I'm just wondering because I want to know whether I can safely use it in front of my parents and teachers or not.
2006-09-18 08:42:10 · 24 answers · asked by hawaiian_shorts91 3 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
It is vulgar. The only context that is acceptable is when referring to a female dog.
2006-09-18 08:45:39 · answer #1 · answered by Joe K 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In its "verb form", it grew out of a mysoginistic term for nagging, so it still carries a bit of taboo for that. Currently used to mean "complain, especially habitually and without any helpful intentions" it is considered less vulgar than the "noun form." The US FCC (Federal Communications Commission) cleared the "verb form" for TV use in the 80's (Hello "Dynasty," which had it's fair share of a few of the "noun forms"), although it hasn't achieved formal acceptance.
Rather, acceptance of this word is probably going to depend on your audience. Since you have qualms about using it already , probably ought to back off, chum. ...or someone might go all "verb form" off on you.
2006-09-18 16:19:24 · answer #2 · answered by R.Me 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's still somewhat vulgar. It's not propar english so I wouldn't use it in front of your teachers, there is no verb "b*tch". I wouldn't consider it quite a swear but generally if you are questioning if it's okay to use it in front of adults and people in authority, then you probably shouldn't.
2006-09-18 15:52:19 · answer #3 · answered by ~mj~ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
More annoying cultural norms of language. Our society is very diverse and that adheres to our language as well. Here in the United States using that term is completely dependent on the situation. As far as using it in front of your parents I would just ask them what they think. Better to ask than mess up and get busted. Like I said our language is very diverse and does cause some questions about what is considered appropriate.
2006-09-18 15:53:40 · answer #4 · answered by Nate E 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A b*tch is a female dog so using the worrd in any other form is slang, personally i dont consider it vulgar, but its a bit tricky. maybe if you over 16 its ok, not in school tho
2006-09-18 15:49:17 · answer #5 · answered by Da FienD 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Use of that term is generally considered vulgar in any context, except when referring to a female dog.
2006-09-18 15:46:18 · answer #6 · answered by jurydoc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think it is vulgar language, as such, but it is highly informal and, personally, I would use my judgment in deciding when it was appropriate to use this kind of language (i.e., I probably wouldn't use it in front of my teacher, unless I knew he was a cool, laid back dude).
2006-09-18 15:45:58 · answer #7 · answered by Perplexed Music Lover 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It isn't a swear word exactly, but it is definitely impolite to use it that way, so I'd avoid it if I were you; just say 'complain'. It actually sounds more sophisticated to slightly understate the situation.
At least, that's good advice in England/
2006-09-18 16:17:04 · answer #8 · answered by ALAN Q 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on where you are, knowing US Americans, I'd bet they dont like it.
In Ireland and Britain it's not a word many people would find offensive.
2006-09-18 15:48:42 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's just bad English. You can always find a better alternative than any colloquialism. I just get the feeling you don't want to.
2006-09-18 15:51:01 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋