correct term for a female dog but how often is it necessary to refer to a dog's sex in casual conversation? You wouldn't expect someone to say "i saw a vixen attacking your bin". But i think perhaps more animally people do. I was once walking my aunt's two male dogs in the park and someone asked if they were dogs and i was a bit wtf of course they are dogs, and later realised they meant "as opposed to bitches" So I think maybe people who pride themselves on being dog people do talk like this

Yes, bitch is the correct term for a female dog but how often is it necessary to refer to a dog's sex in casual conversation? You wouldn't expect someone to say "i saw a vixen attacking your bin".

But the conversation was that bitches are better than dogs. So in a similar scenario you might well say vixens are better. Context is EVERYTHING.

....I’m lost for words.
Are you sure your old enough to own a dog?

My dog is a bitch. I feel you've utterly lost the plot @Dunarunner

@Pardonwhat you’re

Jesus, Mary and Joseph's chisel.

I've heard some stupid shit on here but this takes it to a whole new level.

@Dunarunner you really, really are not in any position to correct anyone today..... about anything!

@MaidenMotherCrone how so? Can you elaborate?

My god OP. Are you always like this?

Posting in AIBU, adamant you are right to be offended by NOTHING. Now you are picking people up for a minor grammatical slip.

Do you not know how to relax?

Seriously, are you always looking to be offended and pick people up for not being as good as you

The original language issue was ridiculous enough, now you’re offended by grammar as well? I’m an English teacher OP, specialising in grammar, I save my corrections for the classroom. No one likes a know-it-all.

You haven’t got a leg to stand on with this, I suggest you stop trying to justify it because it is certifiable nonsense.

OP I have come to a conclusion: you are clearly to dense to own said bitch. I think i should have it here with my bitches!

Oppps that should have been another capital I.
Or if you prefer “a big iiiiii” (sounded out for you to understand)

Ffs why does Mumsnet have to be so horrible? So the consensus is that op needn't worry about the builders' language. Good, that should be reassuring, but instead everyone piles on to insult her, say she shouldn't even own a dog etc. Why? Wtf has the op done to you? Ok the grammar thing was a bit ill advised but it was a fairly mild reaction in context.

My dogs a bitch. And she’s a bitch

A female dog IS a bitch! Cannot stand ads where the owner say " two beautiful little boys and one girl". Would never buy from a breeder who didn't know or wouldn't use, the correct terminology.