Serious question about the word "douchebag".

[Bunny]

It happens to be one of my favorite words, but is "douchebag" a misogynistic term? I've heard that opinion expressed once or twice here, and I wonder why.

When I use the word, it's meant to by synonymous with "asshole" and other words like that. I don't see a distinctly anti-woman aspect to it, like I can see with SOME uses of the word "bitch" and ALL uses of the word "c**t".

It's a rude, crude, and boorish term, no doubt about that. But sexist? Misogynistic? I ask because I feel that I'm as much a feminist on this board as anyone else, and I wouldn't knowingly use a word that demeans women. I just don't understand how it is demeaning.

Can anyone shed any light on this? :shrug:

PS - sorry if this doesn't belong in the Lounge. I've become confused lately about the most appropriate place for certain topics.

[St. Jarvitude]

1. This guy in Austria told me it was the funniest word in English

But then he asked "What does it really mean, anyway?".

Oi... :evilfrown:

[Susang]

2. In all seriousness

If you actually think what a "douchebag" is and what it is used for, then technically it is a sexist term. That said, I've used it myself, so I don't know what to tell you. Sorry I was not more help.

[Bunny]

5. I see what you're saying, in that only women use douchebags, so it

is possibly sexist by it's very nature.

But is it truly offensive to (and about) women? I don't find it at all offensive from that perspective, and I'm usually pretty touchy about other words that I perceive to be misogynistic.

[sniffa]

3. how about scumbag (condom)?

or cocksucker (both anti gay and woman)?

[progmom]

7. a scumbag is a condom?

i had no idea.

[sniffa]

9. yep

it's Lost the punch it once packed. :P

[blondeatlast]

19. Me neither.

I knew this thread would be enlightening for me...

[blondeatlast]

18. Can the same be said of forms of "suck?"

I really avoid using that term because it always had that connotation to it, IMHO.

I'm one of those that if you ever hear me say the *f* word, look out--something's going to blow, though I'm not offended when others use it.

It also confuses me as a woman, since men call people that all the time, but I thought that men enjoyed that particular act.

This is actually a great thread; it will clear up some issues/puzzles for me, too.

[Tafiti]

4. I never thought of it that way.

My initial reaction is to say no, but I'm willing to hear an argument about it.

Personally, I like to use the word from time to time, but mostly directed at friends. You know, like if you're playing pool, and they miss an easy shot, you say, "Nice shot, douchebag."

[Minstrel Boy]

6. Is "hosebag" the Canadian derivation?

If I have my vulgar etymology down, that became "hosehead," and then "hoser."

[DrWeird]

8. This is why I call people "colostomy bags"

It's gender neutral.

[ismnotwasm]

14. There is also an item

termed a "fecal collector". Basically it's a colostomy type bag glued to the anal area to catch uncontrollable diarrhea. Also gender neutral. Or "rectal tube"--used for the same purpose

[DrWeird]

17. Yeah, whatever, colostomy bag.

:evilgrin:

See? Rolls right off the tongue.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

16. good one

[MsAnthropy]

10. YES it's misogynistic!

as if anything that comes "from there" is somehow repulsive or abhorrent.

[southpaw]

11. I can see it being taken that way...

But I don't really see it as such.

Enema could be a substitute, since the two devices have so much in common... and assholes are a unisex orifice... but it's actually the sound of the word douchebag that makes it a fun-to-use expletive.

[GRLMGC]

12. eh, you shouldn't douche anyway

It's unnecessary and in some ways, unhealthy. So, I don't see a problem with that word as an insult :)

[Mizmoon]

13. The equivalent male-oriented insult is "jockstrap"

in case you were wondering :P

[sundog]

15. I clicked on your thread

I shall now leave before the flamewar starts :hi:

:nuke: