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Just as our earth evolves, so, too does its vast range of components, ranging from species, human nature, and equally, to social elements and values. A host of theories works to explain how, in fact, socio-evolution takes place. The complexity of a single nation’s society, or more broadly, of our shared global society, is based on how cultures and societies evolve over time. There is a host of cultural uprisings and challenges that reorganize and reshape the flow and direction of the change that society exhibits presently and in the future. As part of this social evolution, language is reconstructed; definitions and meanings of words are refigured and often reclaimed as something completely different than what their initial context dubbed them to be.
I’d like to expand particularly on four (4) words which have been culturally refigured as time has evolved: bitch, slut, cunt, and nigga.
1. B*TCH
Historically, this term was used as an insult to refer to women as malicious or lewd. It predated back the ancient Greco-Roman era where “bitch” was a, “…sexist slur equating women to dogs in heat, sexually depraved beasts who grovel and beg for men.” Some, in modern day times, consider “bitch” as being the most offensive application of language towards a woman. As respect for women has evolved, so, too has the reinstatement of the term. The publication of The BITCH Manifesto by Jo Freeman in 1968, defines “bitch” within the context of the 2nd wave of feminism, as an individual who refuses to conform to society’s defined and strategic engagements. Today, “bitch” has been transformed into a term of endearment and is easily one of the most frequently used swear words within our culture.
2. SLUT
“You’re such a slut!” Really? What does that mean?
Historically, “slut” was a way to define a seemingly overly promiscuous woman. In other, less frequent cases, this 4-character-word was used to describe a kitchen maid or a dirty/filthy woman. More recently, however, “slut” has been transformed into a word degrading the ethical values of a woman as it refers to a, “…woman with the morals of a man.” In most recent years, society has begun to combat the stigma behind the term. Many have engaged in mass “slut-walks,” responding to sexual assault circumstances where women are held accountable for their attack due to their revealing or provocative apparel. As this raises awareness to a growing rape culture, the word “slut” is redefined as something that we all are; we are all typically seekers of sex as pleasure as we dominate our own socio-sexual desires.
3. CUNT
Surprisingly enough, this word has not always held the harsh weight that modern day society has imposed upon it. Before it gained its derogatory complex, “cunt” was used as a way to respond to and recognize the wisdom of women. However, throughout its reconstruction, it has become one of the most, if not the most taboo word existing within the context of the English language. Social customs and norms typically prohibit or limit the use of such a powerful term. The word “cunt” is a simple word with complex background. It is simply described as a:
…synonym for 'vagina,’ though this is only its most familiar meaning. As a noun, 'cunt' has numerous other senses: a woman (viewed as a sexual object), sexual intercourse, a (foolish) person, an infuriating device, an ironically affectionate term of address, the mouth as a sexual organ, the anus as a sexual organ, the buttocks, prostitution, a vein used for drug injection, a synonym for 'damn', an attractive woman, an object or place, the essence of someone, and a difficult task.
Vagina’s, but more broadly, women, did not always reach or have the potential to reach the societal standards that many have achieved today. The vagina was acknowledged simply as a platform meant for violation and for these reasons, its extremely vile connotation has transcended. Today, individual social sects have begun working towards refiguring the term, removing it from its offensive habitat. A word referred to as the most offensive four-letter-word existing in our societal complex will be difficult to mold, but many feel as though its connotation can and will be denoted.
4. NIGGA (N*GGER)
This word exists as a short derivative of “nigger,” which traces its own roots to “niger,” a Latin word for the color black. As time progressed, the term evolved into “Negro,” which is used as a noun defining a Black person. Historians, along with social and linguistic scientists agree that “nigger” was and is a staple term for White racism and supremacy in America. The term did not only describe the darkness in complexion or the surplus of melanin in an individual’s skin; “nigger” was a means for discrimination and exclusion among Whites who believes Blacks were inferior, worthless, and filthy.
Today’s society, widely influenced by our continuously expanding hip-hop and rap culture, has reclaimed “nigga,” as a term of endearment for fellow people of color. Malcolm-Aime Musoni of the Huffington Post claims, “Rap music is the biggest generator of culture in human civilization,” contributing widely and specifically to the expense and use of cultural vernacular and properties of language. Black people have begun to reclaim this social and racial derivative as a word that will not continue to suppress the Black race. However, linguistic analysis agrees that a wholesome understanding of the word’s history is necessary before it can be reclaimed fully as something endearing. The influx and prevalence of the use of “nigga” have caused its history to fall beneath the roots it was fertilized within.
