Do you resent the use of the word "bastard" when referring to "a mean or disagreeable person"?

Question

As a person born out-of-wedlock, I don't resent being called a "bastard" because that's what I am. However, I do resent people who use the term to describe people who are dirty, lousey, manipulative, rotten, etc., which has nothing to do with the innocent child/adult born illegitimately at no fault of his/her own. For example on TV, House, MD (Fox) was referred to as a "manipulative bastard," Jimmy Kimmel (ABC) live used the term "dirty bastard," and Craig Ferguson (CBS) used the term three times tonight to draw laughter from the crowd. It's not funny making fun of innocent people. We've been made fun of for centuries and I, for one, think it's time we stand up and say "We resent you making fun of us!" I think we "bastards" should contact anyone (especially these celebrities) and tell them to knock it off, or we'll turn them off. I think we should eliminate the derogatory definition from the dictionary and encyclopedias. It doesn't belong; the "n-word" has finally been deleted.

Answer 1

I think people get lazy when they talk and when they write (although less often in written works). We have done the same with the F word. It has been overused to the point I cringe when I hear it. And there are several others that enter in here as well - hump, do it, *****, and others I can't write out.

Yes, I do think it is unfair to you folks who are. I wouldn't personally waste my time telling anyone in the media - they think they are cute or whatever. But I have stopped using sponsors of such shows, and I have used the off button more times than I can count.

Answer 2

Ha, ha, ha... yes I am also a bastard... is that a definition that applies to the female gender as well? If so, my two daughters are also "bastards". As I have never been married, as a bastard, I can say they have been very well taken care of. They are 19, and 25 years old, both in college, the youngest drives a brand new car.. a High School Graduation Gift.. (from me, the "bastard") and even though they have different Mothers, they love me, and they have no problem with this situation. Marriage is something they both aspire to, and I applaud them for that! I understand, (as you should also) the common definition of today: You: (As a Bastard), are a very "undesirable, un-agreeable, ruthless person (Usually Male.. sometimes Female).
Basically.. an asshole.
Definitions change with not only the context, but with the times.
Sure, in the "classical" sence, as my parent's marriage is of "dubious" origins.. yes, I am a bastard child... so what ?
But, am I a "BASTARD"? (I'm the oldest of four children, same mother).
Conventional definition: "NO". (v.s. the "classical" definition)
The term "bastard" as you said is today "re-difined" meaning you are a dick... as for me, well "beauty is in the eye of the beholder",
Personally, being a "bastard" (in the traditional sence) carries no relevent meaning to me..I'd much rather be called "a son of a *****" and belive me, my mother is no *****. Well.. only when she has to be...!!! (Can't blame her.. she had 3 more "bastards" after me.. (male and female) I'm the oldest bastard!)
Moral: Don't get hung up on words.. OK?
Being a bastard child carried some weight back in the middle ages when kingdoms were being divided......
Today.. as far as I'm concerned It's virtually meaningless.
Being a "asshole" carries much, more weight.
Delete the word, bastard?
No, just redifine It for what It really means.

Delete the "N" word.... please remember the "delete"
key exists only on your computer keyboard...
Not in peoples brains, common sence, and most importantly, their hearts. Think about It.

Remember, these are simply words...
Be NICE... we all breath the same air.. understand?
Don't let words get in your way...
Idiot's who use the "N" word have every right to do so...
PROVING they are IDIOTS.
You will never succeed in trying to "eliminate" words...
Expose the fools for who they are in more productive ways.
Be the smartest bastard they have ever seen!
Have a nice day... ya bastard!

Answer 3

As a bastard myself, I understand how you feel. However, words and meanings are 'evolving' all the time. Take for instance the word punk. That had an extremely different meaning just decades ago. The vernacular is changing, and with it the literary language as well. I think no harm is meant by people that do not know the original meaning of the word bastard. And now the dirty, lousy, manipulative, rotten meaning is in the dictionaries as well. So I have given up, why fight it?

Answer 4

I think there is no appropriate time to call anyone a bastard, it's very unnecessary and there are plenty of other words to describe a disagreeable person, as just that a disagreeable person.

Answer 5

Using the words bastard and son of a ***** are bad because a bastard and son of a ***** are innocent.

Answer 6

Yes. It is nobody's fault if they really ARE bastards, but, just like the word 'retard', I hate it when somebody uses it as an insult.

Answer 7

Bastards are the best people!

Answer 8

Well you don't seem to mind that much if you call yourself good old bastard.

Answer 9

I agree with you completely. When I catch myself about to say "You bastard," I quickly replace it with "You sonovabeotch!"