Confining words: an analysis of misogynistic slurs and their subordinating force

This paper aims to examine misogynistic slurs, focusing mainly on ‘slut’ and ‘bitch’, and distinguishing them from racial or homophobic slurs. Three critical elements are explored in depth: the target, the presumed neutral counterpart, and the unsuccessful attempts at reclamation. Through this analysis, challenges emerge in categorizing such insults as authentic slurs. The intent of this work is to explore the origin of these problems, establishing that, despite differences, gendered insults possess intrinsic characteristics of slurs. If they indeed qualify as slurs, they also hold the power to subordinate, significantly influencing gender discrimination.