When the word 'pussy' is used an insult, do you perceive it as sexist?

[Xithras]

218. It can be. Depends on context.

Pussy is one of those funny words that is "acceptable" or "unacceptable" depending on how it's used. Pussy has multiple origins, some of which are offensive, and some aren't.

If you call someone a "pussy" meaning "weakling", then it's sexist. The use of "pussy" to describe a weakling comes from the same source as calling a man a "woman" or a "little girl". It suggests that women are inferior and, by proxy, that men who are similar to women are inferior. It's a term that demeans women and is sexist.

If someone is called a "pussy" because they're "cowardly", then no sexism is involved. The use of pussy to refer to cowards comes from a reference to feline cats, which typically run away when spooked and usually only fight when cornered. It's the same insult as calling someone a "fraidy cat". Because that insult doesn't reference women, it can't be sexist by definition.

Because "pussy" can refer to either a female body part or a common house cat, the sexism of a pussy insult depends on which one the particular insult is referring to.