An old woman, especially one regarded as fussy or gossipy; originally a familiar term for a hen or chicken.
Originally from 'biddy-biddy,' an imitative call used to summon chickens, similar to 'here chick-chick.' The term transferred from chickens to women by the 18th century, initially as a generic name for a servant girl, then evolving into a somewhat derogatory term for an older woman.
The word 'biddy' shows how animal terms often migrate to describe people - usually not flatteringly. It started as a simple chicken call but became a way to dismiss older women as chattering and bothersome, reflecting unfortunate social attitudes about aging and gender.
Originally Irish term (from 'Bridget'). Narrowed to dismissive reference for old women, then for female servants; carries classism and ageism layered into gendered diminution.
Avoid; use 'older woman,' 'woman,' or 'housekeeper' if historically accurate. If referencing the slur itself, mark it explicitly.
["older woman","housekeeper","woman"]
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