3rd of 3 query posts

[jennkitty]

Do you find the word "chick" when spoken to a woman, offensive? Do you use the word yourself? Is it derogatory or descriptive? Are there other such (mostly) non-inflammatory words that strike a personal chord? Discuss. Play nice.

Comments

[ryoganox]

As with many words, I see the usage of the word as whether its offensfive or not. I admit I'm horrid when it comes to definitions at times.

I don't use the word alot, but I do and have used it.

Generally, I use "chick" or "chicks" in reference to younger girls. Partly due to the fact that the word reminds me of baby chickens. Also because of my association with the spanish "chica" which translates to girl, though usually little girls (under like 7yrs).

I also have used the word when I wasn't familiar with the person. such as: "what was that chick's name?"

for guys, I tend to use the word Dude. such as "What was that dude's name?"

[davev1968]

Not offensive. Especially when you hear women referred to as "bitches" all the time by both men and women.

It is not even derogatory. It is like "dude" or "guy". Speaking of which, women are starting to refer to each other as "guy(s)".

Yawn. People really need to get over words.

[j3nny3lf]

"chick" doesn't bother me, probably because I was a "biker chick" for many years, and also grew up in a hippie household surrounded by "cats" and "chicks".

For some reason, "gal" bugs the HELL out of me. It sounds very condescending and I dunno, it just annoys the piss out of me.

[ms_interpret]

Agreed on 'gal'. My mom uses that term all the time, and it drives me insane.

[ms_interpret]

'Chick' doesn't bother me. Much. Depends how it's said, I suppose. What really bothers me is when people misspell it 'chic', which is a completely different word!

[phoenix14159]

Generally no. As with so many words, it's in how and when/where it's said. If someone means it to be derogatory, then it will be. And it's never appropriate in a professional setting.