Plural of 'bitch'; technically female dogs, but commonly used as an offensive slur for women.
From Old English 'bicce,' a female dog. The word is ancient but developed derogatory meanings toward women over centuries, becoming increasingly offensive.
The word 'bitch' is a perfect case study in how animal names become insults for people—similar to 'cow' or 'pig' for humans. Reclaiming insults by groups they target is a real linguistic phenomenon, but the word still carries the weight of that history.
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