A list of 4 words by vendingmachine.
- harridanwas added by madmouth and appears on 111 lists
- spinsterwas added by vendingmachine and appears on 44 lists
- damselwas added by vendingmachine and appears on 49 lists
- mistresswas added by vendingmachine and appears on 35 lists
TankHughes commented on the list words-used-to-denigrate-women-and-girls
Jonathan Green (Mister Slang) said in a recent podcast interview (http://slate.me/1tyUHIO) that slang is from the male perspective. Men have historically ruled the public sphere, so the shaming slang comes from them and shows their biases about the place of men and women in society.
For a male equivalent, see the affectionate common use of wifebeater shirts.
Are harpy, succubus, and siren applicable? Maybe a male mythical beast like troll could work.
April 29, 2015