 89 replies |
Author | Time | Post |
 Is "douchebag" a sexist term when used as an insult? (Original post) |
TygrBright | Jan 2013 | OP |
| unblock | Jan 2013 | #1 | |
| NightWatcher | Jan 2013 | #12 | |
| TygrBright | Jan 2013 | #21 | |
| phleshdef | Jan 2013 | #45 | |
| WhoIsNumberNone | Jan 2013 | #41 | |
| unblock | Jan 2013 | #67 | |
| LisaLynne | Jan 2013 | #2 | |
| Jeff In Milwaukee | Jan 2013 | #15 | |
| LisaLynne | Jan 2013 | #16 | |
| OneGrassRoot | Jan 2013 | #28 | |
| SheilaT | Jan 2013 | #31 | |
| MADem | Jan 2013 | #3 | |
| KansDem | Jan 2013 | #58 | |
| Freddie | Jan 2013 | #4 | |
| TygrBright | Jan 2013 | #7 | |
| loyalsister | Jan 2013 | #13 | |
| pkdu | Jan 2013 | #5 | |
| relayerbob | Jan 2013 | #22 | |
| Voice for Peace | Jan 2013 | #29 | |
| uponit7771 | Jan 2013 | #60 | |
| abelenkpe | Jan 2013 | #66 | |
| babylonsister | Jan 2013 | #6 | |
| BainsBane | Jan 2013 | #8 | |
| loyalsister | Jan 2013 | #9 | |
| enough | Jan 2013 | #10 | |
| madinmaryland | Jan 2013 | #11 | |
| bluedigger | Jan 2013 | #14 | |
| WhoIsNumberNone | Jan 2013 | #43 | |
| bluedigger | Jan 2013 | #46 | |
| sendero | Jan 2013 | #17 | |
| NYC_SKP | Jan 2013 | #18 | |
| dionysus | Jan 2013 | #19 | |
| Lokey | Jan 2013 | #20 | |
| TygrBright | Jan 2013 | #23 | |
| BadgerKid | Jan 2013 | #24 | |
| TygrBright | Jan 2013 | #25 | |
| Skinner | Jan 2013 | #26 | |
| TygrBright | Jan 2013 | #39 | |
| geardaddy | Jan 2013 | #71 | |
| TygrBright | Jan 2013 | #73 | |
| geardaddy | Jan 2013 | #84 | |
| TygrBright | Jan 2013 | #85 | |
| geardaddy | Jan 2013 | #87 | |
| MineralMan | Jan 2013 | #27 | |
| jpak | Jan 2013 | #30 | |
| Iggo | Jan 2013 | #34 | |
| OneGrassRoot | Jan 2013 | #32 | |
| tblue | Jan 2013 | #33 | |
| SheilaT | Jan 2013 | #35 | |
| Dems to Win | Jan 2013 | #36 | |
| Ed Suspicious | Jan 2013 | #54 | |
| Gormy Cuss | Jan 2013 | #75 | |
| Neoma | Jan 2013 | #37 | |
| polichick | Jan 2013 | #81 | |
| Orrex | Jan 2013 | #38 | |
| DefenseLawyer | Jan 2013 | #40 | |
| TygrBright | Jan 2013 | #44 | |
| DefenseLawyer | Jan 2013 | #48 | |
| Art_from_Ark | Jan 2013 | #83 | |
| tabbycat31 | Jan 2013 | #42 | |
| thelordofhell | Jan 2013 | #47 | |
| Arugula Latte | Jan 2013 | #49 | |
| TygrBright | Jan 2013 | #55 | |
| trumad | Jan 2013 | #50 | |
| Brainstormy | Jan 2013 | #51 | |
| MADem | Jan 2013 | #62 | |
| Brainstormy | Jan 2013 | #82 | |
| backscatter712 | Jan 2013 | #52 | |
| backscatter712 | Jan 2013 | #53 | |
| Ed Suspicious | Jan 2013 | #56 | |
| TheManInTheMac | Jan 2013 | #57 | |
| Buzz Clik | Jan 2013 | #59 | |
| gollygee | Jan 2013 | #61 | |
| In_The_Wind | Jan 2013 | #63 | |
| spanone | Jan 2013 | #64 | |
| Quantess | Jan 2013 | #65 | |
| edbermac | Jan 2013 | #68 | |
| libodem | Jan 2013 | #69 | |
| MissMarple | Jan 2013 | #70 | |
| cthulu2016 | Jan 2013 | #72 | |
| Raine | Jan 2013 | #74 | |
| The empressof all | Jan 2013 | #76 | |
| cecilfirefox | Jan 2013 | #77 | |
| undeterred | Jan 2013 | #78 | |
| backscatter712 | Jan 2013 | #79 | |
| TroglodyteScholar | Jan 2013 | #80 | |
| Bake | Jan 2013 | #86 | |
| TygrBright | Jan 2013 | #88 | |
| Bake | Jan 2013 | #89 |
Response to TygrBright (Original post)
Wed Jan 9, 2013, 08:41 PM
1. yes, the politically correct insult is "colostomy bag".
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Last edited Wed Jan 9, 2013, 08:41 PM USA/ET - Edit history (1) |
Response to unblock (Reply #1)
Wed Jan 9, 2013, 08:52 PM
NightWatcher (20,429 posts)
12. but "colostomy bag" doesn't roll off the tongue.
Response to NightWatcher (Reply #12)
Wed Jan 9, 2013, 09:52 PM
TygrBright (12,821 posts)
21. And if it does, you're kinkier than I ever imagined.... n/t
Response to unblock (Reply #1)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 12:26 PM
41. Colostomy bag is something very different
Response to TygrBright (Original post)
Wed Jan 9, 2013, 08:43 PM
LisaLynne (13,257 posts)
2. I think it is sort of sexist.
Response to LisaLynne (Reply #2)
Wed Jan 9, 2013, 08:53 PM
Jeff In Milwaukee (12,508 posts)
15. Weird Story...
Response to Jeff In Milwaukee (Reply #15)
Wed Jan 9, 2013, 08:59 PM
LisaLynne (13,257 posts)
16. Wow, that is a weird (and funny) story.
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I doubt the douche market is very good. My doctor always discouraged me from using them because they can cause problems. I will stop there to avoid TMI.
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Response to Jeff In Milwaukee (Reply #15)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 11:40 AM
OneGrassRoot (18,753 posts)
28. LOL!
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I thoroughly enjoyed your story.
"So I have no idea what the douche market is like, but it can't be that good." 
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Response to Jeff In Milwaukee (Reply #15)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 11:43 AM
SheilaT (12,448 posts)
31. That's hilarious!
Response to TygrBright (Original post)
Wed Jan 9, 2013, 08:43 PM
3. I suppose it depends on your cultural touchstones.
Response to MADem (Reply #3)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 01:42 PM
KansDem (24,332 posts)
58. "cultural touchstones"
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I visited a friend in Switzerland in 1982. After arriving I went to the supermarket (Mikros) to pick up a few things. I was checking the toiletries when I saw what appeared to be shelf after shelf with packages marked "Douche."
I thought "Wow!!! There certainly is a lot of importance given this procedure!" Then I learned that "douche" is French for "shower." 
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Response to TygrBright (Original post)
Wed Jan 9, 2013, 08:44 PM
4. I've only ever heard the term used for a man
Response to Freddie (Reply #4)
Wed Jan 9, 2013, 08:48 PM
TygrBright (12,821 posts)
7. Well, that's sort of the point....
Response to TygrBright (Reply #7)
Wed Jan 9, 2013, 08:53 PM
loyalsister (6,917 posts)
13. Girly boy...
Response to TygrBright (Original post)
Wed Jan 9, 2013, 08:45 PM
pkdu (1,295 posts)
5. I believe 90% of people using those terms don't even know what "douche" means. Nt
Response to pkdu (Reply #5)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 11:40 AM
Voice for Peace (8,394 posts)
29. same thought here nt
Response to TygrBright (Original post)
Wed Jan 9, 2013, 08:46 PM
babylonsister (144,165 posts)
6. Hahaha, rec'd just because!
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I have no idea what it means, so don't use it. But great post!
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Response to TygrBright (Original post)
Wed Jan 9, 2013, 08:48 PM
BainsBane (9,455 posts)
8. does anyone douche anymore?
Response to TygrBright (Original post)
Wed Jan 9, 2013, 08:50 PM
enough (6,913 posts)
10. Every so often I come upon a thread that reminds me once again
Response to TygrBright (Original post)
Wed Jan 9, 2013, 08:51 PM
madinmaryland (52,922 posts)
11. The real question is whether "douchebass" is an insult...
I'll have to ask trumad. 
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Response to TygrBright (Original post)
Wed Jan 9, 2013, 08:53 PM
14. I heard it on ESPN (I think) the other day.
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I 'bout spit up.
I think it's getting pretty well embedded in the common lexicon.  |
Response to bluedigger (Reply #14)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 12:31 PM
43. I hear SNAFU on TV news all the time
Response to TygrBright (Original post)
Wed Jan 9, 2013, 09:00 PM
sendero (25,000 posts)
17. I'm happy to say..
Response to TygrBright (Original post)
Wed Jan 9, 2013, 09:01 PM
NYC_SKP (48,822 posts)
18. During my tenure as a moderator, I consistently supported removing it.
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And I never quite, really, understood why there wasn't greater consensus with my POV, but such is life in the hot tub.
I can only imagine that these terms are so widely used that it seems unlikely to be successfully eliminated or made to be shameful. And, yes, once you remove the real medical and personal hygiene context from the question, the various derivations are kind of fun to say and a bit funny to hear. Finally, I'll be kind and not discuss various bottles, salves, creams, clamps, and other such products that men use. Wouldn't be prudent. thoughtfully, NYC_SKP 
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Response to TygrBright (Original post)
Wed Jan 9, 2013, 09:24 PM
19. i never saw it that way but who am i to be the arbiter of definition.
Response to Lokey (Reply #20)
Wed Jan 9, 2013, 09:58 PM
TygrBright (12,821 posts)
23. THAT'S the one I was trying to think of! "Douche canoe!"
Response to TygrBright (Original post)
Wed Jan 9, 2013, 10:05 PM
BadgerKid (3,729 posts)
24. Douche is also 'shower' or 'to shower.'
Response to TygrBright (Original post)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 11:34 AM
TygrBright (12,821 posts)
25. A post-edit window correction:
Response to TygrBright (Reply #25)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 11:37 AM
Skinner (57,370 posts)
26. There is no edit window on DU3.
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Response to Skinner (Reply #26)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 12:15 PM
TygrBright (12,821 posts)
39. ooo, learn something new about DU.... LOVE it!
Response to TygrBright (Reply #25)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 05:17 PM
geardaddy (14,312 posts)
71. Right, otherwise it would be...
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bouche-bag
then it wouldn't be sexist. mouth bag. |
Response to geardaddy (Reply #71)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 06:18 PM
TygrBright (12,821 posts)
73. Yanno, I kinda like that. It sounds splendidly dirty and insulting!
Response to TygrBright (Reply #73)
Fri Jan 11, 2013, 10:58 AM
geardaddy (14,312 posts)
84. Yeah, me too!
Response to geardaddy (Reply #84)
Fri Jan 11, 2013, 12:52 PM
TygrBright (12,821 posts)
85. Why, if we tried, we could turn this thread into a bouche-o-rama! n/t
Response to TygrBright (Original post)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 11:37 AM
MineralMan (53,915 posts)
27. I don't know. It's not an expression I ever use.
Response to TygrBright (Original post)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 11:42 AM
30. Google Image the term "douchebag"
Response to TygrBright (Original post)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 11:44 AM
OneGrassRoot (18,753 posts)
32. I use it quite frequently...
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The term, that is.
It's the first descriptor which comes to mind for people like Limbaugh, Beck, Nugent, and any male who acts like them. Never thought about it before, but I do only use it for men. I'm a female and certainly don't intend it in a sexist way. I highly doubt I'll stop using it now, even if it does offend others. Hilarious thread, btw.
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Response to TygrBright (Original post)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 11:45 AM
tblue (13,905 posts)
33. A douchebag is what you use to squirt
Response to TygrBright (Original post)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 11:47 AM
SheilaT (12,448 posts)
35. Many years ago on a trip to Paris,
Response to TygrBright (Original post)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 11:58 AM
36. I quit watching Jon Stewart because of incessant 'douchebag' insults
Response to TygrBright (Original post)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 12:02 PM
Neoma (8,979 posts)
37. All I know is that you're not supposed to douche in the first place.
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Since it rinses out the good bacteria that's supposed to be there.
In that context, douchebag means wiping out the good.  |
Response to TygrBright (Original post)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 12:03 PM
38. I don't use the term, but I don't find it particularly offensive
Response to TygrBright (Original post)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 12:23 PM
DefenseLawyer (8,399 posts)
40. That's a stretch
Response to DefenseLawyer (Reply #40)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 12:31 PM
TygrBright (12,821 posts)
44. Well, the same thing could be said of the use of "pussy" as an insult. Or "bitch."
Response to TygrBright (Reply #44)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 12:42 PM
DefenseLawyer (8,399 posts)
48. No argument here
Response to TygrBright (Reply #44)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 09:38 PM
83. I think that "pussy" originally came from the sense of "cat",
Response to TygrBright (Original post)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 12:27 PM
42. I'm female and use the term way too often
Response to TygrBright (Original post)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 01:18 PM
Arugula Latte (40,136 posts)
49. One of the most epic threads in the history of DU was on this very subject. It's still famous.
Response to Arugula Latte (Reply #49)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 01:35 PM
TygrBright (12,821 posts)
55. Totally forgot about that one, thank you! n/t
Response to TygrBright (Original post)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 01:21 PM
trumad (34,441 posts)
50. You ain't taking my Douchebag away...
Response to TygrBright (Original post)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 01:26 PM
51. Logically, it has to be sexist
Response to Brainstormy (Reply #51)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 01:52 PM
62. Oh yes, they can--it doesn't have to be an internal procedure, you know.
Response to TygrBright (Original post)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 01:27 PM
backscatter712 (19,824 posts)
52. What about "douchenozzle"?
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Last edited Thu Jan 10, 2013, 01:27 PM USA/ET - Edit history (1) |
Response to TygrBright (Original post)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 01:32 PM
backscatter712 (19,824 posts)
53. I'm not giving up the word.
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Last edited Thu Jan 10, 2013, 01:47 PM USA/ET - Edit history (2) |
Response to TygrBright (Original post)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 01:37 PM
Ed Suspicious (1,124 posts)
56. Someone mentioned the term idiot as a synonym. It's more nuanced than idiot.
Response to TygrBright (Original post)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 01:42 PM
57. I prefer the term "hot-water bottle."
Response to TygrBright (Original post)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 01:47 PM
Buzz Clik (28,787 posts)
59. Yes. The insult is thrown at males ...
Response to TygrBright (Original post)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 01:50 PM
gollygee (12,321 posts)
61. Interesting article here
Response to TygrBright (Original post)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 01:55 PM
In_The_Wind (42,859 posts)
63. Yes. I believe calling anyone a douche-anything is sexist.
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I have never used the word douchebag as an insult.
I'm far more creative.  |
Response to TygrBright (Original post)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 02:04 PM
spanone (72,109 posts)
64. i prefer douchenozzle or doucherocket
Response to TygrBright (Original post)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 02:18 PM
65. This has been discussed a few hundred times before.
Response to TygrBright (Original post)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 03:44 PM
68. Let's use 'asshole'
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It's gender neutral.
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Response to TygrBright (Original post)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 04:20 PM
libodem (11,814 posts)
69. It doesn't bother me
Response to TygrBright (Original post)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 05:08 PM
70. What a counter point. Brilliant.
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The feminism threads were getting a bit ponderous. And do people still use those?
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Response to TygrBright (Original post)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 05:20 PM
72. Yes, but it is grand-fathered
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Last edited Thu Jan 10, 2013, 05:26 PM USA/ET - Edit history (1) |
Response to TygrBright (Original post)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 06:38 PM
Raine (20,175 posts)
74. Yes it is and I personally find it offensive. nt
Response to TygrBright (Original post)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 07:19 PM
77. As someone who has to douche here and there.... LOL, no. I'm okay with it. nt
Response to TygrBright (Original post)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 07:20 PM
undeterred (33,222 posts)
78. Yes, its totally sexist but sexism is not against the rules on DU.
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If it were my website it would be against the rules.
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Response to TygrBright (Original post)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 07:27 PM
backscatter712 (19,824 posts)
79. Personally, I think we've got better things to do with our time than play word-nanny.
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Welcome to the Internet, home of the Greater Internet Fuckwad Theory!
Guess what, people are going to say rude things. Even here on DU (especially here on DU.) My advice, if you're going to get upset and go apeshit every time someone says certain words, you're raising your blood pressure for little gain. |
Response to TygrBright (Original post)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 07:30 PM
TroglodyteScholar (4,541 posts)
80. Two things
Response to TygrBright (Original post)
Fri Jan 11, 2013, 12:58 PM
86. Are we really arguing about whether "douchebag" is okay???
Response to Bake (Reply #86)
Fri Jan 11, 2013, 01:01 PM
TygrBright (12,821 posts)
88. You call THIS an "argument?" Seriously?
Response to TygrBright (Reply #88)
Fri Jan 11, 2013, 01:04 PM
89. So now I have to worry about whether "douchebag" is sexist?
