Top 32 Slang For Misogyny – Meaning & Usage

Misogyny, unfortunately, remains a prevalent issue in society, and its language can be just as harmful. Join us as we uncover and dissect some of the most insidious and toxic slang used to perpetuate misogyny. By shedding light on these words and phrases, we aim to empower our readers to recognize and combat such harmful language in their everyday interactions.

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1. Patriarchy

A system in which men hold the majority of power and authority, and women are often oppressed or marginalized. The term “patriarchy” refers to the social structure that perpetuates gender inequality.

For example, a feminist might say, “Patriarchy is deeply ingrained in our society and we need to dismantle it.”
In a discussion about gender roles, someone might argue, “The patriarchy limits both men and women by enforcing traditional gender norms.”
A person criticizing a male-dominated industry might say, “The patriarchy is evident in the lack of women in leadership positions.”

2. Rape culture

A culture in which sexual violence is prevalent and normalized, often perpetuated through victim-blaming and the objectification of women. The term “rape culture” highlights the ways in which society enables and excuses sexual assault.

For instance, a survivor might say, “Rape culture made me feel like it was my fault for being assaulted.”
In a conversation about consent, someone might point out, “Rape culture perpetuates the idea that ‘no’ doesn’t always mean ‘no’.”
A person criticizing victim-blaming might argue, “Rape culture shifts the blame onto survivors instead of holding perpetrators accountable.”

3. Female hysteria

A term used in the past to pathologize and dismiss women’s emotions, often attributing their feelings to a supposed medical condition. “Female hysteria” reflects the sexist belief that women’s emotions are irrational and invalid.

For example, a historian might say, “The concept of female hysteria was used to control and silence women throughout history.”
In a discussion about mental health, someone might point out, “The diagnosis of female hysteria was a way to pathologize women’s normal emotional experiences.”
A person critiquing gender stereotypes might argue, “The idea of female hysteria perpetuates the notion that women’s emotions are not to be taken seriously.”

4. Slut-shaming

The act of stigmatizing and shaming women for expressing their sexuality, often based on double standards and societal expectations. “Slut-shaming” seeks to control and police women’s sexual behavior.

For instance, a feminist might say, “Slut-shaming is a form of misogyny that punishes women for embracing their own sexuality.”
In a conversation about consent, someone might argue, “Slut-shaming perpetuates the idea that a woman’s sexual history determines her worth.”
A person criticizing victim-blaming might say, “Slut-shaming blames women for the actions of others instead of holding perpetrators accountable.”

5. Trophy wife

A term used to describe a woman who is valued solely for her physical appearance and ability to enhance a man’s social status. “Trophy wife” reduces women to objects and reinforces gender inequality.

For example, a sociologist might say, “The concept of a trophy wife perpetuates the idea that a woman’s worth is determined by her attractiveness.”
In a discussion about marriage, someone might argue, “The notion of a trophy wife undermines the importance of emotional connection and mutual respect.”
A person critiquing gender roles might say, “The expectation of a trophy wife reinforces traditional gender norms and power imbalances.”

6. Benevolent sexism

This refers to a form of sexism that is disguised as kindness or protection towards women, but actually reinforces traditional gender roles and undermines gender equality. It can involve actions or beliefs that suggest women are weak, need to be taken care of, or should be placed on a pedestal.

For example, someone might say, “Women are too delicate to handle certain jobs, so it’s better if we protect them.”
A person might exhibit benevolent sexism by insisting on opening doors for women or paying for their meals, believing it is chivalrous.
In a discussion about gender equality, someone might argue, “Benevolent sexism may seem harmless, but it still perpetuates gender stereotypes and limits women’s opportunities.”

7. Body shaming

This refers to the act of mocking, criticizing, or making negative comments about someone’s physical appearance, often focusing on aspects such as weight, size, or shape. Body shaming can have detrimental effects on a person’s self-esteem and body image.

For instance, someone might say, “You shouldn’t wear that dress, it makes you look fat.”
Body shaming can also occur online, with comments like, “You’re too skinny, eat a burger!”
In a conversation about body positivity, someone might argue, “Body shaming perpetuates unrealistic beauty standards and harms individuals’ mental health.”

8. Misogynist

A person, typically male, who holds strong negative attitudes, beliefs, or prejudices against women. A misogynist often displays hostility, contempt, or discriminatory behavior towards women, and may consider them inferior or undeserving of equal rights and opportunities.

For example, someone might say, “He’s a known misogynist who constantly belittles women.”
Misogynistic behavior can manifest in various ways, such as objectifying women, making derogatory comments, or engaging in violence against them.
In discussions about gender equality, someone might point out, “Misogyny is deeply rooted in patriarchal systems and perpetuates gender-based discrimination.”

9. Sexist

This refers to attitudes, actions, or policies that discriminate or show prejudice based on a person’s gender, often favoring one gender over another. Sexism can be overt or subtle, and it reinforces gender stereotypes and inequalities.

For instance, someone might say, “Women are not as competent as men in leadership positions.”
Sexist behavior can range from everyday microaggressions to systemic discrimination, such as pay gaps or limited opportunities for career advancement.
In a conversation about gender equality, someone might argue, “Sexism harms both men and women by perpetuating harmful gender norms and limiting individual potential.”

10. Womanizer

This term refers to a man who pursues multiple romantic or sexual relationships with women, often with a focus on short-term or casual encounters. A womanizer is typically seen as someone who objectifies and uses women for personal gratification without emotional commitment.

For example, someone might say, “Watch out for him, he’s a notorious womanizer.”
The term can also be used in a more lighthearted or joking manner, such as, “He’s such a smooth talker, a real womanizer.”
In discussions about healthy relationships, someone might caution, “Beware of falling for a womanizer, as they may not be interested in a genuine connection.”

11. Bitch

This word is often used to demean or insult women, implying that they are unpleasant, mean, or difficult. It perpetuates negative stereotypes and reinforces gender inequality.

For example, someone might say, “She’s such a bitch for criticizing my work.”
In a heated argument, one person might shout, “Stop acting like a bitch!”
A misogynistic individual might use the term to belittle women in general, saying, “All women are bitches.”

12. Catty

This term is used to describe behavior that is mean, gossipy, or malicious, especially among women. It perpetuates stereotypes of women as being overly emotional or prone to drama.

For instance, someone might say, “She’s always so catty, spreading rumors about others.”
In a discussion about workplace dynamics, a person might mention, “There’s a lot of catty behavior among the female employees.”
A misogynistic individual might use the term to dismiss women’s opinions, saying, “Don’t pay attention to her, she’s just being catty.”

13. Drama queen

This term is used to belittle women who are perceived as overly emotional or attention-seeking. It reinforces stereotypes and undermines the validity of women’s emotions.

For example, someone might say, “She’s such a drama queen, always making a big deal out of nothing.”
In a discussion about relationships, a person might warn, “Avoid dating drama queens if you want a peaceful life.”
A misogynistic individual might use the term to dismiss women’s concerns, saying, “Stop being a drama queen and get over it.”

14. Prude

This term is used to shame women for their perceived lack of sexual openness or adventurousness. It reinforces harmful stereotypes and promotes the objectification of women.

For instance, someone might say, “She’s such a prude, she never wants to try anything new in the bedroom.”
In a discussion about sexuality, a person might comment, “Our society needs to stop labeling women as prudes for setting their own boundaries.”
A misogynistic individual might use the term to insult women, saying, “Why would I date her? She’s just a prude.”

15. Whore

This highly offensive term is used to demean and dehumanize women by reducing them to their sexual behavior. It perpetuates harmful stereotypes and contributes to the objectification and commodification of women’s bodies.

For example, someone might say, “She’s nothing but a whore, selling her body for money.”
In a discussion about sex work, a person might argue, “Using derogatory terms like ‘whore’ only perpetuates stigma and harms sex workers.”
A misogynistic individual might use the term to insult women in general, saying, “All women are whores, they just hide it better.”

16. Skank

This derogatory term is used to shame and degrade women who are perceived as being sexually promiscuous. It is often used to slut-shame women and reinforce patriarchal norms around female sexuality.

For example, someone might say, “She’s such a skank, sleeping around with all those guys.”
Another might use the term to insult a woman’s appearance, saying, “Look at her, dressing like a skank just to get attention.”
The term is often used to demean and belittle women for their sexual choices or behavior.

17. Harpy

This term is used to describe a woman who is perceived as nagging, demanding, or overly assertive. It is often used to silence women and dismiss their concerns or opinions.

For instance, someone might say, “She’s always complaining and nagging, she’s such a harpy.”
Another might use the term to undermine a woman’s authority, saying, “Don’t listen to her, she’s just being a harpy.”
The term is rooted in misogyny and reinforces harmful stereotypes about women being emotional and irrational.

18. Shrew

This term is used to describe a woman who is perceived as ill-tempered, argumentative, or difficult to please. It is often used to belittle and dismiss women’s emotions and opinions.

For example, someone might say, “She’s such a shrew, always complaining about everything.”
Another might use the term to invalidate a woman’s feelings, saying, “Stop being such a shrew and just let it go.”
The term is rooted in sexist stereotypes and reinforces the idea that women’s emotions are irrational and unimportant.

19. Ball-buster

This term is used to describe a woman who is perceived as assertive, dominant, or emasculating. It is often used to undermine and diminish women who challenge traditional gender roles.

For instance, someone might say, “She’s a real ball-buster, always taking charge and bossing everyone around.”
Another might use the term to mock a woman’s confidence, saying, “Don’t be such a ball-buster, let the men handle it.”
The term is rooted in misogyny and reinforces harmful stereotypes about women being submissive and passive.

20. Spinster

This term is used to describe a woman who is perceived as being unmarried and past the typical age of marriage. It is often used to shame and stigmatize single women, suggesting that their worth is tied to their marital status.

For example, someone might say, “She’s such a spinster, no wonder she’s still single at her age.”
Another might use the term to mock a woman’s independence, saying, “She’s too much of a spinster to ever settle down.”
The term is rooted in patriarchal norms and reinforces the idea that a woman’s value is determined by her relationship status.

21. Old maid

This term is used to derogatorily refer to a woman who remains unmarried and is considered past the age of marriage. It implies that a woman’s worth diminishes as she gets older and remains single.

For example, someone might say, “She’s such an old maid, no wonder she’s still single.”
In a conversation about societal expectations, one might comment, “The concept of an old maid is outdated and unfair.”
Another might criticize someone by saying, “Stop acting like an old maid and have some fun!”

22. Cougar

This term is used to describe an older woman who actively seeks relationships or sexual encounters with younger men. It often carries a negative connotation and implies that the woman is predatory or desperate.

For instance, someone might say, “She’s a cougar, always going after guys half her age.”
In a discussion about age-gap relationships, one might say, “Not all relationships between older women and younger men involve cougars.”
Another might comment, “The term cougar perpetuates harmful stereotypes about women and their sexuality.”

23. Hag

This derogatory term is used to insult and demean women based on their appearance. It suggests that a woman who doesn’t meet societal standards of beauty is unworthy or undesirable.

For example, someone might say, “She’s such a hag, no wonder no one wants to date her.”
In a conversation about body positivity, one might argue, “Using terms like hag contributes to harmful beauty standards.”
Another might defend someone by saying, “Stop calling her a hag, beauty is subjective and shouldn’t define her worth.”

24. Hagridden

This term is used metaphorically to describe someone, usually a man, who is dominated or oppressed by a woman. It implies that being influenced or controlled by a woman is negative or emasculating.

For instance, someone might say, “He’s completely hagridden, he can’t make any decisions without his wife’s approval.”
In a discussion about gender dynamics, one might comment, “The idea of being hagridden perpetuates harmful stereotypes about men.”
Another might criticize someone by saying, “Don’t let yourself be hagridden, stand up for yourself and make your own choices.”

25. Battle-axe

This term is used to describe a woman who is assertive, strict, or controlling. It often carries a negative connotation, suggesting that a woman who exhibits these qualities is unpleasant or difficult to deal with.

For example, someone might say, “She’s such a battle-axe, always bossing everyone around.”
In a conversation about gender stereotypes, one might argue, “Using terms like battle-axe perpetuates harmful stereotypes about assertive women.”
Another might defend someone by saying, “Don’t label her as a battle-axe just because she knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to speak up.”

26. Bimbo

This term is often used to demean or belittle women, suggesting that they are foolish or lacking intelligence.

For example, someone might say, “She’s such a bimbo, I can’t believe she fell for that trick.”
In a conversation about stereotypes, someone might comment, “The media often portrays women as bimbos, reinforcing harmful stereotypes.”
Another person might use the term to insult someone, saying, “You’re such a bimbo, you can’t even solve a simple math problem.”

27. Airhead

This term is used to describe someone, usually a woman, who is perceived as being foolish or not very smart.

For instance, someone might say, “She’s such an airhead, she can’t even remember her own phone number.”
In a discussion about academic achievement, someone might dismissively say, “Who needs good grades when you can just be an airhead and get by?”
Another person might use the term to insult someone, saying, “Stop being such an airhead and start using your brain.”

28. Ditz

This term is used to describe someone who is seen as lacking intelligence or being absent-minded.

For example, someone might say, “She’s such a ditz, she forgot her own birthday.”
In a conversation about stereotypes, someone might comment, “The media often portrays women as ditzes, perpetuating harmful stereotypes.”
Another person might use the term to insult someone, saying, “You’re such a ditz, you can’t even tie your own shoelaces.”

29. Valley girl

This term originated in the 1980s to describe a stereotype of a young woman from the San Fernando Valley in California who was perceived as being self-centered and obsessed with fashion and popularity.

For instance, someone might say, “She’s such a valley girl, all she cares about is shopping and her appearance.”
In a discussion about cultural stereotypes, someone might comment, “The valley girl stereotype unfairly portrays women from affluent backgrounds.”
Another person might use the term to insult someone, saying, “You’re just a valley girl, you don’t know anything about real life.”

30. Trophy girlfriend

This term is used to describe a woman who is valued primarily for her physical appearance and is often seen as a symbol of success or achievement for her partner.

For example, someone might say, “He’s only dating her because she’s his trophy girlfriend.”
In a conversation about objectification, someone might comment, “The concept of a trophy girlfriend reduces women to mere accessories.”
Another person might use the term to criticize someone’s relationship, saying, “She’s just a trophy girlfriend, she has no substance or personality.”

31. Eye candy

This term refers to a person, typically a woman, who is considered visually appealing and is meant to be looked at and admired. It objectifies and reduces a person to their physical appearance.

For example, “She’s just eye candy, there’s nothing more to her.”
In a conversation about attractiveness, someone might say, “He’s always surrounded by beautiful eye candy.”
This term perpetuates the idea that a person’s worth is based solely on their looks.

32. Arm candy

Similar to “eye candy,” this term refers to a person, usually a woman, who is chosen as a partner or companion based on their physical attractiveness. They are seen as an accessory or status symbol for the person they are with.

For instance, “He always shows up with arm candy at events to impress others.”
In a discussion about relationships, someone might say, “He’s only dating her because she’s arm candy.”
This term objectifies and devalues a person based on their appearance, reducing them to an object to be shown off.